Table setting ideas at home: options for different occasions | +88 photos

Serving according to the situation

When starting a discussion of the many rules by which you set a table with your own hands, it is necessary to note the basic rules that are observed in any situation:

• Dishes for serving food must be perfectly clean and dry.
• The tablecloth deserves attention - it should be colorful and perfectly ironed.
• The set of dishes should be absolutely the same for each guest.

Casual

Very often, serving at home is carried out according to the same principle. A minor change occurs if the occasion is festive. The rules for setting the table differ in each specific situation. Let's give some nuances.

For breakfast

A great idea to pamper your loved ones with a beautifully served breakfast on a day off. But you need to be prepared for the fact that this is not an easy event. Initially, we stock up on the following elements:

• The table should be covered with a tablecloth that matches the style of the room. Recently, runners, which are a fabric strip of fabric, have come into fashion. They do not cover the entire table, but occupy approximately a third of it.

• The central position is occupied by a flat plate on which scrambled eggs are beautifully laid out. If you have porridge for breakfast, place a deep bowl on the plate. Bright patterns on dishes can lift your spirits.

• Next is the line for cutlery. On the right is a knife, the blade of which always faces the plate. A tablespoon is placed next to it, followed by a teaspoon. Place a fork on the left side with the teeth facing up, followed by a napkin. On the right diagonally there is a coffee cup with saucer and spoon.

Next is the line for food, it is placed on the table in the following way: croutons, buns or sandwiches on a small saucer to the left diagonally slightly higher above the main plate, sugar in a beautiful sugar bowl, jam in a rosette (in both cases a spoon is provided). To raise a good mood, place flowers in a small vase.

For dinner

An indispensable attribute for setting the table for dinner at home is an elegant tablecloth. You will definitely need a couple of plates from the dishes, since several dishes are served for lunch. The set of plates consists of shallow and deep. The soup plate is placed on top of a flat one. A tureen is used to serve soup. She takes a place on the table not far from the hostess. In this case, it will be more convenient for her to pour food onto plates.

The cutlery is laid out according to the following principle: a knife and a soup spoon follow each other to the right of the plates, and a fork to the left.

If snacks are served on the table in dishes from which you are not supposed to eat, then you need to prepare special snack plates. The oil is served in a butter dish or in a small saucer. It definitely comes with a small knife, but with a wide blade.

A glass of wine is allowed during lunch. In this case, the bottle of drink is opened in advance and placed on the table.

For dinner

In this case, we will give an example of table setting for dinner for every day, which consists of an appetizer and one main course. You will need two plates, which are placed one on top of the other on the table. It is necessary to provide two forks on the left, and two knives on the right.

Article on the topic: How the table is set in different countries of the world: features of table etiquette

According to all the rules of etiquette, you need to start using those utensils that are located further from the plates.

Next we deal with the glasses. They are placed diagonally on the right in this order:

• for wine;
• for champagne;
• for water or juice.

Festive

The festive table setting in terms of the arrangement of dishes is completely consistent with those described above, but has features in terms of decor. For example, for New Year’s it is necessary to prepare elements that are appropriate in this case. Festive table decorations are approached with imagination and creativity.

Let's imagine several ways to set the table for any holiday:

• Napkins of the corresponding theme. With their help, the table decoration is given piquancy and an additional festive atmosphere. If you work on the napkins and fold them in a certain way, the effect will be completely different. You can add eye-catching napkin holders and rings to them. If there are none in the house, then you can put them in crystal glasses.

• Holiday candles. With their help, romanticism and solemnity are ensured. Don't be afraid, candles look gorgeous on a holiday table for any occasion. Here you need to pay attention to the color of the candles. The selection should be such that they are in harmony with the tablecloth and dishes. The placement of candles on the table depends on the flight of fancy of the hostess.

• Decorative figures. With the help of such elements you can enhance the festive look of the table. The figures are selected directly to the theme of the holiday.

On video: decoration and setting of the festive table.

Serving for two

Having a romantic dinner for two - what could be more pleasant? Even if we are talking about a married couple, a candlelight dinner will remind you of the most pleasant moments in family life.

The arrangement of the cutlery must be observed, but there must be elements on the table that fully emphasize the purpose of the dinner. When serving for two, the cutlery is arranged in such a way that the participants of the event are located opposite each other.

Serving for 4 persons

When setting up a table for 4 people, you should follow all the general rules. But, you should pay attention to how to seat guests at the table. Participants in the meal should be seated either in pairs on opposite sides of the table, or one on each side.

Features and basic serving rules

The table is set depending on the type of meal, whether it is a regular dinner or a festive feast, and the number of participants in this process. The decoration sequence begins with laying the tablecloth, then proceeds to arranging the plates, arranging cutlery, arranging glasses, placing napkins, and additional decoration. In order to properly cover and place the covers, you must adhere to certain rules:

1. Before you start setting the table, you need to think about the menu, what and how many dishes will be served.
2. All decoration should correspond to the same style, ideal when it is also compatible with the interior/
3. Only perfectly clean tablecloths and napkins are used, all dishes must be well washed, free of stains, fingerprints, defects and dirt.
4. Items must be arranged in such a way that it is convenient for those eating food. 80 cm of space should be provided for each person.
5. Forks are placed on the left, spoons, knives - on the right, placed with the tip up in a certain order, corresponding to the serving of dishes.
6. All stacked items must be used only for their intended purpose; you cannot take devices located on the right in your left hand and vice versa.
7. A glass of water is placed above the knife;
8. The snack plate is placed in the middle of the place where the person will sit, with a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table, and a napkin is placed on it.
9. If hot dishes are provided, a deep plate is placed on top of a decorative one.
10. Place a pie plate to the left of the main dish, above the forks.

Tablecloth: selection rules

One of the main elements in the process of setting a table is the tablecloth; everything starts with it. It should be perfectly clean, ironed, and consistent with the nature of the feast. It is better to choose neutral colors for everyday models, while bright colors are good for a dinner party. To make the right choice of napkin, you should follow certain rules:

1. The color of the canvas should be in harmony with other interior items. For example, for light furniture it is better to choose green, yellow, beige tones, while the same design should be found on the upholstery of chairs, on pillows, and other elements.
2. The tablecloth must match the shape of the table, so a round cover will spoil the appearance of a square item and vice versa.
3. It is better to take everyday models from PVC, acrylic, or Teflon, while holiday models are made from natural fiber (linen, cotton fabric).

It is necessary that the canvas chosen for the meal covers the entire surface, while the edges should hang 20-25 cm evenly on all sides, covering the legs of the furniture. The descent indicator is very important; if the parameter is larger or smaller, then the covered structure, like the tablecloth itself, will look tasteless and sloppy.

Types of plates and their arrangement

After arranging the appropriate tablecloth, the next step is to arrange the plates. A decorative plate is placed in the very center on which you can place a snack bar, and if there are liquid dishes on the menu, a deep container. In this case, the soup is served in a soup plate, the broth in a bowl. The bread saucer is placed to the left of the stand.

