• In this material we will consider the rules of informal serving, that is, those that are appropriate for receiving guests at home in everyday life and on holidays.
• Serving at home depends on the occasion, time of day, theme and menu, but in all cases the purpose of serving is the same - to arrange the dishes and appliances so that it is convenient and pleasant to eat.

Based on this goal, table setting rules were invented. In everyday life, you need to observe all these canons only in the most solemn occasions, but once you have learned their essence, you can set the table yourself for any occasion - from a romantic dinner to a family New Year's celebration.

Before you begin, take a look at two sample table layout schemes. As you can see, it is much easier to set up a home holiday table for guests than at an official reception!

So how to set the table? We made a step-by-step instruction in a certain sequence, describing each of the steps. In short, the most convenient procedure is as follows:

• Tablecloth - Plates - Cutlery - Glasses - Napkins - Decor (a vase of flowers, candles, thematic decorations).

Keep in mind that a few days before the event you need to solve all organizational issues and prepare:

• Decide on the number of persons, draw up a menu, tidy up the tablecloth, check the quantity and quality of napkins, dishes, appliances, think over the decor.

On the day of the reception, wipe all dishes and utensils clean, and then proceed to set the table.

Step 1. First we make a tablecloth

The main thing here is to make sure that the overhang of the tablecloth is no more and no less than 20-30 cm. The overhang will look uglier in shorter and longer - uncomfortable for those sitting at the table.

As for the color, you can choose either a win-win and traditional white, or lay any option you like, supplement it with tracks and sidekicks as shown in the photo.

And here are examples of festive table setting at home and without a tablecloth at all.

Step 2. Putting the plates

This part of the “serving” theory will be the most extensive. After all, the composition and combination of plates depends on the planned menu, the number of guests and the scale of the holiday.

According to the classic table setting rules, several plates can rely on one person:

• Substitution large plate (serving) - for the day and everyday table it is not necessary, also some serving styles (for example, rustic) allow its absence. The photo below shows examples of serving with and without a plate.

May also be needed: medium (snack), small (pie or dessert) and a deep plate for soup.

• According to the canon, the appearance of the deep plate depends on the type of soup. For thick, choose a wide one (photo on the left), for a light broth or cream soup - a bowl with or without handles (photo on the right). But this is just that rule, which can be completely neglected.

As for the arrangement of plates, snack or deep plates are put on the substitution plates, dessert and / or salad plates are placed on the left as shown in the picture on the right. This place may also contain a tea pair, a pie plate or, for example, a bowl for eggs on the occasion of Easter. The photo below shows the options for the holiday serving and the composition of the plates.

• Plates should be placed at a distance of 1.5-2 cm from the edge of the table and at the same distance from each other;
• So that the snack plate does not slip on the counter, between them you need to put a paper or textile napkin as shown in the photo below.

Step 3. Put the cutlery

Now proceed to the layout of the devices. They are placed on the sides according to the number of changes in dishes (with the concave side to the table):

• To the right of the plates are knives and spoons;
• On the left are forks;
• You can put a teaspoon on top.

Festive table setting at home does not require a large number of special knives, forks and spoons. Most often, one knife, one fork and a couple of spoons (for soup and dessert) are enough.

But if necessary and desired, you can additionally serve the table with special forks, knives and spoons as shown in the following photo selection.

You can learn more about the rules for arranging devices in the next video tutorial.

Step 4. Put glasses, wine glasses, glasses

Next, behind the plates, to the right, put the glasses from larger to smaller. Depending on the available drinks and preferences of the guests, glasses for water, red / white wine, champagne and / or a glass for juice, strong drinks and a glass are displayed.

Step 5. Serve the napkins

For especially special occasions, napkins can be folded beautifully and artistically on a plate. For all other cases, there are no strict rules for serving napkins. They can be put in a glass for water, put under a snack plate, put into rings, tie with a ribbon and decorate.

If you are setting the table not for the holiday, but, for example, for dinner, then you can put napkins on the side of the plate under the forks as shown in the photo below.

Step 6. The final touch - table decor

Hooray, almost done! It remains only to decorate the festive table with flowers in a vase and thematic decorations. On New Year's day it can be cones, rosemary and fir branches, on March 8 - flower buds, and on Easter - hares and pussy-willow branches. The theme of table decor should be paid more attention in a separate article, but for now we offer a look at the photos of beautifully decorated tables in different themes and styles.

Easter table setting

And a little about the arrangement of dishes

In addition to serving cutlery and crockery, you need to arrange the dishes themselves with food. Here is a short memo on how to do this beautifully and correctly.

