Correct and incorrect table setting. Proper table setting: photo. Proper table setting for the holiday

The New Year holidays are approaching, and, therefore, festive feasts. A table set with taste can turn even an ordinary meal into aesthetic pleasure and a feeling of celebration. By setting the table at home, you can deviate a little from the strict canons of serving that are strictly followed in restaurants and at official receptions. But there are still a few golden rules that should be followed even at home.

Tablecloth

Table setting always begins with laying out the tablecloth. For a formal reception, tablecloths made of shiny fabrics will look appropriate, rough linen fabrics are suitable for a simple table, and tablecloths in pastel colors will be good for home gatherings.

Of course, the tablecloth must be spotlessly clean and ironed. But in an effort to maintain cleanliness, you should not cover it with oilcloth on top. The linen should go down on all sides of the table by no less than 25 cm, but not lower than the seat of the chair: a tablecloth that is too short will look sloppy, and a tablecloth that is too long will cause inconvenience to guests.

The canvas should go down on all sides of the table by no less than 25 cm, but not lower than the seat of the chair.

Serving

The serving set on the table can be different, it depends on the dishes that will be served, so without a well-thought-out menu you cannot start serving. It is important to provide approximately 80 centimeters of table length for each guest and ensure that the location and appearance of each set of cutlery is completely the same. All serving items on the table must match each other and the interior in color and shape.

Care must be taken to ensure that all dishes and utensils are clean and free of water stains. To do this, just wipe them with a warm and damp towel, and then polish them with a dry one.

Dishes

First, a decorative serving plate is placed in a central place, at a distance of at least two centimeters from the edge of the table. Place a plate on it for appetizers or soup. For puree soup, serve a soup plate, and for clear soups and broths, a cup. At the top left, eight centimeters from the decorative one, place a small pie plate for bread and butter.

Devices

Cutlery that will be needed during meals is laid out on the sides and on top of the serving plate. Forks are placed on the left with the horns up, and knives are placed on the right, with the blade facing the plate. The utensil that will be needed first is located furthest from the plate, so the farthest are the snack bars, the fork and knife, followed by the fish ones, and the closest ones - the tableware ones.

Cutlery should not be located under the edges of the plate.

If there is no dessert on the menu, then the soup spoon is placed on top of the serving plate, but if dessert is planned, it is placed to the right of the row of knives. Dessert and fruit cutlery is placed above the snack plate - parallel to the edge of the table.

Glasses

It is important to follow the rule - each drink has its own vessel, so the number and type of wine glasses and glasses depend on what drinks will be served at the table. For example, red wine, brandy and cognac are served in slightly pot-bellied large glasses, while smaller glasses are used for white wine. Champagne tastes best in tall, narrow glasses, and cocktail glasses can be used for juices and mineral water.

The glasses are located to the right and above the serving plate. Place a glass for mineral water or juice at a distance of one and a half centimeters from the tip of the knife. Then, at an angle of 45 degrees from the edge of the table, a wine glass and a vodka glass. The same order works here as with cutlery: the glass farthest from the plate is used first.

The glasses are located to the right and above the serving plate.

Napkins

Each guest should have an individual napkin, which must be folded beautifully and placed on the appetizer plate at the end of serving. There are many ways to fold napkins, and the best way to fold them is to make them look fresh and attractive when unfolded.

Details

Stylish details will put guests in a festive mood and help them feel the atmosphere of solemnity, but their number should not be excessive and interfere with serving and arranging dishes.

If you have a beautiful figurine, it can become a wonderful decorative element on the holiday table. Candlesticks in combination with exquisite dishes and beautiful glasses look especially elegant.

Fresh flowers look very fresh and original. So that they look harmonious and do not interfere with guests, their height should not exceed the largest glass in the serving. It is better to place a small vase of flowers in the middle of the table and pay attention so that the bouquet does not have a strong smell.

If your holiday is themed, for example, New Year’s, then you can place suitable decorative elements on the table - spruce branches, figurines of snowmen or Santa Clauses, silver “rain”, small gifts for guests.

Placement of dishes

The festive table should not be “clogged” with an overabundance of dishes and utensils, so that each guest has a sufficient amount of personal space.

