Table setting: etiquette rules. Beautiful festive table setting - idea photo What is table setting

garden equipment 26.06.2020
garden equipment

Proper table setting, corresponding to the event, occasion and time of day of the feast, will allow guests to feel satisfaction from both the event and the meal itself.

Proper table setting not only emphasizes the delicate taste of the hostess, but also shows her respect for guests and household members.

The table is served taking into account the occasion, menu, theme and time of day. At the same time, the goal of any serving is to provide guests with a comfortable and pleasant pastime and convenient access to all the dishes presented.

Basic rules for table setting with cutlery at home

The first step is to choose and lay the tablecloth. For a rectangular table, take a tablecloth 50 - 60 cm longer than the tabletop. If the table is round or oval - 100 - 110 cm wider than the diameter of the tabletop.

Calculate the length of the tablecloth so that its edges are 30-50 cm below the bottom surface of the table.

For a homely dinner, you will need a plain white tablecloth, but other soothing pastel colors will do.

IMPORTANT: It is good if the color and texture of the tablecloth is in harmony with the color and texture of the curtains, upholstery of sofas and armchairs in the room. In any case, the tablecloth should be ironed flawlessly.

When the table is set, arrange the cutlery. First of all - glass and porcelain plates and dishes. Behind them are knives, spoons, forks and other necessary utensils.

Glass and crystal glasses, piles, glasses are placed last.

The scheme of the correct sorting of the festive table

Lay out the devices in this way:

  • put any knives on the right, so that the cutting part is facing the plate
  • place a tablespoon also on the right, so that its convex part is at the bottom
  • forks after serving the table should be on the left, while their prongs will be directed upwards
  • dessert spoon should be behind the plate, its handle is turned to the right

IMPORTANT: When serving cutlery, it is necessary to take into account that they will be used from the outer edge and change items depending on the serving of new dishes. For convenience, objects should be placed at a distance of about 1 cm from each other.

Basic rules for table setting with dishes at home

Plates are placed on the table first, and glasses, piles, glasses are the last.

Arrange the plates in this order:

  • Place the middle plate (snack bar) in such a way that 2.5 - 3 cm remain to the edge of the table.
  • Place the pie (bread) plate on the left, leaving about 10 cm.
  • If you plan to change dishes, put a small dinner plate under the diner, after laying a napkin under it.

IMPORTANT: Depending on the type of first course, choose a plate for it. If cream soup or broth will be served - take a bowl, if thick soup or borscht - a large deep plate.

Put a glass of wine on the right, a glass of water on the left, but they must be in one line. Two rows of drinkware are allowed if a grand event is being prepared with a large variety of dishes and drinks.

IMPORTANT: Tableware must be prepared in advance. To do this, it is washed, dried, carefully wiped with a towel. The main thing is that the dishes look perfect before serving. Divorces, streaks, cloudy or opaque appearance of it is unacceptable.

Folding napkins for table setting

Napkins are an essential attribute of any feast. No matter how beautifully folded paper or linen napkins are, do not forget that they, first of all, serve for the convenience of guests.

Therefore, any napkin should be located in the most accessible place, and even the most intricate napkin figure should be easy to unfold.

The drawings and videos show how to quickly and beautifully make a flat or three-dimensional figure from a napkin.

IMPORTANT: Volumetric figures from fabric napkins will keep their shape well, and the napkins themselves can be easily washed off dirt if they are starched.

To starch a linen napkin:

  • In 0.5 liters of cold water, add 1.5 tbsp. starch and stir until you get a homogeneous solution of a cloudy white color that does not contain lumps.
  • Boil 1 liter of water, pour into the prepared solution and mix.
  • Cool and strain through cheesecloth.
  • Dip clean, dry wipes into the solution and wring out a little.
  • Hang the napkins to dry without using clothespins.
  • Start ironing between two towels as soon as all the water drains from the napkins.

IMPORTANT: According to the rules of etiquette, beautifully folded napkins should be at solemn feasts. For other events, napkins can simply be placed neatly in a glass or coaster.

Table setting rules for breakfast according to etiquette

To properly set the table for breakfast, follow the following scheme:

  • Arrange your dinner plates.
  • Set out cups and glasses.
  • Place a teaspoon on a saucer.
  • Set an egg stand on a snack plate, do not forget about a special spoon.
  • On the snack plate, also put a deep plate for porridge.
  • Put a coffee pot or tea with a hot drink in the middle of the table.
  • Serve sandwiches or croissants on a large flat dish.