Well that's all. We wish you successful practice and happy, sincere holidays!

Feasts are part of everyday culture, we are used to setting up a festive table for the New Year and birthdays, weddings and March 8th, and even just inviting guests to tea. Caring for delicious and varied dishes, we often forget about such an important part of the holiday as table setting. And it doesn’t matter if you are preparing a gala evening with several dishes or setting dinner for family members, consider basic serving rules   tables for all kinds of feasts.

WESTWING not only loves beautiful dishes and stylish table decor, but will also be happy to tell you how to present them correctly in order to comply with all the rules and at the same time pleasantly surprise guests. Simple recommendations will help you quickly understand the basic requirements of serving and inspire you to creative table decoration.

Basic table setting rules

Many people think that the rules of table setting are limited by the correct arrangement of appliances and utensils, but in fact they also include general recommendations on the appearance of the table and chairs and even the order of serving dishes.

General table setting rules that will help you give the table a festive look:

• Table setting starts with arrangement of chairs   for every guest. The distance between the chairs is 50-80 cm, each guest should be allocated equal space at the table.
• The table should not look overloaded. On it should be located only those plates, devices and glasses that are suitable for a specific serving of dishes.
• Serving is determined based on the meals planned, the number of guests, the time of day and the occasion for the feast. So, wedding table setting a large number of guests will be different from lunch in a country house in a narrow circle of friends.

Now let's take a closer look at all the serving steps.

Table setting rules: tablecloth

Table setting starts with a tablecloth. The classic option is snow-white tablecloth   on a table made of dense quality material, such as satin. Other colors of the tablecloth are allowed if they correspond to your decorating idea and have something in common with dishes or decoration, but the main recommendation is that the tablecloth be light: beige-pink, cream, soft blue and other pleasant neutral colors.

The main rule of table setting: the tablecloth should be washed, clean and properly ironed. It serves as a backdrop for your stylish serving and dishes, so it should not be distracting. If the tablecloth is too thin or slides on the table, a thin flannel fabric can be placed under it. She will also drown out the clatter of appliances and glasses on the table. Plastic and oilcloth tablecloths for a festive table setting are not recommended.

Tablecloth size   calculated on the basis that its ends should evenly hang down 25-30 cm, but not below the seat, and the corners should cover the legs.

Table setting rules: plates

Plates are placed on a neatly spread tablecloth. Please note that all dishes should be from the same service. In the center of each place is the lower plate, which serves as a stand for a plate with snacks and hot dishes and serves primarily decorative purposes. It is located at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table.

On top of it is placed snack or soup plate, depending on which dish you serve first. To the left of the snack plate, a small plate for bread and butter is placed diagonally (it is also called a pie).

At each change of dishes, plates are replaced so that guests do not have to eat dishes that are dirty and not suitable for a particular type of dishes. Any feast involves at least one change of plates, and sometimes three or four.

Table Setting Rules: Cutlery

Most often, it is the correct arrangement of the cutlery that causes the most questions when serving, although simple rules apply here.

1. Knives are always placed on the right side with a blade to the plate, forks are placed on the left side with the tip up.
2. If the menu includes soup, then the soup spoon is placed next to the knife with the nose up.
3. Butter knife   put directly on a patty plate.
4. Knives and forks depend on the type of food served. There is a snack couple of forks and knives, a dessert, as well as a knife for fish and meat.
5. The knife and fork for the appetizers are placed around the edges, since the feast usually begins with appetizers. Thus, further from the plate are placed those devices that will be used first. When changing dishes, the appliances are removed along with the plates.
6. Next comes the time for appliances for the second course. Knives differ depending on whether fish or meat is served; often both types of knives can be found. Fish knife   It has a rounded point.
7. Dessert set: leg, fork and spoon - are placed immediately behind the plate parallel to the edge of the table. Put the knife and spoon for dessert to the right with the handle, and the fork with the handle to the left.

Glasses and table setting

As you know, each type of drink has its own glass. Your task is to correctly place them on the festive table. Glasses are usually located to the right of the plates in one line at an angle of 45 degrees to the edge of the table.

Since each type of drink is also served at a specific meal time (aperitif, main drink, dessert drink, digestif), the glasses are cleaned along with plates and devices. The only kind of glasses that always remains on the table is glass for water. Glasses should be in the order in which drinks are served, with the farthest glass being used first.

The complete set for table chevron includes the following glasses:

• Glass for water
• Champagne glass
• White wine glass
• Red wine glass
• Cognac glass
• Glass for vodka
• Glass for liquor

Each of these glasses has its own unique characteristics, which allow him to fully reveal the taste and smell of a specific drink. Therefore, use the appropriate glasses for all served drinks!