It is better to place the salt and pepper utensils in the center of the table at a short distance from each other. You can also place utensils with mustard and sauces there. The butter is served with special knife, and mustard - with a small spoon. Bread bins are placed on opposite sides of the table so that all guests can easily reach them.

Bread bins are placed on opposite sides of the table so that all guests can easily reach them.

Cold appetizers are arranged alternating fish, meat and vegetable dishes. Soup should be served in a tureen, and hot dishes should be served in special dishes. All dishes and salads should have separate spoons.

Bottled drinks should be placed uncorked on the table. Fruity and mineral water put in different places table and open immediately before the start of the feast. Juices and fruit drinks are served in jugs, vodka and strong liqueurs are best placed on the table in decanters. Wine and cognac are served in bottles.

It would be right to start the holiday by serving cold dishes - salads, sandwiches, and only then start serving hot dishes - first, second and dessert.

Nowadays, a beautifully set table represents hospitality, and food in such an environment is especially tasty. Don't miss the opportunity to do New Year's celebration even more joyful and elegant!

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Every self-respecting housewife should know the basic rules of table setting etiquette. This is the art of arranging cutlery beautifully in accordance with the rules. good manners. Table setting has a rich history: each era had its own rules for table decoration, which changed over time. Of course, there are many subtleties and nuances, but it is not at all necessary to apply them all. Enough to know basic rules table setting.

General rules for table setting

A table set according to the rules of etiquette is always pleasing to the eye and is a pleasant place to spend time having a leisurely conversation. The basic serving rules are quite simple.

All cutlery must be perfectly clean. To achieve sparkling cleanliness, you need to wipe them with a damp, warm towel. Then wipe dry thoroughly.
Make sure that there are no smudges on the cutlery or utensils.
An important component of serving is the tablecloth. It must be perfectly ironed. You need to cover the table with it so that the edges lightly cover its legs. They should hang down by about 25-30 cm. There is no need to additionally cover the tablecloth with oilcloth, because this is not accepted by the rules of good manners.
The number of cutlery depends on the number of dishes that will be served at the table.
Appliances should be arranged the same way for each guest.

By following these basic rules, your table will always be decorated in accordance with etiquette.

Tablecloth on the table

A classic and win-win option is snow-white tablecloth . She always looks elegant and solemn.
However, there is no need to be afraid to experiment. It should be selected depending on the general color palette cutlery, interior and type of feast. But one thing Golden Rule yes: the tablecloth should be combined with curtains and upholstery.
Usually preference is given to light shades. But they can also be colored, plain or with a pattern. But the pattern should be located along the edge, because excessive variegation can distract the attention of guests. If you prefer a dark-colored tablecloth, then the cutlery should be a light shade.
Now big choice tablecloth shapes and materials, but usually choose it rectangular or triangular shape. It is best to choose one made from fabric, especially natural materials– it will add even more comfort to the feast. The size should be such that its edges can cover the table legs, and the ends should hang 25-30 cm, but not be lower than the level of the seats.

The tablecloth for table setting is laid out as follows: opened, taken by the ends on one side. Then it is lifted, shaken and sharply lowered down. This makes it easier to level it out. But you don’t need to stretch it too much and pull the corners.

If the surface is polished, then you should put oilcloth under the tablecloth. The main thing is that it is clean and well ironed.

Cutlery - layout diagram

To location cutlery According to etiquette, you need to approach it responsibly. There is no need to put all kinds of cutlery on the table. They must correspond to the holiday list of dishes. Cutlery is divided into individual (which each guest has) and auxiliary - they are needed in order to lay out dishes.

IN table etiquette It is customary to first place dishes made of earthenware or porcelain, then place the cutlery, and only then place glass or crystal.
Glasses and wine glasses should be placed holding them by the stem.
According to the rules of etiquette, the spoon and knife should be placed to the right of the plate, and the fork to the left.
The devices must be used starting from outer edge, changing them towards the plate as the dishes change.
The distance between the cutlery and the plate should be 0.5-1 cm.

The figure shows the location of cutlery. Of course, the set of forks, spoons and knives depends on what dishes will be served on the table. Glasses with wine glasses are also selected depending on the drinks.

Serving plates

There is an order in which the plates are laid out.

Snack plate - it is placed in front of each chair at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge.
Pie plate (bread) - it is customary to place it on the left side of the snack bar at a distance of 5-15 cm.
If you serve several dishes, then place a dining room under the snack bar.