IMPORTANT: On a breakfast table, a saucer for jam or honey, a butter dish, a salt shaker and a sugar bowl would be appropriate.

Table setting rules for dinner according to etiquette

There are several options for setting the table for dinner, since the dinner itself can consist of a different number of dishes:

  • Place a small plate on a table covered with a tablecloth.
  • Place a deep plate on a shallow plate - for the first course.
  • Add an appetizer plate if you are serving dishes that cannot be eaten from shared dishes.
  • To the left of the plates, place a fork, to the right - a soup spoon and a knife, and the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon should be closer to the edge of the table.
  • Decorate your dinner plate with beautifully folded napkins.
  • In the center of the table, place a salt shaker, vessels with the necessary spices and seasonings.
  • Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
  • Put a bottle with an alcoholic drink on the table in advance uncorked.
  • Fresh flowers in the center of the table will decorate and complement even an imperfect table setting.
  • Serve the oil in a butter dish.
  • First, serve hot in a tureen.

Table setting rules for dinner etiquette

Dinner, whether it is a formal dinner or a quiet family dinner, is always associated with warmth and comfort. Therefore, it is important for the hostess not only to properly set the table, but also to complement the serving with the appropriate details.

  • Pick up a tablecloth (suitable with a small pattern).
  • Place two small plates one inside the other, and to the left of them put a plate for bread.
  • To the left of the plates, place the forks with their teeth up, to the right - the knives with the blades to the plate.
  • Place the dishes for alcoholic beverages to the right of the plates, for water - to the left.

IMPORTANT: Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, but differs in the absence of a deep plate and a spoon for the first course. This dish has no place on the table in the evening.

Beautiful festive table setting: rules

The festive table is usually set not only for members of their family, but also for invited guests.

There are several rules for serving a festive table, following which any hostess will be able to show her ability to meet guests at the highest level:

  1. The tablecloth for the festive table should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to spread a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will avoid the ringing of dishes in the event of an accidental fall, and also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover a table made of expensive wood at all.
  2. Crockery and cutlery used for serving must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve a festive table with dishes of different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and brilliance of dishes must be impeccable.
  3. Both plates and cutlery should be laid out only in the order in which the hostess plans to serve dishes.
  4. There should be no extra utensils and cutlery on the table. Items "just in case" will not be needed, but only spoil the look of the table.
  5. All alcoholic drinks are served on the table in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
  6. One tissue and several paper napkins should be prepared for each guest.
  7. The hostess pours the first dish to the guests into plates from the tureen. Someone from the guests or household can help her serve filled plates. You need to do this by approaching everyone present at the table from the right side.
  8. The guests put the second dish on their own plate from the common dish.

IMPORTANT: The following order of serving dishes at the festive table is generally accepted: appetizer, first course, fish dish, meat, sweet dessert and fruit, tea or coffee.

The presence of thematic decor in the center of the festive table will emphasize the efforts of the hostess and give the feast coziness and warmth.

Rules for serving a banquet table

Banquets are arranged in honor of some major holiday, such as an anniversary or wedding. The very concept of "banquet table" implies that the event will be held in a specially rented banquet hall, the guests will be served by waiters.

Banquet attributes are:

  1. Various decorations (balloons, bows, special drapery)
  2. Entertainment for guests (live music, performances, toastmaster or host of the holiday)

The banquet table should correspond to the situation, the occasion and the general mood. The main rules for its serving:

  • Folding tables are used, which are arranged depending on the number of guests, the features of the hall, and the type of service.
  • Tables are covered with white banquet tablecloths, leaving descents from the edges of about 25 cm.
  • First of all, arrange small plates. They are arranged in such a way that the distance between adjacent plates is at least 60 cm, but not more than 80 cm, and the distance to the edge of the table does not exceed 1–2 cm. Snack plates are placed on top, and patties on the left.
  • On the right, knives are placed with their blades facing the plates. All appliances located on the right: a table knife, a fish knife, a table spoon, a snack knife.
  • To the left of the plate: a table fork, a fish fork, two snack forks.
  • Dessert fork and knife are placed behind the plate.
  • Also, a glass is placed behind the plate, to the right of the glass there are glasses for stronger drinks.
  • Cloth napkins are placed on plates, after giving them a beautiful look.
  • Low flowerpots with fresh or artificial flowers are placed evenly in the center of the table.
  • Also, a table decoration can serve as a vase with fruits and grapes.