The table shows the main types of plates used for serving

Cutlery – correct placement

The third point in serving is the correct placement of cutlery. According to etiquette standards, spoons, forks, and other utensils should be arranged as follows:

• The devices are placed on both sides of the main container, in some cases - on top.
• Forks are placed on the left, spoons, knives on the right, and the blade should be directed towards the plate, and not towards the guest sitting next to him. The heads of all utensils should face up, away from the person, with the exception of those located on top of the plate.
• If you list the dinner setting from left to right, then the items should be arranged as follows: appetizer fork, main course fork, table knife, tablespoon, teaspoon. The butter knife is placed on the bread plate, which is located on top of the main container.

Different meals have their own items and ways of arranging them. The main condition is that the layout of the devices starts from the plate in order of their priority.

Selection and arrangement of glasses

Table setting with glasses, shot glasses, wine glasses depends on the drinks that will be served. They are placed behind the main device in a straight line or in a semicircle in two rows. The item closest to the plate will be used first. It’s easy to remember what drink it’s intended for – the larger the bowl on the stem, the weaker the drink will be.

Glasses are arranged according to their height. For water use the highest one. He is the first one on the left, followed by a slightly smaller wine one. The low one (vodka shot glass) is placed at the plate on the right. The champagne glass stands separately, behind the others.

Using napkins

For serving, you can use napkins made of any material - fabric, paper, bamboo, patchwork. For everyday use, one of the types is enough, but on the holiday table there should be both fabric and paper ones. Textiles will quickly become saturated with the fat of main courses, so it is imperative to provide an alternative. You can place a cotton towel on a serving plate in the form of a tube or a figured decor.

Paper napkins are placed partially under a plate in the form of an envelope, on a saucer in the form of an unusual design, or in a napkin holder. They can be of different colors and textures. When choosing a product, you need to take into account the features of the celebration.

Decorative decorations for serving

You can make food attractive and appetizing with the help of decor. Various inedible elements that create an aesthetic mood, enhance the impression of eating, and lift your spirits. In order not to overload the table, it is important to place the right bright accents when serving. When placing decor, catering experts recommend adhering to the following rules:

• Various decorations and natural flowers should not touch the dishes;
• The decor should be placed closer to the center of the table;
• You should not place small vases or figurines chaotically; it is better to use special textile runners;
• Candles should only be placed on stands;
• Seasonality must be respected. It is inappropriate to decorate table settings in spring with pumpkins and dry leaves;
• Additional paraphernalia must correspond to the theme of the celebration.

Serving ideas

Although the basic rules of etiquette are the same in each case, with the help of certain nuances and techniques you can diversify the table decoration and divide it into certain categories.

Simple

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a beautifully decorated table. A simple table setting can be decorated with fairly ordinary dishes. If you have bright plates and glasses, you can get by with them. It’s not bad at all if there are colorful dishes on the table.

Recently, ensembles that have contrasting colors have become very popular. With such dishes, creating a mood is in some ways easier.

If the dishes in the house are simply white, then you get a classic serving option. It is imperative that all elements used must be combined, starting with the tablecloth and ending with napkins.

Related article: How to beautifully fold napkins for a festive table: a variety of options [master classes]

Beautiful

Beautiful table settings are provided for special events. For example, for the birthday of adults or children. As in other cases, you need to start with the tablecloth. For a beautiful presentation, you need to choose an original product. It’s good if there are several types of tablecloths in the house.

For a beautiful composition, you can play with contrast. That is, if the tablecloth is dark, then we use light dishes and vice versa.

A truly beautiful table can be achieved with the help of serving accessories. Many people use paper products for decoration, but the effect will not be the same. It is necessary to use textiles that will definitely resonate with the decor of the tablecloth.

Many manufacturers boast luxurious sets of textiles for serving. You need to plan the quantity based on one per person. However, you shouldn’t give up paper napkins completely. They are also selected in a single ensemble with textiles.

Modern

Be that as it may, table decoration is an art. Ideas can be different and they will tell you how to beautifully set a modern table. But, you should always adhere to the basic requirements:

• The table cannot exist separately from the interior of the room.
• Proper modern table setting is sure to resonate with the latest trends of the times.
• The dishes may have a non-standard shape or a modern design.
• The reason for which lunch or dinner is organized is also taken into account.

Stylish

Table decoration in a certain style is done if a themed party is planned. The color, shape, texture of objects and the materials from which the dishes and accessories are made must be taken into account.

A variety of salad bowls, gravy boats, teapots and trays are assembled to suit the chosen style. Dishes are also selected in accordance with the stated style. They note that even a familiar dish with the right utensils can be presented in an original and stylish way. Therefore, ideas for stylish table setting and menu composition originate from the theme of the celebration.

Original

Sometimes the soul asks for an original table setting. In this case, we need all the traditional rules and begin to experiment with everything that comes to hand. Change colors and texture. Contrasting plates placed on top of each other, as well as unusually folded napkins, look original.

Small decorative elements will also add originality. If it’s autumn outside, then try to display it on your table. For example, you can make toast in the shape of maple leaves. For the New Year's table, we are preparing Christmas trees and snowflakes.

Ideas for holiday table settings

Beautiful and proper serving creates a pleasant impression on guests about the hospitality of the hosts. In a pleasant, comfortable atmosphere at the table, it is easy to conduct a dialogue, comfortably absorb food without touching tall objects with your hands or getting your sleeve dirty on your neighbor’s plate. You can set an amazing table using ordinary household items for any themed holiday.

Table setting for the New Year

The main rule for successfully setting the New Year's table is maintaining style, maximum colorful decor, only natural dishes. Plastic salad bowls, cups and all kinds of bowls will be inappropriate. It is better to use plain plates of blue, green, yellow with different New Year's patterns. Glass glasses and wine glasses can be decorated with a red ribbon. The New Year's table will look boring without themed decor. These can be scented candles, original shaped paper napkins, or compositions made from Christmas tree decorations. The center can be decorated with the symbol of the New Year.

Serving should begin with the tablecloth. It is better to choose a bright canvas with a winter pattern. We place plates and cutlery according to the generally accepted pattern - forks on the left, knife, spoons on the right. We place glasses and glasses last. The number and type of cutlery depends on the characteristics of the dishes and snacks. According to etiquette, a cloth napkin is rolled into a tube and placed in a plate, and a paper napkin is partially tucked under it. You can also use several napkin holders.

Easter table setting

Traditional table setting for Easter is observed in every family. Easter cakes and krashenki are placed in the center of the table. The baked goods are placed in a beautiful dish or in a special plate with circular recesses for eggs. The menu also includes various meat dishes, sausages, and chicken rolls. It is not customary to serve fish. The Easter feast is accompanied by drinking Cahors or other red wines.