It is the responsibility of the housewife to promptly replace the plates with clean ones.

Serving with napkins

They are an integral part of serving. Folding napkins beautifully is a real art. The more solemn the holiday, the more elegantly they can be folded.

The material is chosen depending on the type of feast. You can take it for a holiday cotton or linen e. They are usually intended to be placed on guests' laps.

If you decide to use paper, then they are removed under the right edge of the plate. Or they are placed in general availability.

Napkins can be any color, the main thing is that they are folded beautifully and neatly.

Spice utensils

They are usually placed on the festive table at the very end of the table setting. They are placed on special stands in the center of the table. So you can use small boards or saucers as stands. This must include a salt and pepper shaker, as well as additional mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other spices.

Drink glasses

You need to remember about the glasses when serving. They can be made from either glass or crystal. Small glasses are intended for stronger alcohol. Therefore, there should be a wine glass, a glass, a glass, and glasses on the table.

Selected depending on the color of the drink. For red wine they should be larger than for white wine. Champagne is served in special glasses. There are also special beer glasses. Vodka is usually served in glasses.

The following set of cutlery must be present on the table:

pie plate;
snack bar;
wine glass;
saucer;
coffee cup and saucer.

Bread can be served in a wicker basket, and butter can be served in a butter dish made of ceramic or porcelain - this way it retains its taste. Sausage and cold cuts are served in an elongated plate. The cheese is served in one piece on a porcelain board, with a knife for cutting cheese placed next to it.

The snack plate is placed opposite the center of the chair, and the pie plate is placed to the left of it. The knife is placed to the right of the snack plate, with the blade facing it. Fork - on the left side, tines up. The teaspoon is placed with the handle to the right, parallel to the table. Vases with flowers, napkins and utensils with spices are placed in the center.

How to serve lunch and dinner correctly

The dinner table is set in such a way that guests can be served conveniently and quickly. To do this, place the snack plate on a stand, with the pie plate on the left side. Cutlery is placed between them - a knife and a spoon on the right, and a table fork on the left. And in front of the cutlery is a wine glass.

Also, when setting the table for dinner, you should place a ladle with which to pour the soup. This must be done carefully so as not to stain the tablecloth. If you drip a little, you need to blot the stain with a napkin. The main thing is not to attract the attention of guests, so as not to disturb the calm flow of the conversation.

Dessert table setting

For setting the dessert table, it is permissible to choose a brighter tablecloth. Ideal option There will be a special tea set used. It is customary to place beautiful lace napkins in the center of the table and under tea cups. Serving a sweet table according to festive etiquette consists of the following cutlery:

cups and saucers (the cup must be turned with the handle to the right);
teaspoons (placed on a saucer; more spoons can be placed behind the cup parallel to the table, with a handle right side);
small teapot;
a large kettle for boiling water;
Setting the table for dessert involves using a sugar bowl in which lump sugar is served along with tongs, or a special bowl;
a bowl for jam or preserves is placed on the left side;
lemon for tea is served on a special tray with a two-pronged fork for spreading;
The milk jug is placed on the pie plate on the guest's right side.
A plate for bread and sweets should be placed in front of each guest. Diagonally on the right side of it is a cup and saucer, and a teaspoon is placed next to it. A special spatula for serving the cake should be placed on the right side of the main plate.
The saucers are placed on the table, tea or coffee is poured into cups only when all the guests have taken their seats. Sweets are served on an elegant table: buns, pies with sweet filling, cakes, muffins, sweets and fruits. Alcoholic drinks include wine and liqueurs.

For a youth company you can do buffet table. It is served with a stack of plates (8-10 pieces in one stack). Cloth napkins are placed behind it. Glasses and wine glasses are placed next to the drinks. If there are people who smoke in the company, ashtrays are placed at the ends of the table.

Festive table setting

Banquet table setting helps create a festive mood. The main thing is not only to serve the dishes correctly, but also to decorate the table beautifully. Table setting for a banquet depends on what dishes are served at the holiday. But there are principles of classical design festive table.