How to set up a festive table: napkins

For napkins, the same high demands are put forward as for tablecloths. They should be perfectly clean, ironed, preferably white or creamy and pleasant to the touch. It is recommended to choose napkins made of natural materialsas they come in contact with delicate facial skin and may cause allergies or irritation.

Traditionally, a rolled-up napkin is placed to the left of the plate or directly on the snack plate. Make sure that the napkin is neatly folded, for this you can use special napkin ringsthat will give the table a formal and solemn look.

Knowing the recommendations for table setting, you can easily apply them in any situation, creatively adapt to your holidays and decorate the table with flowers, candles and fruits at your discretion, without violating the basic rules.

Table setting using jewelry

The main decoration of any event are, of course, flowers. It is worth listening to the rules of table setting for decoration both on holidays and in everyday life. For flowers to please the eye, follow some simple guidelines:

1. Make sure that none of the guests are allergic to the flowers that you have chosen for serving.
2. Do not use strong-smelling plants for serving. Mixed with the aroma of dishes, it can significantly spoil the appetite.
3. Place the vase so that the fallen petals do not fall into the food.
4. For a table, choose vases that will not interfere with the communication of guests. These can be low devices for small compositions or vases with a thin high leg.

If you follow the rules table setting, then special attention should be paid to the choice of textiles. In addition to rectangular tablecloths and napkins, table linen includes stand-up skirts, naperons, chair covers and round tablecloths on tables. When choosing textiles, you need to rely on the case in which the event is organized, the place and format of its holding. One of the main criteria is also a combination of textiles and tableware.

How to set up a breakfast table

For breakfast, cut the bread and serve it in a wicker basket or a special plate with a napkin. Oil is served in an oiler. Sausage and cheese are cut into thin slices. Jam and jam are served at a jam outlet. On the table I serve a breakfast plate, a glass for juice and a mug for tea or coffee.

Table setting for lunch and dinner

For lunch and dinner use dining rooms, snack bars and patty plates, a table fork to the left of the plate, a table knife to the right. Wine glasses and glasses are placed near the knife on top. Also, do not forget about the napkin holder with napkins.

Tea table setting

A tea table is set with a bright tablecloth and a tea or coffee set is beautifully arranged. To the right of the diagonal from the dessert plate put a cup and saucer. To the right of the plate put a spoon and a fork for desserts. The slot is decorated with flowers in a vase. Coffee and tea are served when everyone is seated at the table. They serve cakes, pastries or pies, sweets and other desserts.

Etiquette at the table: what is unacceptable

• Do not use a napkin as a handkerchief or towel.
• It is not customary to wipe dishes or cutlery with a napkin; it is better to ask for clean ones.
• After the meal is over, you do not need to try to give the used napkin its original appearance and fold it. You just need to put it next to the plate.
• Napkins do not need to be laid behind the collar, but put on your knees in an expanded form.

You can visually familiarize yourself with the rules by the photos that are presented on the website of the WESTWING shopping club. Here you can also choose for yourself beautiful high-quality textiles and exclusive dishes for a feast. If you use the WESTWING tips, your guests will be pleasantly surprised.

Russia, Moscow region, Moscow +79041000555

How to set the table

It takes ~ 8 minutes to read

Have you ever wondered what is the main sign of the hostess's attention to her guests? Of course, this is the correct table setting. Unfortunately, not all housewives know how to do this. Many people think that beautiful table setting takes a lot of time. However, this opinion is erroneous. Knowing and observing certain rules, you can create a festive mood not only on holidays, but also on weekdays.
  To create an unusual table decoration, you can attract households. Most likely, they will like this occupation, and you will save time and effort.

Save

It is wrong to assume that in ordinary life you can not bother, and all the difficulties of decoration are used exclusively for holidays. Psychologists say that the mood and taste perception of food depends on the appearance of the dish and the table as a whole.
  Table setting at home differs from the solemn smaller number of appliances and decor details.

1. Take on board that the base plates should be required. Using them, you will avoid contamination of the tablecloth. Agree that sometimes it is very difficult to remove stains from borsch from it.
2. It is not recommended to replace the tablecloth with oilcloth. To make the table look “smart”, sometimes it is enough to lay a checkered cloth on it. Of course, everything should look harmonious and the tablecloth should be combined with the overall interior of the kitchen.
3. If your menu has a first course, then the presence of deep plates is required. It’s much easier to go around with a saucepan and pour broth on everyone than rush around with plates.
4. A bowl for the side dish should be under the deep plate.
5. In order not to constantly run after the forks and spoons, provide them in the right amount in advance.