Christians celebrate the main holiday of the year on a grand scale, not skimping on food and decorations. The tables are covered with the best tablecloths with Easter patterns or spring patterns, and a wicker basket with food items illuminated in the church is placed in a prominent place. Napkins, egg-shaped coasters, and beautiful bouquets will add a festive mood.

It is better to set the table for Easter with plates from one set. If there are not enough of them, you can connect two and alternate through a plate. Wine glasses must be present, since the main alcoholic drink of the bright holiday is Cahors. If desired, they can be supplemented with glasses and mugs. Cutlery and glass should be placed near each plate, even if there are small children among those invited. Excess items can be removed when all guests have decided on their seats and are seated at the table.

Birthday table setting

To make the holiday bright and memorable, you must follow all the basic rules when decorating the table. The success of the party depends on this. It is imperative to take care of the presence of beautiful dessert plates, cake stands, fruit racks, cocktail tubes and other festive paraphernalia. You can decorate a table at home or in a restaurant in the following ways:

• Unusual colors and style. A single serving concept always looks very beautiful. You can stick to the usual tea drinking or choose an original, fresh idea, for example, in the style of a Russian village, with rustic motifs;
• Thematic table decoration. You will need to purchase additional appliances and accessories in the chosen style. This could be a special decor of napkins, shape, color, mastic figures on the cake, name plates. Popular serving options - in the style of the Italian mafia, Gotham City;

• Seasonal decor, orientation to the time of year. The table can be decorated with natural seasonal materials. For spring and summer decor, wild flowers and fruits are used. In autumn you can use wooden stands, a bouquet of yellow leaves. A winter birthday will be decorated with rowan berries and tree branches in flowerpots.

Table setting for a children's party

Any holiday has its own characteristics of organizing and setting the table. Children's events are no exception. Regardless of whether a general theme or a neutral design is chosen, the children's table should be kept in the same color scheme. The setting should contain 2-3 primary colors.

You will definitely need dishes - glasses, dessert plates and spoons, a stand for cake and pastries, saucers for ice cream, a fruit bowl. If there are a lot of small guests, for safety reasons it is better to choose plastic or paper plates and glasses. It is better not to use forks. After the birthday person divides the cake into pieces, the knife must be removed.

Serving for Valentine's Day

A themed table setting for Valentine's Day creates a special atmosphere of romance and comfort. There will be two people at the table, so you won't need a lot of cutlery. You can decorate it with a variety of accessories, hearts, ribbons, flowers. Paired elements would be appropriate.

You can highlight the holiday spirit and romantic atmosphere with the help of textiles. A plain white tablecloth makes a great backdrop for holiday decorations. You can sew large red bows to its corners, and trim the edges with a satin ribbon. Candy bowls and cups are also decorated with a strip of bright material.

An excellent decoration for Valentine's Day will come from edible decor. A stunning table setting can be created from a variety of confectionery products. These can be lollipops, marmalade, marshmallows, chocolate balls, and heart-shaped cookies laid out in a beautiful pile.

Wedding table setting

It is better to set a festive table using beautiful porcelain dishes according to all the rules of serving. All guests must have it the same, cleaned and polished.

It is customary to serve a wedding banquet in a restaurant long before the guests arrive. First of all, the waiters bring out the coaster plates. Their main function is to protect the tablecloth from stains and indicate the place of each guest. They are equipped with individual cutlery, which is replaced during the celebration.

Spoons and forks are placed along the edges of the plate. If there are people invited to a wedding in a cafe who are not accustomed to etiquette, so as not to embarrass them, it is better not to create an abundance of cutlery. Oysters and lobsters can be served immediately with them. A wedding table overloaded with dishes should not be filled with many glass glasses. It is enough to leave the ones that are most in demand at the moment.

Serving for outdoor parties or picnics

You can celebrate any event in nature from the comfort of home. When setting a table in the garden, you can’t skimp on bright colors. Unusual combinations, seemingly out of place in the house, will look harmonious and fun here.

A party in nature involves not only a feast, but also walks, enjoying green beauty, active games, and swimming in a pond. Therefore, you should think in advance about protecting dishes from dust, sand, and insects. You will need special caps and spherical meshes.

It is not at all necessary to carry huge bags of dishes with you to a forest clearing or to a park. To serve an impromptu table, you can use plastic containers, containers with lids in which products were delivered to the place. You can make salad bowls from them. In nature, it is quite possible to get by with plastic disposable tableware. There are a lot of convenient and colorful sets that will decorate any party.

Serving fruit on the holiday table

Before you start serving the table with fruit, you need to prepare small, sharp knives for slicing. It would be a good idea to stock up on tools that allow you to cut out shaped elements.

Next, when decorating a fruit plate, we adhere to certain rules:

• Using bananas and apples, first spray them with lemon juice. This will preserve their original appearance and prevent darkening.

• A fruit plate will look more interesting if you decorate it with chocolate chips, powdered sugar or lemon or orange zest.

• To decorate the plate, use nuts, mint leaves or flower petals.

• Fruit should be served in a beautiful dish.

• Very often, skewers are used to decorate a fruit plate.

Related article: Basic principles of table setting in a restaurant: preparation, requirements and design

An important point is the fact that only fresh fruits should be used for slicing. In this case, the dish will look beautiful for a long time.

You can place fruit slices on a plate in different forms. The most commonly used silhouettes are the firebird, butterfly, and tower. The children's dish is laid out in the shape of some fairy-tale hero. For an anniversary, you can mark a significant date with fruits. Table setting at home, photos of which are presented below, will tell you options for decorating fruit slices.

On video: 5 life hacks on how to cut fruit beautifully.

Festive table setting

A beautifully decorated table is the housewife’s calling card. The first thing to consider when decorating a holiday table is, of course, the theme and purpose of the holiday. The festive table for a children's party will be slightly different than at an adult party; the decoration of the New Year's table will be different from the decoration of the Easter table , etc.

How to decorate and arrange a table for a holiday?

Decor and setting of the festive table

We will give you some recommendations for decorating and decorating the festive table.

To make your holiday the best and most interesting, just delicious and varied dishes are not enough. You will also need to properly decorate the room, table, dishes, dishes, then dress up yourself... And the most important thing is to convey the feeling of celebration to your guests. And therefore, when they come to visit you, they should see the best, most beautiful and uniquely decorated table. Is it really possible to decorate a table without a snow-white tablecloth, intricately folded napkins, name cards, menus, candles, etc.

❧ Every housewife, when decorating a holiday party, tries to make it as good as possible. The main thing is not to overdo it: a huge number of different trinkets on the table will only irritate.

Before setting the table, decide in what style you want to do it. The choice of style depends only on the availability of dishes and tablecloths of this style. But the leading role still belongs to the dishes, since it is easier to match the tablecloth to the dishes than vice versa. For example, if you are the happy owner of a crystal set, then you should set the table with a “ceremonial” white starched tablecloth, starched napkins and beautiful, sophisticated bouquets in crystal vases. And if you have porcelain dishes, then you can imagine endlessly with it, since you can choose tablecloths of any shape and color, as well as a wide variety of accessories.