IMPORTANT: For a banquet table, every little thing is important, so serving takes a very long time.

Table setting rules in a restaurant

The restaurant has two serving options:

  1. Banquet
  2. Preliminary (corresponding to the order from the menu) with dosing

The name of the serving "preliminary" speaks for itself - the serving will require addition after the guests choose the dishes and place an order.

Items that must be present on the guest's table according to the rules of preliminary serving:

  • table knife, plate, fork
  • wine glass
  • cloth napkin
  • additional accessories (spices, folding menu cards, table number in the form of a plate, ashtray, etc.)

Dessert table setting rules

Dessert time is the end of the main feast. All dessert appliances are served shortly before the dessert itself is served. A fork is placed to the left of the dessert plate, a spoon to the right.

Dessert is served on serving plates. If it is chilled, it can be served in bowls or bowls.

Sweet table setting rules

Serving a sweet table has no fundamental differences. They put a plate, put cutlery in front of it. A deep plate is placed on top of a flat plate - for liquid sweets.

To the right of the plates are wine glasses and glasses. On the shelves you can lay out fruits or various cakes.

Before inviting guests to the table, it is covered with a tablecloth, preferably in soft colors.

A tea cup larger than a coffee cup is placed on a saucer. The spoon is placed on the saucer. A dessert plate is placed to the left of the cup. For sugar, special tongs are used.

Tea table setting rules

The main rules for serving a tea table are the same as the basic serving rules described earlier, however, a few recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to a tea party:

  • The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
  • It is desirable that a composition of fresh flowers be present on the table.
  • If a classic Russian tea party is expected, it would be appropriate and at the same time original to serve tea directly from the samovar, which is placed to the left of the hostess of the house or set on a separate table.
  • The milkman serves milk for tea. It is advisable to put the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
  • Cake, roll or pie cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets - in candy bowls. Berries are laid out on bowls or plates.
  • Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time of laid-back intimate conversations. Even if the tea table setting is not perfect, the positive attitude of the guests and the kind cozy atmosphere will brighten up the evening and make small flaws invisible.

Rules for serving a buffet table

Buffet is held at official receptions, corporate holidays, presentations.

The peculiarity of its holding is that many people can attend the event, but neither a large hall nor special financial costs are required for this.

IMPORTANT: They arrange a buffet in the evening, it lasts a maximum of 2 hours. The purpose of the event is to communicate, make acquaintances. It is considered bad manners to be one of the first to eat and the last to leave the buffet table.

Features of table setting for a buffet table:

  • Tables are covered with white tablecloths and arranged in such a way that guests move freely around the hall. A separate table is prepared for dirty dishes.
  • There are no chairs, as during the buffet table guests themselves come to the tables and choose food.
  • Buffet menu - snacks, light salads. From drinks champagne and wine are allowed.
  • Wine glasses and stacks of plates are placed at the ends of the table, forks are placed next to the plates in special stands. Guests will take their own dishes.
  • The main thing is to leave enough space around the edges of the tables.
  • Napkins are placed in holders and spaced evenly.
  • Be sure to decorate the tables and the hall with flowers, fruit baskets.
  • Water and juice are poured into glasses, alcohol is left in bottles, having previously uncorked them.
  • The menu for the buffet table consists of dishes that can be easily put on your plate: canapes, sandwiches and light snacks.

Birthday table setting

Birthday is such a holiday that can be celebrated both in a narrow circle of relatives and closest people, and in a noisy company of friends, buddies and good acquaintances.

Depending on what kind of holiday the birthday person wants to arrange, you should choose the venue, menu, type of service.

  • If a quiet family dinner is planned, then either a festive table or a table for dinner is served.
  • If the birthday will take place in a cafe or restaurant with a prearranged menu, a banquet table is served.
  • Those who decided to visit the restaurant on their birthday, but did not pre-book a table and certain dishes, will be waiting for the standard restaurant preliminary serving.