Chairs must be placed at a distance of 50 to 80 cm from each other so as not to violate the personal space of guests.
The tablecloth should be light shades, bright and dark colors better left for tea tables. Its edges should hang no more than 20-30 cm. To prevent the knocking of dishes from distracting guests from the conversation, oilcloth or oilcloth is laid under the tablecloth. soft cloth. But the main thing is that it is perfectly ironed and clean.

A napkin is placed on a serving plate and a plate intended for hot food is placed on it. A pie plate is placed on the left side of the snack plate so that they are on the same line. The serving plate should always remain in its place, and others can be replaced while dishes are being served.

There should be no more than 3 pairs of forks and spoons. To the right of the serving plate, place a soup spoon, a snack knife and a table knife, with the blade facing the plate, and the forks are placed on the left side. Only an oyster fork can be placed on the right. Place the forks with their tines up, and the spoons with their convex side on the table.
The principle of arrangement: the dish that is served first is the distant device.

Decor

Setting a festive table is also an opportunity to show your creative possibilities. You need to pay attention to decorative items - using flowers is a win-win option. Usually they are placed in the middle of the table - it can be a bouquet or composition.
It is important to consider the following nuances:

so that none of the guests are allergic to them;
the bouquet should not contain flowers with a strong aroma;
The vase with the bouquet must be placed at a distance from the cutlery.

On New Year or a romantic date, you can choose more original decoration table. At the New Year's feast, you can put a composition made from pine branches, Christmas decorations, tinsel. Candles are perfect for a romantic evening. On the table, the holiday atmosphere will be conveyed by objects in the form wedding rings, figurines of the bride and groom, doves.

You should be especially imaginative when decorating a table for a child’s birthday. Can be attached to the back of chairs Balloons, and a bright detail will be pictures from your favorite cartoons. It is important that all decorative elements are in the same style. They should not be too high so that guests can see each other. The main thing is not to overdo it with decoration, so that the table setting at the holiday and the decoration complement each other.

Depending on the interior and imagination, festive or dinner table can amaze guests with its sophistication. A additional elements table settings will give it brightness and originality. The listed design principles are not complicated and are an indicator of good taste.

Video: how to properly set the table

Any woman wants surprise your friends culinary delights at a festive dinner. However, in order to create a stunning effect, you need to understand how serve correctly home desk . Most correct location cutlery and dishes can create a cozy atmosphere. This article will describe what you need to know about proper serving, how prepare the dining table well for a meal or holiday.

Table setting rules according to etiquette

Table setting is usually called the correct arrangement of all cutlery and its colorful design. Optimal choice details for decoration and utensils depend on the purpose of the meal.

However, they always remain the same following rules serving etiquette:

The banquet room must be bright, well ventilated and large enough to accommodate all the invited people.
Cutlery and dishes must be polished and well washed. It is worth making sure that there are no water stains on them.
The festive table can be chosen in any shape, but its dimensions are selected based on the total number of people. Experts advise that there should be about 80 centimeters of length per guest.
The festive tablecloth must be completely clean, high-quality ironed and consistent with the dimensions of the table. It is necessary that the edges of the tablecloth hang down no more than 35 centimeters, and the corners slightly hide the legs.
Near the plates in in the right order it is necessary to arrange forks, knives, spoons and glasses.
In addition to cutlery for personal use, you need to lay out and additional devices, which are designed for placing food from large dishes.
All cutlery for the table and their arrangement must be absolutely identical. Can not use different sets, unsharpened knives, cutlery with flaws or chipped corners.

In order to cover the surface with a tablecloth with your own hands, first of all, you need to place the folded product on the table, and then, lifting it by the edges, quite sharply lower your hands. After these steps, the tablecloth will fit perfectly.

How to properly set the table

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a holiday or a regular meal, according to all the rules of etiquette, you need to set the table in the following order:

a large table is covered with a clean tablecloth;
plates are placed opposite the chairs;
the necessary cutlery is located;
put glasses, goblets and shot glasses;
then you should arrange all the dishes;
place napkin holders;
containers with salt and sets of seasonings are located;
the table is decorated with various flowers, unique compositions or candles.

At first it seems to many that following all the rules for arranging cutlery on the holiday table is quite difficult. However, these rules are quite simple and were invented only for human convenience. Cutlery should be arranged according to the order in which it will be used. The extreme ones are necessary for hot dishes. The plates must be placed in the center of each seat, 3 centimeters from the edge of the table surface. When many dishes are expected to be served for any holiday, it is customary to place large dishes on smaller ones. Plates for bread or pies are placed at a distance of about 10 centimeters on the left hand.