Table setting. Rules

Festive tablecloths and napkins

Interesting napkins, colored or snow-white, folded into original shapes will give the table a special solemnity. Therefore, when choosing accessories for a festive table, you must determine what color they will be: the same color as the tablecloth, or to shade and complement it. The main thing is not to forget that the tablecloth and dishes should go well with each other. If you have not yet purchased a suitable tablecloth for a table or tea set, then don’t rush - it can be made from ordinary plain fabric. This tablecloth will match any tableware, even plain colored ones. A bright “floral” service looks especially good on a plain tablecloth if the color of the tablecloth resonates with its design. If you wish, you can decorate a plain tablecloth with a silk ribbon. This will add originality to your table, especially if the color of the ribbon matches the color scheme of the service. But for a coffee service made with special elegance, a tablecloth and napkins decorated with simple lace are suitable. You can also give new life to an old tablecloth by adding beautiful tulle or sheer lurex fabric on top.

Paper napkins decorated in a special way can add some spice to your table. There are several interesting ways to fold paper napkins. Nowadays there are a wide variety of napkins on sale in various colors and with any pattern, so you can easily choose napkins for the theme of the celebration. There are special holders for paper napkins, which are usually included with large sets. If you find only white (or plain colored) napkins, then you can design them as follows: for example, roll them into shapes: rolls, triangles, “fans”, etc. For napkins decorated in this way, if there are no special holders , use a glass or crystal goblet.

Options for using napkins in table setting

More complex options for folding napkins (step-by-step schemes for folding napkins)

Simple, but no less original options for using napkins.

In this case, napkin rings are used, as well as flowers (real, artificial), ribbons, ribbons, snowflakes and other accessories.

Candles and candlesticks for a festive table setting

Burning candles on your table will add a special, romantic touch to the holiday atmosphere and will decorate any event. By the way, do not replace full-fledged lighting with candles: the festive table should be well and brightly lit. If the lighting is poor, your guests may get bored, and in this case the holiday will be ruined.

The color of the candles must match the rest of the table accessories (in the same color scheme as napkins, plates or wine glasses). White candles will add special solemnity to your holiday, and red candles in candlesticks decorated with fir branches will decorate the New Year or Christmas table. At the same time, you can arrange the candles in different ways: put them in a flower arrangement, or install them in candlesticks between bouquets, arrange candles in small groups, and also screw them with wire to flower holders so that the candles rise above the bouquets.

And you can arrange candles in various candlesticks, which can be made of a wide variety of materials: metal, glass, porcelain, ceramics, wood, etc.

❧ At the same time, remember: the candlestick must be combined with the dishes: do not place a ceramic candlestick served with crystal on a standing position.

If you don't like the way candlesticks look on your table, place the candles in low glasses where you can even pour water - this will look especially impressive. If you want to enhance this effect, then “serve” to the table a deep tray filled with water, on which a whole “sea” of candles can fit.

Candlesticks are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They also come in different heights. According to etiquette, it is customary to place long candles in low candlesticks, and short candles in high ones.

And in order for the candles to stand evenly in the candlestick, they must be burned at the ends or placed in hot water, and then, when the ends of the candles become soft, they must be placed in the socket of the candlestick or pricked onto its metal needle.

You can also make a beautiful composition from candles. For example, by securing two, three or four candles of different sizes in a clay bowl, water is poured into the container, and the space around the candles is decorated with various fresh or dried flowers - and in front of you is an original “floating” floral arrangement, which is enlivened by the fire of the candles reflected in the water.

If you want to decorate the table in a special way, then place small candles in low candlesticks near each guest’s place setting, as well as boutonnieres and name cards that will fit well into the overall composition.

Typically, candles are lit before guests arrive and left to burn throughout the evening. However, you should not turn off the general lights (this can only be done at the end of the evening in order to pacify the guests after a fun celebration).

And finally, a piece of advice: in order for the candles to burn longer, they should be placed in the refrigerator for several hours before the holiday.

Options for using candles in holiday table decor

Decorating with imagination

Additional table decoration elements will help create a special holiday atmosphere; they will also provide a topic for conversation and make the feast original. All sorts of things and objects can be used as such elements. For example, you can beautifully arrange large lettuce leaves on the table and scatter spices on them - this method of decoration will refresh the table and eliminate the need to put out salt and pepper shakers. The coffee table can be decorated with scattered coffee beans and chocolates laid out on carved paper saucers.

Silk ribbons look interesting, touching and cute on the table. They are selected depending on the color of the dishes or flower arrangement. Taking into account the space on the table, the ends of the ribbons can be made freely flowing or fastened with wire. Ribbons can be run from bouquets to devices, creating intricate lines and rings, but they should not touch the water in vases with flowers.

At parties, the festive table can be decorated with various silver figurines: as a rule, these are figurines in the form of birds, flowers, etc. Large figurines are placed next to flower bouquets or along the edges of the table, small ones - near each device.

You can make your own napkin rings that will match the color of your cutlery or table decorations.

For example, for each family member you can come up with a separate unusual ring: for dad - a smooth metal or woven wire, for mom - knitted, etc. For each holiday you can choose special rings: for a New Year's feast - rings made from an artificial branch spruce or silver tinsel; for a festive dinner - made of solid silver; for a romantic evening - from a tulle ribbon tied with a lush bow or from artificial pearls.

Using flowers to decorate the holiday table

Flowers are an indispensable element of table decoration. However, a flower bouquet would be appropriate not only on a festive table. A skillfully composed beautiful bouquet conveys a positive mood, as does the corresponding music. Colorful, luxurious, motley - it is similar to a march or polka; small, refined, with soft tints of similar color tones - it sounds like a gentle melody.

Flowers help create a cozy atmosphere in the home. Even a boring and gloomy room changes, becoming friendlier and brighter if you put flowers in it. And it is not at all necessary to use only expensive flowers in luxurious vases to decorate the room - modest wild bouquets in a small elegant glass or ceramic vase will complete the interior of the room or add charm to the table setting.

Flowers on a festive table setting

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Large dishes for table setting

A large dish in the design takes the main place in the composition. All types of plates that are used during the feast must be placed on it. The appearance of the serving dish may differ from the rest of the dishes; this step will add originality to the design of the feast.

A large plate can be made of more expensive materials: silver or dark porcelain, but it must be combined with the overall picture.

The dishes should be located at least 50 cm apart from each other, and 1 cm relative to the edge of the table. The stand plate is removed only before serving dessert.

Table setting in a restaurant: general rules for waiters

Restaurant table setting may vary depending on the menu, type of event (banquet, buffet or catering), number of guests and even the time when the table is set.