Table setting rules for children in pictures

From childhood, you need to teach the child the basics of etiquette. In adulthood, this knowledge will come in handy more than once. So that when studying the rules of behavior at the table and the basics of serving it, the baby does not have any difficulties, you can conduct classes in a playful way and use special pictures.

Knowing and putting into practice the rules and features of table setting, you can feel confident when inviting guests or setting the table for a family celebration.

Joint feasts at a cozy, beautifully decorated table will bring positive emotions to the hosts and their guests, and perhaps such feasts will turn into a good good family tradition.

Video: How to properly set the table?

Table setting according to all existing rules is always a sign of attention from the owner of the house to his guests. Unfortunately, a properly laid table is not so often seen today, especially at home. However, table setting is a true art, once mastered, you bring beauty into your life. That is why it is so important to know the rules of table setting - to be able to create a festive atmosphere in your home every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and on holidays to surprise your guests with fantasy decoration, intricately folded napkins and luxurious tableware.

Table setting sequence

The table should be served according to the following plan: tablecloth; dishes; cutlery; glasses, wine glasses, glasses; napkins; table decoration. At first, table setting may seem like a really complicated science to someone, but after some time, when table setting according to the rules becomes a habit, it will seem to you that this task is easier than ever!

Table setting begins with spreading tablecloths on the table. It would seem, what could be easier? Threw the tablecloth over the table - and it's ready. In fact, there are certain rules in this regard.

First, the tablecloth must be perfectly ironed and presentable. There is nothing good in setting the table with a crumpled tablecloth or oilcloth. The smoothed tablecloth, or rather its corners, should fall opposite the table legs, covering them evenly. There are also requirements for lowering the tablecloth from all sides - at least 25 cm and, in no case, not lower than the seat of the chair.

Such requirements were not introduced by chance, since too small a tablecloth descent on the table looks ugly, and too large - it causes inconvenience to guests. After you have covered the table with a tablecloth, it's time to start arranging the plates.

Types of plates

The purpose of most of the plates from the table above can be easily guessed by their name, however, there are also dishes that are not entirely obvious. The patty plate is used to serve croutons, patties or bread. The chill plate is used to serve various appetizer dishes such as oysters, salads or stews. The bowl plate, as you can easily guess from its shape, is used to serve several types of salads or side dishes at once. It is also used to serve fondue. Fried eggs are served in an egg plate, jam, jam or honey is placed in a socket, and a bowl is designed for serving fresh berries, jelly and fruit salads.

What kind of plates you put on the table on a festive or weekday evening depends on the number of dishes served. Serving for a two-course dinner involves one plate, for a four-course dinner - another.

Naturally, the plates on your table should be perfectly clean and dry. It is advisable to polish them to a shine before serving.

According to the rules, a snack plate (see the table above) is located in front of each chair. Do not put it on the very edge of the table, it does not look very presentable! The patty plate is placed to the left of the diner, as you can see in the photo above.

If you set a table with several dishes, in this case you place small canteens under the snack plates, etc.

Types of cutlery

  • 1,2,3,4,6,31 - spoons: coffee, tea, dessert, table, for making coffee, for ice cream;
  • 5, 7, 8, 9 - tongs: large confectionery, for asparagus, for ice, small confectionery;
  • 10 - a device for trimming cigars;
  • 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 - forks: for lemon, lemon, cocotte, fish, dessert, dessert, snack bar, snack bar, dinner fork for second courses;
  • 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25 - knives: for the second fish dishes, dessert, dessert, snack, snack, table knife for main courses;
  • 24 - ladle;
  • 27, 28, 29, 30 - blades: confectionery, for pate, for fish, caviar;

After arranging the plates, you should immediately lay out all the necessary cutlery. Knives are placed to the right of the plates, forks to the left. A tablespoon is placed near the knife. For a festive dinner of several dishes, the cutlery should be laid out as follows, starting to the right of the plate: a table knife, a fish knife and a snack knife. You put a butter knife on a patty plate. If it is supposed to serve first courses, a soup spoon is placed between the snack and fish knives. If fish is not provided on the festive table, a tablespoon is placed instead of a fish one. To the left of the plates are forks corresponding to the knives in the same order in which the knives are laid out: canteen, fish, diner.

Also, do not pile cutlery one on top of the other, the distance between forks and spoons should be about 1 cm.