Forks, spoons and knives are placed near the plate with the tip up, and the blade of the knife should be facing the plate. Forks should be placed on the left, and knives should be on the other side. When dessert is served, the soup spoon should be placed higher than the plate, and in other versions, it is located on the right side, near the knife. Before important holiday For example, on a birthday, the list of utensils must include an additional small fork for snacks, utensils for fish or other dishes and a knife.

There must be a distance of about one centimeter between the cutlery and the plate.. Drink glasses should be placed according to right hand person. When it is intended to serve water and wine at the same time, the closest drink is the one most suitable for the dish that is served first. The nearest glass or glass must be on a certain intersection line large plate and main knife. If the dishes have handles, they should be turned to the right. The total number of tableware for each person should not exceed more than three items. If people are confused about the rules for arranging cutlery on the table, then it is worth watching special training videos.

How to arrange spice sets and various napkins

Napkins are a must-have item when setting a holiday table. Experts distinguish napkins by type of material. Linen napkins are usually placed under deep plates or used for protection. Paper napkins are placed in a napkin holder at a distance of about 40 centimeters from the edge of the table. Napkins can also be folded into various interesting shapes, for example, envelopes, different flowers or ships.

When napkins are needed not only to make the table look elegant, then they need to be very easy to unfold. When setting the table, you should not forget about the spice set, which should contain pepper and salt. You don’t need to fill the containers completely; filling them halfway will be enough. When there are meat dishes on the menu, horseradish or mustard must be placed on the table.

How to properly set a table for different events

On all weekends, the family is usually at home as a whole, and the woman prepares wonderful dishes and all sorts of conversations are sure to take place during meals. This can be considered the best time to give your meal a special feeling of home comfort with the help of high-quality table setting. You can always create a festive atmosphere with your own hands. In cases where a family has children, this can serve good lesson how to behave in polite society. This requires different cutlery and skills on how to use them correctly.

How to set the table for breakfast

A good meal in the morning can set the mood for the whole day. In order to present dishes harmoniously, you need to remember some rules. First you should place plates for snacks, and then saucers with cups and small spoons. They are placed in the middle of the table so that any family member can reach them. When eggs are prepared for breakfast, they are usually served in a special stand with a high stem. It must stand on a small saucer on which an egg spoon rests. Any porridge is poured into a fairly deep plate, which is placed on top of the snack dishes.

Pies are usually served on a large dish, on which there should be jam, honey or butter. To conveniently take butter, every person needs a small knife. There must be a beautiful napkin holder with a lot of napkins on the table. It will be very beautiful when they are made in uniform style with tea insulation. And also don’t forget about sugar and salt.

Table setting for dinner

IN daytime It is best to serve first, second and dessert. That is why, to set the table with your own hands for the best quality for dinner, you need a lot large quantity cutlery rather than morning appointment food. For main courses, additional forks, spoons and special spatulas are required. Cups for broth or large plates are usually placed on plates for appetizers, and dessert dishes are served later, after the main courses have been eaten and all the dishes have been cleared away. Don't forget about meat and fish knives. Meat products should only be served with forks.

How to set the table for dinner

Setting the table for dinner is almost no different from the previous preparation. As a rule, pies or pancakes are served colorfully on a large platter. Plates for dessert are placed immediately. On the right side they place spoons or forks for dessert. When you need to add a romantic atmosphere to the meal process, you should place candlesticks with candles on the table.

Proper table setting for the holiday

Before the holiday meal, you need to take care of everything in advance decorative elements. Not only the traditions and rules of table setting are very important here, but also a good combination of shades of all elements. These include:

tablecloth and napkins;
dishes and cutlery;
candles;
flowers;
unique compositions.

What napkins and tablecloth are needed?

The whole range of shades can be absolutely any, but it is quite important that the napkins harmonize well with the tablecloth. It is worth using classic white, bed shades of green, delicate lilac or blue. For a romantic dinner, delicate pink, burgundy or bright red colors are most suitable. These napkins are worth giving unique shape or roll it into regular tubes and carefully tie it with a beautiful ribbon.

What cutlery and dishes are needed?