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Step by step table setting in a restaurant for waiters is as follows:

1. The table is covered with a tablecloth so that the ironed folds are in the very center of the table.
2. Next, place the plates and necessary cutlery. The serving plate is placed first, followed by a plate for hot dishes and salad. On the left side, diagonally from the main plate, place a flat pie plate along with a butter knife, approximately so that the distance is at least 5 cm.
3. Next, lay out the cutlery knives, forks and spoons (if necessary). The main cutlery KNIFE and FORK, in turn, are snack bars and cutlery. Snack cutlery differs from cutlery cutlery in a smaller size and is used for serving with cold dishes and snacks. A fork with a recess for bones and a dull spade-shaped knife are called fish cutlery and are served when serving before serving fish dishes. There are also dessert utensils, which are smaller than snack utensils. They are served with desserts and fruits. There are also teaspoons, coffee spoons, and ice cream spoons.
4. Glasses are always placed on the right so that they are in line with the dessert cutlery. Standard set: main glass for water and drinks, champagne flute, wine glass.
5. Linen napkins are placed on plates and paper napkins are placed on the table.
6. The last things to be placed on the table are the spice utensils and a decorative vase with flowers.

Below is an example of serving for 1 person:

In addition, when serving dishes in restaurants, various utensils are used.

Meat and fish hot dishes, as well as poultry, are served on small dinner plates.

Dishes are brought on large round or oval plates, which are laid out on portioned plates.

Desserts are served in deep small plates or small snack bars. Fresh fruit is also served on snack plates.

I recommend reading Serving and catering for banquets

Guests are served fresh bread, buns, and toast on pie plates. Salads and pickles are laid out in square salad bowls, and the slices are served in herring bowls or trays. Sauce boats are used to serve sour cream, ketchup or sauces.

Properly organized table setting will allow all guests to enjoy festive dishes while receiving aesthetic pleasure.

If you have any questions or additions, welcome to comment on this article.

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About the author: Nikolay Vilkov

Since 1996, he has gained vast experience working as a waiter, bartender, and administrator in cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. I have experience working at banquets, buffets, outdoor events, I know many colleagues in the catering industry, and I am the author of a video course for waiters.

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Table setting with figures

Traditional and irreplaceable elements of table decor are various figures made from napkins, mini-figurines and candles. There are many design options, but most often the figures are selected in accordance with the theme of the holiday. It would also be correct to use vases with bouquets of flowers.

Glass table setting

The glass table is beautiful in itself. When serving it, using a tablecloth is not very convenient, since it will constantly slide and slide. We focus on some tips that will help you decorate a holiday table with a glass surface.

Textiles on the table in the form of napkins are a must. This will ensure the elimination of unpleasant glass sounds when using cutlery and dishes and unpleasant sensations when touching a cold glass surface.

It is worth focusing on the elegance and beauty of the serving. Textiles will help hide the part that is visible through the tabletop, that is, the knees and legs of guests. In addition to standard napkins, the glass tabletop can be covered with a tablecloth.

Serving tips

Finally, I would like to note some rules that have a certain meaning in serving:

• If the meal is not finished, the cutlery is arranged in the following way: the handles are placed on the table, and the ends rest on the serving plate.

• If there is a need to leave the table, and the process is not yet completed, then the cutlery is placed crosswise on top of the plate in this way: the fork’s tines point to the left, and the tip of the knife to the right.

• In the case when the meal is finished and are ready for the next dish, the knife and fork are placed parallel to each other slightly to the right, approximately in the position of the clock hand on the numbers 4 and 5.

• If you are finished with the soup, then place the spoon in the serving plate, which symbolizes your readiness to consume the next dish.

• A napkin on a chair indicates that the guest has left for a while, and if it is left to the left of the plate, then the meal is over.

6 ways to fold paper napkins (1 video)

Interesting examples (88 photos)

Table setting without knives. Knife and fork.

Table setting varies depending on the nature of the meal: breakfast, lunch or evening service to guests. For breakfast, a vase with paper napkins (or linen ones), a pie plate are placed on the table, a knife and fork, and a teaspoon are served. The pie plate is placed to the left of the place where the dinner or snack plate should be. The fork is placed on the left, horns up, the knife is placed on the right, with the blade to the left of the place intended for a dinner or snack plate. A teaspoon is placed behind it. Snack plates are not placed on the table, because breakfast dishes are served already placed on appropriate plates (they need to be served if the appetizer or breakfast dish is served in a salad bowl or ram, etc., since it is not customary to eat from such dishes). For quick service during the day at lunch, a substitution plate is placed on the table and a snack bar is placed on it, a pie plate is placed to the left of it, a table fork is placed between them, and a table knife and a spoon (table or dessert) are placed to the right of the plate; The wine glass is placed in front, behind the table knife. There should also be a vase with paper napkins or linen napkins on the table, which are placed on snack plates and spices. The distance from the edge of the table to the handles of the cutlery and the snack plate is 2 cm, and to the pie plate - 5 cm. Snack or dinner plates are placed only when dishes are served in dishes from which it is not customary to eat. During such a meal, it is allowed to use oilcloth on the table instead of a tablecloth or cover the tablecloth with film. When setting a table for a leisurely lunch or dinner, place a snack plate exactly opposite the chair at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table, and to the left, 5-10 cm, a pie plate. Between them, place a snack fork and a dinner fork, tines up, and to the right of the snack plate - two knives: a table knife and a dinner fork with the blade facing the plate. A wine glass is placed behind the appetizer plate to the right; Place a folded napkin on the plate. Place salt and pepper in the middle of the table. A vase of flowers is also placed in the center of the table. If the table is set for four people, place an ashtray on the corner or on the side facing the aisle. When serving dishes, the serving is supplemented depending on the nature of the dishes.

Other Dinners Heavy sauces should not be poured onto the food but placed on a plate next to it, but liquid seasonings will be poured directly onto the meat and he is not allowed to "dump", that is, pick up the sauce in the dish with a piece of bread. Cookies or bread should not be used in coffee, tea, chocolate or wine. To eat fish, do not use a regular knife: if there is no fish, use only a fork and you will help with a piece of bread. Eggs, all soft foods and salad are eaten only with a fork. One cannot refuse the food offered, even if they do not like it.

There is a misconception that beautifully setting the table should only be for guests. Simplified eating conditions are acceptable during picnics, travel and hikes, but they do not need to be practiced at home.

For everyday dinners, pastel-colored linen or cotton tablecloths are best. You can also use plastic tablecloths and various napkins that are quite easy to use. The set of basic dining utensils for one person includes: shallow and deep plates, dessert plate or bowl, spoon, fork, knife and teaspoon.

When you don't want the glass to be filled, don't cover it with your hand, But you just nod. You should always say "please" and "thank you" when you ask the nearest diner to pass something. Do not use toothpicks to remove pieces of food that have fallen into your teeth. It is unbearable to apologize to other guests and go to the bathroom for a minute. If this happens to find hair or something dirty in the dish, it is removed as carefully as possible so that other diners do not notice the accident.