Table setting: glasses, wine glasses, glasses

To the right, behind the plates, we put the glasses from largest to smallest. Depending on what drinks will be served on the table, glasses for water, white / red wine, champagne, a glass for juice, a glass for spirits and glasses are sequentially set. When placing glasses, hold them by the stem so as not to leave fingerprints on the glasses themselves.

Table setting: napkins

What is a festive table without napkins? Napkins are not only a wonderful table decoration, but also a very practical thing. Napkins are linen and paper. Cloth napkins are not intended for wiping hands or face, there are disposable paper napkins for this purpose. Fabric napkins, on the other hand, are usually beautifully decorated by good housewives so that guests can put them on their laps.

Table decor

Regardless of whether you have a festive dinner or a daily breakfast, a properly served table involves decorating it with flower arrangements, fruit vases, the same cloth napkins, dishes with bright vegetables, etc.

In this article, you will learn about what types of cutlery exist, their advantages and disadvantages, the pros and cons of the material from which they are composed. Also, we will talk about the care of cutlery, and how to properly lay out cutlery and much more.

There is a wide variety of cutlery, which consist of various materials, they can be: wood, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, cupronickel or silver.

Cutlery serves to handle dishes, food at the table. Often the usual, standard cutlery that you see in the picture: a spoon, a fork and a knife - they are used for first and second courses, as well as for the process of laying out dishes if there are no serving utensils.

In addition, there are specialized cutlery for different dishes - appetizers, fish, dessert, fruits, etc.

Snack set consists of a fork and a knife- shown in the picture on the right. Compared to a regular, standard canteen, it has a smaller size and is included in serving hot snacks such as pancakes, meats, etc.

fish appliance shown in the figure on the left. Suitable for cutting fish dishes. a fish fork has four short prongs and a recess for separating fish bones, and a fish knife has a short, wide blade. Ordinary table forks are also often used for fish dishes.

Dessert types of cutlery

The dessert device includes a spoon, a fork and a knife of small sizes. Often dessert devices have an original, unusual design that emphasizes their elegance. A dessert fork is needed for sweet dishes, pies, charlottes, etc. A dessert spoon is used to eat dishes with a loose consistency - mousses, puddings, fruits in syrup, etc.

For fresh fruits - pineapples, apples, pears, watermelons, melons - a fruit device is used, including a fork and knife. Canned fruits can be eaten with one fork.

For serving coffee and tea, special devices are also used - coffee and tea spoons, and for ice cream - flat blades with curved edges.

Serving utensils (accessories) are sometimes referred to as cutlery, although this is not entirely correct - since they eat with cutlery, and serving utensils are used to put dishes on plates, cut and divide them into portions and perform other maintenance operations. Cutlery is also often called individual, and serving - auxiliary.

Spoons:

1 - Coffee
2 - Tea room
3 - Dessert
4 - Dining room
6 - Spoon for making mixed drinks

Forceps:

5 - Large pastry tongs
7 - Tongs for asparagus
8 - Ice tongs
9 - Small pastry tongs
10 - Cigar secateurs
11 and 12 - Lemon Fork
13 - Cocotte fork
14 and 15 - Spade-shaped blunt knife for fish second courses and a fish fork with a recess for removing bones

Cutlery (knife + fork):

16 and 17 - For dessert
18 and 19 - For dessert
20 and 21 - For snacks
22 and 23 - For snacks
25 and 26 - For second courses (except fish)
24 - pouring spoon

Shoulder blades:

27 - Confectionery
28 - Pate
29 - Fish
30 - For caviar
31 - For ice cream

When serving a seat, it is customary to follow a certain order. First, tableware (porcelain) is placed, then cutlery is laid out, and only then can restaurant glass be arranged. Cutlery is also laid out in a certain order, see the picture above.

The order of unfolding cutlery

  1. butter knife
  2. Pirozhkovy plate - for bread and butter
  3. First course spoon
  4. Fork for seafood, cold appetizers
  5. Knife for seafood, snacks
  6. Fork for meat and salads (main course)
  7. Table-knife
  8. Decorative plate
  9. Soup plate
  10. Dessert spoon
  11. dessert fork
  12. water glass
  13. Champagne glass
  14. Red wine glass
  15. White wine glass

Rice. Full dinner service

Placement of crockery and cutlery for breakfast

Cutlery for a traditional breakfast with coffee or tea, various types of bread, butter, marmalade and honey (but no egg)

Cutlery for a "coffee mug" or tea party with pastries. You can add a paring knife if needed.