Save

Why table setting is needed

Everyone will agree that it is much nicer to eat at a chicly served table. If everything is properly organized, then a daily meal turns into a holiday.
  It is not necessary to cook gourmet dishes, you can use the usual inexpensive products. The very idea of \u200b\u200bdecorating the dining table is important.
  Serving Planning for Specific Meals
  Introduce new traditions to your family. Due to the lack of time in the modern world, not every family can afford joint dinners. In this case, you can limit yourself to one general meal, which will take place in the evening.
  Not only for a festive meal, but also for a simple dinner, you can originally arrange a serving. Children will be happy to help you with this, as a rule, they are very fond of arranging plates and laying out napkins.
  At this table you can chat with all family members. The atmosphere of comfort is conducive to confidential conversations, everyone can talk about their problems or achievements. Such a tradition will bring a piece of joy into everyday life. After everyone gets used to gathering at home for dinner, you can start introducing weekend fees into family traditions.

Save

Table Setting Rules

1. You need to use the same devices.
2. Each dish should have its own serving.
3. When arranging objects, it is necessary to take into account that about 80 cm of space should be allocated for each person. This condition will make guests feel comfortable.
4. Plates are placed in the middle of the allocated space, at a distance of two cm from the edge.
5. When planning the serving of several dishes, deep dishes are set flat.
6. At a distance of 10 cm to the left of the person plates are placed for sweets or bread.
7. Spoons, forks and knives are placed with the tip up, on the right - knives, on the left - forks. If dessert is provided, then the soup spoon is placed above the plate.
8. Glasses and glasses must be placed on the right. If alcohol and water are served at the same time, then the container that should be combined with the first dish is put closer.
9. All dishes should be clean without stains and streaks. Before serving, wipe it with a dry towel.

How to choose the right tablecloth

A required attribute is a tablecloth. It can be both for everyday use, and for solemn. What recommendations do experts give when choosing a tablecloth?

• for the banquet, a tablecloth made of natural fabrics, preferably white, is used;
• for everyday dinner or lunch, you can use the acrylic attribute, it should fit the shape of the table;
• it is important that the tablecloth is a suitable length, it should cover the entire surface, and the edges should hang down by 20-25 cm.

Required condition!!! Any tablecloth should be clean. Therefore, you need to have several options available.

Plate layout

So, the tablecloth is laid out. Now you need to arrange the plates. The scheme is very simple. At the very center should be a decorative plate, it should not be too close to the edge. A plate for snacks is placed on it. If the menu has liquid dishes, then a deep container is also placed on a decorative plate. It is important to note that when serving the soup puree, a soup plate is served, and when serving the broth, you need to serve a cup. A plate for bread is placed to the left of the decorative one.

Instrument Location

Serving provides a certain arrangement of all devices. Everything must comply with etiquette:

• devices should be placed on the sides of the plates, in some cases they are placed on top;
• to the left of the main plate should be forks;
• the knives are placed on the right, their blades should be directed to the plate;
• above the plate should be a spoon for soup;
• a dessert spoon is placed on the right side, it should enclose a series of knives.

Important!!! The devices that will be used first should be closest to the plate. Devices for first courses should be the farthest. Keep in mind that all devices must be freely available for use.

How to choose glasses

For serving a festive table, it is very important to choose the right glasses. For each drink a certain type of wine glasses or glasses is provided.
  For red wines, cognac and brandy use "pot-bellied" glasses. And for wines from white varieties use small glasses. The tallest or narrowest wine glasses are for champagne. For juices and water glasses are served that are designed for cocktails.

Using wipes

How to set a table beautifully? One of the most important elements of decoration during the design of any holiday or banquet are napkins. A lot of techniques have been invented, following which you can create an exquisite and unusual composition from them. When choosing wipes, you need to pay attention to color. You can buy napkins of the same color with holiday candles.
  Wipes should be folded so that after unfolding they do not look too wrinkled. This decoration is placed on a plate for snacks. Using figures from napkins, you can make your table very stylish.

Save

Dinner table setting

1. Festive dinner with family. Beautiful candles and plates are laid out on the table, wine and light snacks are stocked. Later you can serve a hot meal, dessert and fruit. Remove the glasses, and instead place the cups and saucers.
2. How to set the table for a romantic dinner? A small table is set, at which two people sit opposite each other. Candles and flowers are required. A special fleur of romantic mood will add a tablecloth of dark tone.
3. For a theme dinner. You can serve dishes made from products that are grown in your country house. The table is decorated with compositions of vegetables. All dishes are simple, made from natural products.
4. For dinner with a friend. No extra details. A delicate tablecloth, a minimum number of appliances, light dishes. Perhaps slicing or seafood.
5. Dinner for friends. Friends come to visit for simple informal communication. Therefore, forget about the solemnity, everything should be simple. But of course, cook some delicious dishes

How to set a table for a children's holiday?