Enthusiasts will not imitate anything and will not investigate this incident. You should never smoke at the table. Those who can't resist asking the landlord's permission may light a cigarette before dessert. Here are some tips to make a good figure in any situation, from an informal dinner to a gallant waiting for a long time. First rule: Place your forks on the left side of the dish, placing one of the most exotic appetizers, then one for fish, and then the regular one. The reeds should be turned upside down, not to the French side.

For dinner, the table is set as follows: small plates are placed, dessert plates or bowls are placed on them, and cutlery is laid out. If you will only use a spoon and fork, they are placed on the right side of the plate.

If you need a knife, then the fork is placed on the left side, and the knife and spoon on the right. The knife is placed with its tip towards the plate, and not towards the neighbor at the table. Place a teaspoon or dessert fork over a shallow plate. The soup is served either in a deep plate or in a special soup pot. Soup is always served on the right side. If a salad and a hot dish are served for dinner, then small plates are placed first, and dessert plates are placed on them. If a hot dish requires a knife, then the fork is placed on the left side and the knife on the right.

Instead, the knife should be positioned to the right of the plate, with the blade facing inward. Right after you put it on the fish and then finally spoon it. If the starter uses a knife, place it to the right of the spoon. In one case the fork may be placed correctly: if oysters were on the menu. If you plan to do two seconds, you will need to replace the blade.

If any of your guests were left behind, you could do whatever you wanted by changing the position of the cutlery. In this case, only the fish knife is really useless: it cannot be used in any way. If you have a sweet or fruity one ready at the end of the meal, place the cutlery on top of the plate, perpendicular to the other. The knife and spoon will have a handle to the right, and the fork will have a handle to the left.

If only a fork is needed, and a knife is needed only for greasing the bread with butter, then both utensils are placed on the right side. If you are serving compote for dessert, which contains fruit with seeds, then the bowl is placed on a saucer. Place a teaspoon or dessert fork over the plate.

The paper napkin is folded diagonally and placed on the left side of the plate next to the fork. If coffee or tea is served in a coffee pot, cups and saucers are placed in advance. If tea or coffee is poured into cups, then they are served on a tray, along with a stack of saucers. Then, when serving, a teaspoon is placed on each saucer. Sugar is served on the table in a sugar bowl with a teaspoon or special tweezers. You can serve milk or cream in a milk jug.

Some fruits are an exception: bananas and cherries can be eaten without cutlery, such as strawberries, as long as they are served whole. The same goes for a piece of salami or a piece of Parmigiano, especially if it's an informal dinner. For dinner with friends who are friendly and uncompromising, you can use paper dishes: in this case, it would be good to use plastic or cardboard cutlery. In fact, these dishes are only recommended for regular lunches.

What are cutlery used for the first time? Those that are more exterior for the dish, rising to each reach. In the case of dinner or lunch only from the first and second, placing two equal forks makes the table less banal. If you decide to take a break to exchange two chats or simply put your feet together, you'll leave the cutlery with the tip in the dish. When dinner came to an end, you would instead leave him paralyzed at eight to twenty.

SERVING EXAMPLES FOR A TWO-COURSE MENU

A deep plate is used for the main course. The dessert plate is served later as needed. Cutlery is arranged in such a way as to avoid confusion in its use: the knife and fork lie next to the main dish and, accordingly, are intended for it. The dessert spoon lies behind the plate with the handle facing to the right. If wine is served, then on the right behind the knife there is a corresponding glass for white or red wine. If several drinks are served (beer, juices, water), the remaining glasses should be placed in the same place. In this case, a deep plate intended for spaghetti sits on a large stand. A bread plate is a must with Italian dishes. Spaghetti is eaten with a spoon and fork, so the knife is replaced with an appropriate utensil, the dessert spoon lies in the same way as in the previous case, and the butter knife lies on the bread plate. Water is always served with Italian dishes, so a glass of water (mineral, for example) should be in the first position, closer to the dish. The wine glass is located on the top left behind the water glass.

Knowing how to stand at the table doing the right thing is a less and less common quality. Nowadays people only think about their comfort. Moreover, the “culture of the galaxy” has almost disappeared, indicating how to behave on various occasions, especially at the table. Just because some people respect certain rules that may be considered outdated, it is important to know these concepts, especially for a waiter or bartender whose class and grace must be at least above average. Conservative practice is that bartenders and waiters serve people who do not know how to speak and criticize them very harshly.

If the menu includes several dishes that require the use of separate appliances, proceed as follows. A table knife is placed closest to the plate, a fish knife to the right next to it, and a snack knife last. By the way, if you serve butter with bread, then place a small butter knife on the bread plate (or pie plate), which should be located to the left of the fork. If soup is served, the soup spoon is placed between the snack knife and the fish knife. It can be used instead of a fish knife if a fish dish is not provided. On the left side of the plates there are forks corresponding to the knives - table, fish, diner. The distance between the devices should be slightly less than 1 cm, as well as the distance between the plate and the devices. The ends of the cutlery handles, as well as the plates, should be 2 cm from the edge of the table.

Posture, movement, gesture

Now you are the customer and these are just basic rules of etiquette that are considered by educated people even while eating and drinking. Simply placed at the table, the napkin should be placed on your feet; When you finish eating, you place it on the left side, not crunching it, but bending it. You eat with the fork in your left hand and the knife on your right, between your thumb and forefinger, without “grasping.” The spoon is delivered to the mouth from the tip, avoiding suction; When the soup is finished, you can tilt the plate towards the center of the table. If you need to put down cutlery while you're still eating, place pots in place with pointed tips; If it is finished, the cutlery is placed side by side in the plate, as the clock hands point to 4 or 6. The food is cut a little at a time: it is forbidden to cut it completely, then cut it with a knife and eat it only with a fork in the right hand. Before drinking and drinking, you clean your mouth with a tissue. The bread did not break the broken tagliatoma without collapsing on the table. The fruit is cut with a knife and fork, and in any case, touch it as little as possible with your fingers. In the case of seeds, they pass carefully from the mouth into the half-cracked hand and from the hand, opening it slightly onto the dish; The large, crunchy berries of the fruit are then placed from the mouth onto a fork or onto a spoon. on the plate. No toothpick is used on the table. In case of emergency, the waiter should use it in the bathroom.

• It is forbidden to place a towel on your neck to avoid getting dirty.
• The knife should never be brought into the mouth.

Covered means everything that is placed on the table for each diner before customers arrive: towel, glasses, cutlery, any placeholder plate and bread.
Alcoholic drinks are provided with their own dishes, which are placed next to the wine glass, to the right of it. When there are several items for drinks, the wine glass is moved to the left of the center of the plate, and next to it, to the right, the rest of the items are lined up on the same line. But it is not customary to place more than three items in one row. When fully served, drink items are arranged in two rows. The distance between objects should be at least 0.5-1 cm.