Cutlery materials

Wooden cutlery

Wooden spoons can be used for trips to nature, but not for daily use. The tree absorbs moisture, it is short-lived, and eating with such spoons is inconvenient.

Aluminum cutlery

Aluminum cutlery was common before. Now there are disputes about the dangers of aluminum, but in any case, aluminum cutlery quickly loses its shape, color, and is also fragile.

Stainless steel cutlery

Stainless steel cutlery is one of the most popular. They are made from medical stainless steel, which practically does not react chemically with alkalis, salts, acids. The most commonly used stainless steel is "18/10", which contains 18% chromium (gives strength and stainless properties) and 10% nickel (gives shine and protects against aggressive food acids).

Cupronickel cutlery

Melchior is an alloy of copper, nickel and manganese. Cupronickel cutlery ceased to be produced in the 50s of the last century. Nickel silver cutlery is now being produced (it is softer, it also contains zinc). Nickel silver cutlery is plated with silver, gold or blackened. On the reverse side of such devices there is an MNC marking.

Silver cutlery

Silver cutlery is very expensive and is the pride of the owners. The devices themselves are quite heavy, so it cannot be said that they are convenient for daily use.

How to choose cutlery?

Most often, dinnerware sets consist of 24 items: 6 soup and small spoons, forks and knives. But there are sets for 12 people. Such sets may also include a sauce spoon, dessert, salad forks, a ladle, a cake spatula, a sugar spoon, sugar tongs, a fork for fish and meat.

When buying cutlery, you must definitely pay attention to the shine - it can be white or grayish. Make sure that there are no burrs on the edge of the devices. Fork teeth must not be excessively sharp, dull or chipped.

A high-quality spoon or fork should not be deformed by the fact that you press harder on the bend - it should be thickened. There should not be any smell from the devices.

The standard thickness of cutlery is 1.5-4 mm, and the depth of spoons is 7-10 mm.

Knife blades can be non-hardened (they are cheaper, but over time spots appear on the blade, they wear out and age) and hardened (such a blade is elastic).

Ask the seller for a hygienic conclusion and a certificate of conformity. The certificate must indicate: the manufacturer, the address of the manufacturer, the name of the cutlery brand. The same data should be on the instrument box.

Cutlery care

Stainless steel cutlery should be washed immediately after use to prevent food residues from drying on them. You can wash them with dishwashing detergent with a sponge or cloth. Stainless steel cutlery can also be washed in the dishwasher. If dark or iridescent spots appear on the appliances, they can be easily removed with a solution of citric acid or vinegar.

If you have cutlery with plastic handles, then you will need to constantly clean the dirt from the places where metal and plastic come into contact. Such devices can also be washed in the dishwasher, but do not use high-temperature conditions.

Caring for cutlery made of silver, cupronickel or nickel silver is a little more difficult. After each use and washing, such devices should be rinsed in a solution of baking soda (50 g of soda per 1 liter of water). They can only be cleaned with special pastes and napkins. You can also clean it with ammonia: for this you need to take 10% ammonia, pour it into a container and put cutlery there for 15 minutes. After that, rinse them in running water and wipe dry.

Sooner or later, a situation may arise that a best friend or a new potential partner will invite you to a pretentious restaurant to celebrate their next anniversary or sign an incredibly lucrative contract. For some people, such an invitation will not seem unusual, others may simply panic before going out. What is the reason for such an incomprehensible excitement? Many of us have been abroad, visited numerous restaurants, tasted a huge variety of national dishes. It seems that we cannot be surprised by anything. But, nevertheless, when it comes to going to a restaurant of the highest class, panic and incredible experiences begin: how to behave, what to order, how to combine dishes with drinks, etc. But the worst thing is the table setting in the restaurant - a powerful arsenal of plates, cutlery, glasses on the table. Which side to approach? What fork to grab? What a shame it would be if guests notice your lack of education in restaurant etiquette! No problem, we'll fix it!