The festive table will be well decorated with dishes in the form of unusual geometric shapes, cutlery with unique handles from famous designers. A set made of white porcelain will also look unusual. However, when napkins and tablecloth too white, then it is better to use a set of dishes with a beautiful border.

What kind of candles are needed?

This element is most suitable for a romantic date or wedding. When celebrating a birthday, you should make do with candles on the birthday cake. It is necessary to remember that a large role is given to the candlestick. They can be thin and large, or candles can float in beautiful bowls that are filled with water and petals of various colors.

What flowers are needed

To decorate the table with flowers, you need to choose the right vases. Large ones should be used for bouquets that were presented to a person on his birthday. When setting a table for a holiday, small vases that do not block people’s view are most suitable. Additionally, it is worth providing a moderate aroma of flowers, which must not mix with the smell of food or in any way interrupt it.

What unique compositions are needed?

Different fruit towers will look great on the holiday table. Depending on what time of year it is, it is possible to make products from rowan berries, sand, cones or branches. Such compositions can be combined with home furnishings. Decorative items DIY products are now very popular.

For a holiday for children you need to choose plastic dishes or purchase safe devices without pointed ends. A festive tablecloth is most suitable in different colors, with characters from fairy tales or cartoons. Place small sweet gifts near the napkins, which need to be rolled into a unique shape. When it’s a little girl’s birthday, the table needs to be decorated with a variety of flowers. But don’t overdo it with them; it’s best to decorate the table with paper garlands or balloons. It is necessary to install special signs at each place at the table with the names of invited guests, which will help to avoid misunderstandings at the birthday party.

A beautifully and high-quality table set for a holiday can produce unforgettable emotions among guests at home. This is not a matter of etiquette rules at all. It will just always be nice if there is complete order and a cozy atmosphere in the apartment. That is why it is always important that the hostess knows how to set the table with high quality, knows the rules of etiquette perfectly and adheres to them.

Table setting involves arranging dishes and cutlery in a certain order, as well as decorating it. It depends on the occasion of the feast and the menu, but in any case, the purpose of serving is to set the table so that dining at it is comfortable and pleasant. Everyday table setting at home is certainly different from festive table setting, but there are General requirements etiquette.

Basic serving rules

The tablecloth, dishes and decorative elements should be combined with each other. In an informal setting, it is not necessary that all participants in the meal have the same dishes, but each of them should have them from the same set.

The distance between chairs should be about 50 cm to ensure that everyone at the table has sufficient personal space.

All utensils must be washed and thoroughly wiped in advance.

Flower arrangements and other decorative elements should not be too large so that they do not interfere with those sitting at the table communicating and enjoying the dishes.

How to cover the table

A classic table covering option is a plain fabric tablecloth in light colors. A dark tablecloth will also look original, but in this case the dishes should be light. A colored tablecloth is suitable for a meal with family or tea with friends.

The main requirements for a tablecloth are that it must be perfectly clean and carefully ironed. According to the rules of etiquette, the edges of the tablecloth should hang 20-30 cm from the table top. You can put a soft flannel or fleece base under the tablecloth so that you can’t hear the clatter of plates and forks while eating.

Sub-plates or runners can complement or replace the tablecloth. Placemats are rectangular, oval or round cutlery coasters made of plastic, rattan, bamboo or paper. A runner, or tablecloth runner, is a narrow strip of fabric that covers the middle of the table along its entire length. If the table is set for a family meal, you can limit yourself to fabric place mats.

Serving for a meal at home

For home table setting, dishes made of earthenware, porcelain or colored glass, steel or cupronickel forks and spoons are suitable. The set of serving utensils depends on the menu. For example, when setting the table for dinner, there is no need to place soup bowls, and if a fish dish is not served for lunch, then you won’t need a fish fork.

Breakfast

A beautifully set table for breakfast ensures a positive mood for the whole day. Therefore, you should not save a few minutes on serving it, especially since the number of dishes for breakfast is usually small. The dishes should be arranged as follows:

In the center of the table they place a dish with sandwiches or pastries, a sugar bowl, a salt shaker, and vases of butter, jam or honey.
The teapot or coffee pot is placed so that it is convenient to get it out.
A snack plate is placed in front of each family member, to the left of it there should be a fork with the teeth up and a butter knife, the blade of which is directed to the left.
If milk porridge is offered for breakfast, place a deep plate on top of the snack plate and place a tablespoon to the right of it.
A saucer with a cup and a spoon is placed in front of the plate, a teaspoon is placed to the right of the cup.
Boiled eggs are served in special stands, with a separate spoon.