The starting point for placement is the center, which can be a towel or a placeholder plate above the napkin. After the center has been laid, it is necessary to place the cutlery on the table first, after the glasses; finally, a bread plate with a possible knife. The carriages and spoons are located to the right of the lid, always at the same height at a distance of 1 cm from the edge. The knife blade faces the center, then the left. On the left are forks to rise: the first inward about 1 cm from the edge of the table, the second from the left a little higher, and the third to the same height as the first, 1 cm from the edge.

SERVING EXAMPLES FOR A FOUR COURSE MENU

There is a deep plate and a soup cup on a stand. The soup spoon lies on the right along the outer edge, then a knife and fork for appetizers. The knife and fork for the main course lie next to the plate. Remember, guests always start eating with cutlery that lies on the outer edge, and then take cutlery towards the plates as they change dishes. Next: the dessert spoon is placed behind the plate. A glass of white wine, which is supposed to be used for appetizers, is located on the top right behind the soup spoon. If water is served, the glass for it is placed on the left behind the glass for wine. And finally, the red wine glass for the main course is placed in a straight line above the other glasses.

Sometimes dessert cutlery is also used, otherwise they are placed on the table shortly before they are used. If this is provided immediately, the cutlery is placed above the stove at the height of a large knife: under the knife with the tip to the left and the blade down, above the fork with the knife to the right. If you use a small spoon and fork, the latter goes down to the right and over the spoon to the left. A single fork or spoon goes both left and right. Remember that dessert cutlery should only be arranged for special service needs, usually at banquets; in general, you avoid placing them and you will never be in an a la carte deck.

How to place cutlery on the table

Before composing cutlery, it is good practice to give the top of the cutlery a quick polish as a guarantee for shiny cutlery.
You bathe a small portion of the serving napkin with vinegar and wring it out to just make it wet; He holds the open napkin in the opposite hand to the one used to place the cutlery on the table, and you have a small amount of cutlery in your hand; Using your free hand, cut the cutlery one at a time and place them on the table, making them first between the thumb and pointer of the person holding the cutlery, where the lightly moistened part will be to polish the cutlery. Obviously, polishing slows down the cutlery and can be omitted if you are confident of a perfect clean or perform a full review and check before starting the mass. Several plates can be used for a festive feast. First, a serving plate (or stand for the dish) is placed, which can be made of a different material, but must be combined with the service. A plate for the main course is placed on it, and a snack plate on top. The plates should be placed strictly opposite each chair at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge of the table. In this case, the center of the plates should be on the same line. The dessert plate is served later as needed. The pie plate (bread plate) can be placed so that the edges of the plates farthest from the edge of the table are in line with the serving plate.

The execution of cutlery makes differences depending on the type of installation. Knives: Grasp the left side of the blade with your left hand; Forks: Hold straight on your right hand and place them with your left hand; The most experienced, dedicating two large forks to the table, take them at the same time and place them on the table with one. passing; Spoons: Stay straight on your left hand and place your right hand. When the center of the cover is only a napkin, placing the bag in place may put the cutlery too close to the center, so that when the napkin takes up the space and the napkin is replaced by a flat plate, the first cutlery will end up under the edges of the plate.

Cutlery is laid out immediately after arranging the plates. If there are a large number of knives, forks and spoons, then start with the cutlery for the main course. Knives are placed on the right side, with the blade facing the plate, forks are placed on the left side, with the tip up. The soup spoon is placed with its spout up, next to the knife. If the menu includes several dishes that require the use of separate appliances, proceed as follows. A table knife is placed closest to the plate, a fish knife to the right next to it, and a snack knife last. By the way, if you serve butter with bread, then place a small butter knife on the bread plate (or pie plate), which should be located to the left of the fork. If soup is served, the soup spoon is placed between the snack knife and the fish knife. It can be used instead of a fish knife if a fish dish is not provided. On the left side of the plates there are forks corresponding to the knives - table, fish, diner. The distance between the devices should be slightly less than 1 cm, as well as the distance between the plate and the devices. The ends of the cutlery handles, as well as the plates, should be 2 cm from the edge of the table.

In this case, it is important to have the first domestic cutlery - usually a large fork and knife - a little from the napkin. A rotten napkin, which takes up more space in width, avoids this possible mistake. It is extremely important to follow the rule of placing glasses after finishing all the cutlery, especially if the utensils are also needed for desserts, to avoid having to move cutlery or glasses due to incorrect positions or lack of space, with a great loss of time.

Consistency in arrangement

If the preparation of the lid is done during service, it works differently, using a tray, plate or cart. On the table, cutlery should be used starting from the outside, so on the outside, in the furthest place from the center, we will find cutlery for the appetizer, then closer to the first and finally inside the lid, on the sides of the napkin or plate, for the second. As a result, when the waiter places the cutlery, start there. which are used last, which should be placed inside the lid near the center; so first place the cutlery on the second, then the first on the first and finally on the starter; for the last possible dessert cutlery.

Next, glasses for drinks are served. In Zepter drink glasses, any type of drink retains its own original taste, since there is no chemical reaction between the material from which the glass is made and its contents. Due to the thickness of the glass and the quality of the material, light and temperature also cannot affect the quality of the drink.

Once you've finished your cutlery, smooth out your glasses. Since the bread plate is always located to the left of the lid, there are differences in the height at which it should be placed, as a result of company or layout choices, or space requirements. Below you can indicate possible saucer positions, using the edge of the table or the tip of the first large fork as a reference.

A significant distance from the stack becomes necessary because the second fork is located higher. In addition to porcelain plates, small steel or silver plates coated with centrino can also be used. Environment Before you choose accessories to put in your desk, make sure the room is spotless by re-dusting and vacuuming. Keep in mind that a good sense of space is important to enjoying your meal.

For each drink there is a specific type of glass. Glasses are served behind a plate, closer to the middle of the table, parallel to its length or in an arc, starting from the largest in size. Or the glasses are placed in two rows so that the large glasses do not cover the smaller ones. The distance between glasses should be at least 0.5 - 1 cm.

A napkin is an indispensable attribute of table setting, which is laid out immediately after placing drink glasses on the table. There are many ways to roll napkins, both simple and requiring some skill. Folded napkins are placed on each guest's appetizer plate. In some cases, linen napkins can be replaced with paper ones.

The final touch to the table setting is the arrangement of cutlery with spices, vases with flowers and other decorative elements. Utensils with salt and pepper are placed in the middle part of the table on special stands. If there is a need for it, the device with mustard is placed nearby. You can also place bottles of vinegar, vegetable oil or hot sauces next to the spices.