Introduction to the course

The first question that arises when you are already at the table is: “What to do with this beautifully folded napkin into an original figure?”. Yes, often when laying a table in a restaurant, napkins, the schemes of which are very complex, are very pitiful to unfold, they look like works of art. But still, take the napkin by the free corner, pull the edge, and it will unwind. Fold it in half and place it on your knees (do not push it behind the collar or neckline of a lady's dress). This cloth is designed to keep crumbs and splatters from staining your clothes. You can blot your mouth with the inside of the napkin, then the outer part of it will remain clean and will not ruin your evening suit. Never use it to wipe off lipstick.

The principle of classical serving

The second stage is the desire to figure out what to do with all the appliances and glasses? Do not worry ahead of time: before serving the first course, the waiter will remove everything unnecessary. Only what you need for the meal will remain. Table setting in a restaurant, the scheme of which is presented below, is not so difficult to remember. So:

  • right in front of you is a serving plate that acts as a stand for a hot dish;
  • most often at the beginning of the banquet there is a plate for snacks on it;
  • to the left of the plates (in the direction from the guest) is a dining fork, a fish fork, a snack fork;
  • to the right of the plates there is a table knife, a fish knife, a snack knife, a table spoon;
  • above the plates there is a dessert fork (pointed with the handle to the left side) and a dessert spoon (pointed with the handle to the right side);
  • on the left above the plates there is a container for bread (pie plate) and a butter knife on it;
  • the right space above the plates is served with a glass of water, a glass of white wine, a glass of red wine.

We study devices

In addition to classical serving devices, there are those that are used much less frequently. A video of table setting in a restaurant will clearly show how to use the original appliances.

Knives and forks

spoons

There are also several types of spoons:

  • lettuce, having three small teeth at the end. It is used for shifting salad from a common plate to a serving one;
  • pouring (ladle) serves for pouring compotes, milk, jelly and, of course, soups;
  • salt spoon - very small, located in the salt shaker.

shoulder blades

  • caviar spatula - similar to a scoop, used for shifting chum or granular caviar from caviar to a plate;
  • meat and vegetable dishes when shifting need a rectangular spatula;
  • hot and cold dishes from a common plate are transferred to a portion with a figured spatula;
  • for pate, a small figured spatula is used;
  • for cake and pastries a square figured spatula is used.

Forceps

Don't worry, these are not the kind of forceps used in dental offices. These tongs are culinary. Have you seen such a table setting in a restaurant? Pictures are attached! There are:

  • snail tongs to hold the shell;
  • for baking use large pastry tongs;
  • for sugar, sweets, chocolate, small confectionery tongs are used;
  • in order to crack nuts, you need V-shaped tongs with recesses for nuts;
  • for ice you will need U-shaped tongs with notched blades;
  • asparagus tongs, offered with asparagus on a wire rack.

Hooks

Hooks are not used to catch fish, but to get the snail out of the shell.

Glasses on the table and their purpose

The number of glasses on the table depends on what drinks will be served during the feast. The classic option is glasses for white wine, red wine, a glass or a glass of water.

If you plan to set the table in a restaurant for a banquet, there can be much more glasses. How to deal with them?

Glasses are served to the right of the plates from small to large, straight or in an arc. If there are a lot of glasses, then they are served in two rows so that large glasses do not cover small ones.

Here you can not worry - the waiter will fill a certain glass with the desired drink. However, take note:

  • a small glass is designed for vodka or strong liquor;
  • a madeira glass - slightly larger than a vodka glass - is used for madeira, port and sherry;
  • a champagne glass - “flute” (“flute”, “flute”) - tall, delicate, on a thin stem;
  • glass for white wine - the edges are narrowed, the stem is high and thin (so as not to heat the cool white wine with the warmth of your hand). Pour white wine often;
  • a glass for red wine is barrel-shaped, the stem is thicker and shorter. The glass is filled two-thirds;
  • glass for cognac - "brandy-snifter", spherical, narrowed upwards. Filled to the bottom;
  • a whiskey glass - "whiskey", "old fashion" - served, if desired, with ice, water, soda;
  • martini glass - "martini" - an inverted cone on a thin leg, vermouth and martini-type cocktails are served in it.