Dinner

Setting the table for dinner, even if it is only with family, requires several utensils. A bread box, butter dish, salt shaker, gravy boat and pepper shaker are placed in the center of the table. Then the table is set alternately with the utensils necessary for the main courses and dessert.

At the beginning of the meal, there is a tureen with a ladle in the center of the table, and at each “seat” there are deep plates or broth cups. In order to prevent the tablecloth and table from heating up, use substitution plates, runners or sub-plates. They are removed only before serving dessert. A tablespoon and a knife are placed to the right of the plates, a fork is placed to the left, a glass for water, a wine glass, and a glass for strong alcoholic beverages are placed at the upper right edge of the plate.
The second is served on the table in a special hot dish or a large plate, from which everyone serves themselves required quantity. Before serving, soup plates are replaced with flat dinner plates. If the second dish is fish, in addition to a fork with four short tines, it is accompanied by a spatula knife, with which it is convenient to separate fish fillets from the bones.
After the main courses are eaten, all cutlery, except for glasses and glasses for dessert wine, is removed, and the table is set for dessert. According to him middle line place a dish with cakes or sweet pastries, vases with fruit, sugar bowls, vases with jam or jam, rosettes with lemon. A dessert plate, cup and saucer are placed before each participant in the meal. The dessert spoon is placed on the right side of the plate, the dessert fork is placed on the left side. Portioned sweet dishes are served in vases or bowls.

Dinner

Since first courses are not served for dinner, deep plates are not placed on the table. The rest of the table setting for a home evening meal is carried out as described in the last two paragraphs of the rules for serving dinner.

Festive table setting

Table decoration for the holiday begins with the placement of cold dishes. They are placed around the perimeter of the table, alternating meat and fish; each type of cold appetizer is served with a portioned spatula or spoon. A beautifully decorated signature dish is usually placed in the center of the table. Hot dishes are placed on the table as needed, they are served in ceramic, porcelain or metal utensils with a lid (“rams”).

By center line Spices are placed on the table: a mustard pot with a spoon, a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, gravy boats, and a butter dish. It is better to place bread bins at opposite ends of the table. Sweets and cookies should be in vases, not in packaging boxes.

When setting the table for a holiday, you should take into account the order in which dishes are consumed - cutlery for dishes that will be served first lies further from the plate. Normal order arrangement of cutlery: next to the small dinner plate there is a fork (on the left) and a knife (on the right) for the main course, then cutlery for fish, the outer ones are a fork and knife for appetizers and salads. Knives are placed with the cutting part facing the plate, tablespoons and forks - with the convex part down.

Glasses, shot glasses and wine glasses are placed in front of the plates, starting with the largest container, from left to right. There is a separate container for each drink. Wines and cognacs are placed on the table in bottles, vodka and spirit tinctures can be served in decanters. Juices, compotes and fruit drinks are poured into jugs, bottled drinks are placed on the table uncorked.

To decorate the festive table, use small bouquets of fresh or artificial flowers in low vases, candles in beautiful candlesticks napkins folded in a special way, decorative porcelain, glass or metal figurines.

Children's table

The festive table for children is served a little differently than for adults. First of all, more attention is paid to its colorful design: compositions of dried flowers and ribbons, funny little trinkets laid out near the plates, originally decorated dishes, jugs with colorful drinks - all this creates a joyful atmosphere. It is better to lay a bright, disposable or oilcloth tablecloth - after a children's feast, a fabric tablecloth cannot always be washed.

Since children do not like to sit at the table and prefer sweet dishes, it is enough to include one or two hot dishes in the holiday menu. Consequently, the set of dishes will be small: two small plates, a glass, a cup and saucer and, if necessary, a bowl or socket.

If there are mostly children at the table preschool age, instead of knives and forks, it is better for them to use spoons. For the same safety reasons, it is recommended to use unbreakable disposable tableware. Moreover, today in stores you can find very elegant and beautiful plastic plates, glasses and cups.