And, of course, only flowers will add a festive touch to the table. Plants must be spotlessly clean; petals, leaves and pollen must not be allowed to fall onto the table. Flowers can be placed on the table in any flat dish or low vases so that the bouquets do not obscure the people sitting at the table or the dishes for which the setting was carefully selected.

You will be able to experience the beauty that you create yourself. Products from the Home Art line will help turn your table into a work of art. All you have to do is enjoy the holiday in a sophisticated, refined atmosphere.

Layout of cutlery and plates on the table:

1

- serving plate;
2
- plate for the main course;
3
- snack plate;
4
— table fork;
5
- fork for fish dishes;
6
— fork for meat dishes (snack bar);
7
- table knife;
8
— fish knife;
9
- tablespoon;
10
— knife for meat dishes (snacks);
11
— pie plate (bread plate);
12
— butter knife;
13
— dessert fork;
14
— dessert spoon;
15
- glass for strong alcoholic drinks served with appetizers;
16
- glass for dry white wine served with fish dishes;
17
— a glass for dry red wine served with meat dishes;
18
- glass for champagne served with dessert;
19
— glass for mineral water.

Each type of table setting has its own characteristics. However, there are several general rules, following which will help you make the table not only beautiful, but also comfortable.

After the tablecloth has been selected and laid out, tableware is placed on the table: for each guest, a snack plate is placed exactly opposite the chair at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table, and a pie plate is placed 5-10 cm to the left. Or they put a small dinner plate down, a snack plate on it, and a pie plate to the left of them. Cutlery for guests is placed symmetrically; individual napkins or plates should not protrude from the common row. The distance between adjacent plates should be at least 60-80 cm. Place a decoratively folded napkin on a snack plate. A set of spices is placed symmetrically in the middle of the table, and if there are enough of them, then opposite each pie plate.

A snack fork and a dinner fork are placed between the plates, tines up; to the right of the snack plate are two knives, a table knife and a snack knife, with the blades facing the plate. The cutlery is laid out in the order in which the dishes are served, away from the plate. Knives and forks should not be placed under the sides of the plate, nor should they touch each other.

If hot fish dishes are expected, a fish fork is placed between the forks, and a fish knife is placed between the snack and table knives. The soup spoon is placed to the right of the plate, next to the knife, with the indentation facing up. It should be borne in mind that the table is set for no more than three sets of cutlery (the fourth, for example, fish, can be placed on a snack plate under a napkin). The butter knife is placed on the right side of the pie plate.

Sequence of table setting

Dessert cutlery is placed in front of a small table or snack plate in the direction from the plate to the center in the following order: knife, fork, spoon. Often they put only one of the cutlery or a pair - a knife and fork. The spoon is usually placed with the indentation up, the handle to the right, the fork - with the tip up, the handle to the left. Sometimes dessert cutlery is placed behind glasses.

Table setting scheme with dessert cutlery

The wine glass (glass) for the drink for the main dish is placed against the knife blade. To the right and a little lower, place a glass for a drink with a snack. In general, glasses and goblets are placed to the right of the wine glass in the order corresponding to the order in which the dishes are served: vodka or bitters, fortified wines are served with appetizers; for hot dishes - dry or semi-sweet table wines; for sweet dishes and fruits - champagne. Sometimes, for convenience, drinkware is placed in two rows, for example: in the first row, from left to right, a wine glass is placed, next to it - a glass or glass for wine (white or fortified), then a glass for vodka, and in the second row - an additional glass for champagne and a glass of red wine.

Examples of arrangement of glasses and glasses.

KB - red wine glass; BV - white wine glass; Ш - champagne glass; B - glass for water; VK - water cup

Table decoration - flowers and fruits. For fruits, place one vase of several tiers or two or three ordinary vases. Flowers or floral arrangements are placed in the center of the table or symmetrically in several places on the table. It is not recommended to place flowers in pots. More details about table decoration are described in the “Design” section.

When placing dishes on the table, snacks in tall dishes (vases) are placed closer to the center of the table, and in low dishes - closer to the guests.

More serving examples:

Breakfast

Dinner

Family dinner

Formal dinner

Buffet

I will note right away that there is a compromise in these diagrams - teaspoons and dessert forks are laid out at once. Although, according to etiquette, it is usually assumed that the utensils for tea, coffee and dessert are laid out after a change of dishes.

The basics of behavior at a gala reception have evolved over centuries; they are the same in any restaurant and are understandable to the service staff. Properly placed knife, fork, spoon are the main...

The basics of behavior at a gala reception have evolved over centuries; they are the same in any restaurant and are understandable to the service staff. Correctly positioned knife, fork, spoon are the main signs for service personnel during a meal. Sometimes, if you don’t adhere to the rules and leave the place for a while, then when you return, you can find an empty table, the fact is that you have signaled to the waiter that you have finished your meal. There has long been etiquette regulating how cutlery should be laid out and understandable to the employees of the establishment. The waiter considers that you have completed your meal and removes the dishes. Therefore, it is important to learn all the signs used in restaurants and at special events. There are only five basic signs for putting cutlery down after eating. Remembering them is easy and simple.

Pause

Various hot snacks at a gala reception or in a restaurant change periodically. But sometimes you need to take a break between meals. In this case, the knife and fork need to be folded towards each other, their handles rest against the table top, remember that the knife should be on the right and the fork on the left. Then the waiter will not remove your plate, and you will continue your meal when you return.

Second course: waiting

Many people notice that you always wait longer for the second dish; this is understandable: it takes time to prepare it. This is tedious, and the question arises of how to put down the knife and fork when the salad or appetizer is eaten. A gesture that is important for restaurant workers, especially when you are in a hurry, will help here: items should be folded crosswise directly on the plate; this sign will be immediately clear to the waiter.

Compliment to the chef

Did you like the food at the restaurant and want to give a compliment to the chef? Remember the rule of how to place your fork and knife after eating in this case: parallel to each other, the end of each utensil should point to the right, and the handles to the left. The wait staff will understand that you are familiar with restaurant ethics and will tell the chef that his dish is highly rated by the customer. Perhaps you will receive a compliment from the chef in the form of an additional dessert.

Completion of lunch and please submit the bill

Lunch is over, you're ready to pay, it's worth showing it. You need to correctly position the fork and knife with which you ate on the table. In restaurants, any waiter serving a table will understand this. They are placed parallel to each other, with the handles towards you, and the ends away from you and always upwards. This one shows that lunch or dinner is over and you want to pay.

Didn't like the dish

Among the rules on how to put down a knife and fork after eating, there are gestures that are not always pleasant for the establishment; it would be good to know them. For example, you didn’t really like the food and you want to tactfully convey this to the staff. Simply thread the knife through the tines of a fork. Everything is simple and clear.

European rules are not much different from American ones. If you are dining at a gala reception and a toast is being made, do not put the cutlery on the plate, but leave it on the table - and you can’t go wrong. How to put down cutlery after eating photos of such gestures will help you remember them better. Simply leave items not used during the meal where they were.