Do's and Don'ts in a Restaurant

Table setting in a restaurant (an example photo is attached) is not all that you need to learn about restaurant etiquette. There are other rules:

  1. You can not powder, paint, comb your hair at the table. To do this, go to the ladies' room. It is allowed at the end of the meal only to look in the mirror.
  2. You can not persuade a table neighbor to drink or eat more.
  3. Appliances that fall on the floor do not rise. Pretend nothing happened and don't hesitate to ask the waiter to bring more.
  4. The knife is held exclusively in the right hand, even if you are left-handed.
  5. Spoon and fork on the way to the mouth are held parallel to the table.
  6. The soup spoon does not fill to the brim.
  7. It is not customary to tilt a bowl of soup.
  8. One does not eat bread with a fork, one does not bite off a whole piece, one does not butter a whole piece of bread. It will be correct to break off a small piece with your hand above your plate.
  9. Pate, caviar and butter are taken with a knife, put on a plate, and only then spread on bread.
  10. Fish bones cannot be spit out on a plate, they are quietly taken out with a hand or a fork and placed on the edge of the plate.
  11. Poultry meat is separated from the bone with a knife and eaten with a fork. It is indecent to gnaw at the bones taken by hand.
  12. You can eat some dishes with your hands: asparagus, tobacco chicken.
  13. The knife does not cut everything at once, but one by one.
  14. It is not necessary to finish the meal or finish the glass of wine to the end.
  15. If you wish to take a break for a drink of water, place your cutlery on the plate as you were holding it: the fork with the handle to the left, the knife to the right.
  16. If you decide to take a break from eating, fold the cutlery on a plate crosswise.
  17. Parallel stacked cutlery means the end of the meal. In this case, the waiter will remove your plate.
  18. A coffee or teaspoon is used to stir the sugar, then it must be placed on a saucer.
  19. The drink that you drink through a straw should not be sucked out to the end.
  20. The napkin at the end of the banquet should be left unfolded on the right side of the plate.

That's all: the basic basics of restaurant etiquette are told. There is only one thing left: to enter a prestigious restaurant calmly, without a single excitement, in a good mood, and impress those present at the table with your intelligence and education.

Beautiful table decoration for the holidays

Serving comes from the French word servir - to serve. Serving is the preparation of the table before eating (for breakfast, lunch, dinner, festive feast, banquet, buffet, cocktail banquet, tea ceremony). It includes the correct arrangement of items necessary for eating (tablecloths, dishes, cutlery). The purpose of serving is to create maximum convenience in the process of eating, good mood, expression of attention and goodwill.

Table setting rules

Serving items should correspond to the compiled menu, be in harmony both with the shape of the table, tablecloth, napkins, and with the interior of the room, should be matched in shape, texture and color, reflect the thematic focus of the celebration, if any.

Serving must comply with existing rules. In order to correctly and beautifully set the table, you need to know about the numerous serving items, what they are called and what they are intended for.

Before setting the table, you need to think through everything, show artistic taste, accuracy, and most importantly, the desire to please guests. To create an atmosphere of solemnity and comfort, you will need beautiful dishes, a set of necessary appliances, a snow-white or colored tablecloth. All this will not only guarantee a good appetite, but also a good mood.

Table setting sequence

1. Tablecloth.

2. Plates.

3. Cutlery.

4. Glassware.

5. Napkins.

6. Spices.

7. Vases with flowers.

8. Cold snacks.

By following this sequence, you can quickly and correctly set the table: arrange numerous items without missing a single detail.

Before serving, glass and cutlery must be polished to a shine with a clean, dry towel or napkin.

To the Defender of the Fatherland Day serving can be more ascetic, using attributes of a military theme.

A napkin folded in any of the above ways is placed on a snack plate for each guest. Paper napkins can be used instead of linen napkins.

Table setting. A photo

Flowers on the holiday table

Flowers are an integral part of table decoration. They enhance the thematic focus of the celebration, give solemnity, severity or romance. When serving breakfast, flowers set you in a positive mood, fill you with energy before the coming day.

Vases with a small number of flowers are usually placed in the center of the table so that they do not obscure guests and dishes. Flowers in baskets and large bouquets are not put on the table, but placed in a specially designated place.

Table decoration with flowers. A photo


You can decorate the table not only with flowers, but also with a beautiful bouquet of leaves, twigs of mountain ash and spruce. You can decorate the table with wild flowers, and ikebana in original vases, vases with floating flowers. All this will create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere.

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