1. To make children feel like adults, cover them with a separate table.
2. It is necessary to maintain the design in one gamut. Better if you pick up any cartoon theme. She must be present in everything.
3. Disposable tableware is a real find for parents who need to organize a children's holiday. Just do not think that we are talking about simple disposable plates. In stores you can buy a very beautiful dishes made of durable plastic or special cardboard. Such dishes are very practical, because they do not beat. She is very beautiful, so the kids will be delighted with her.
4. Do not cook a variety of salads and meat dishes. This is a children's holiday, and children do not like to eat such a party. Surprise them with beautiful buffet snacks, this is exactly what they will like.

Save

Benefits of Proper Table Setting

If your family gets used to eating in a cozy and beautiful environment, then the food will be a real pleasure. Children will grow culturally, knowing the place of each item on the table. Evening gatherings at a beautifully laid table will unite your family. And this family tradition will be passed down from generation to generation.

Table setting at home is a whole code of etiquette. Each mistress should be able to maneuver in this creative sea and distinguish aesthetic nuances. Not everyone can afford to have a butler on their personal staff. Therefore, we must learn to host guests ourselves.

Holidays differ in the level of public perception of this event. Let's start with small household joys: name day, homeland, christening, dates from family history. Table setting at home depends on the number of guests.

  Family celebration

Such events may include both a large number of guests and a quiet family dinner. If you plan to arrange just tea gatherings, notify the guests in advance. The invitation "for tea" implies the absence of a strict dress code.

The hostess is the heroine of the festive table, regardless of who is the hero of the occasion. On the table you can lay a bright colored tablecloth. From personal devices, you can arrange only plates for pies and dessert accessories.

The hostess, sitting at the head of the table, pours tea and passes it to guests. In the center you can serve various desserts: berries and fruits, cakes, pastries, cookies or sweets. Jars with jam and honey are also placed in the middle.

The table is decorated with fresh flowers. You can put in the middle a small low vase with a bouquet or a flower arrangement on a wide dish. The original decoration of the tea table is a traditional samovar. Do not forget about the bright painted paper napkins. From alcohol, you can offer guests dessert wine or liquor.

  Children holidays

Children have a lot of events that can be celebrated: Birthday, first time in first grade, sports achievements - you can’t list everything. How to please the youngest households?

Setting a children's table at home implies a maximum of comfort and a minimum of fettering traditions. Children must laugh! Offer them many colors and sweets.

Everyone loves sweets. Therefore, a children's table is better to make dessert. Everything is very similar to tea gatherings. Just do not offer hot drinks. It is better to serve the table with juices or compotes.

For the children's table, you can cook bright colored jellies. Fruits should not be laid out in large crystal vases. You can make individual chocolate baskets and put assorted berries and fruit there: strawberries, apricots, grapes, raspberries, plums. Do not forget about cakes and sweets!

  Daily beauty

If you want your household to be energized daily and in a good mood, please them with gastronomic delights. Everyday table setting for dinner, lunch and breakfast is not much different from a democratic tea party. Only individual devices will be more. For breakfast, it is perfectly acceptable to set the table "for tea". But a family lunch or dinner is already a small event.

The tablecloth must be replaced with a multi-colored on a plain. Ideally, a snow-white starchy cloth. The tablecloth for dinner can be decorated with an ornament in the form of a wide strip along the edge.

The dining tablecloth should not hang more than 50-60 centimeters from the edge of the table. For lunch and dinner, linen napkins can be provided for each appliance. If you practice traditional family dinners, you can use table accessories such as napkin rings, silver and gold plated appliances.

Main dishes are placed in the middle of the table. You can immediately put cold snacks and hot. If the dinner is gala, then first an aperitif and appetizers are served, then the hostess's crown dish.

The mistress is the queen of dinner. She must know with all the nuances how to properly set the table for dinner or for her birthday. On an additional table place tureens and deep plates. Only small wide plates, cutlery, glasses and glasses are personally placed on the table. The hostess pours a hot dish and passes it to households.

This traditional option can be replaced by a more democratic one: put a tureen in the middle of the table, and deep plates - personally. Everyone serves himself.

Do not forget to decorate the dining table with fresh flowers. From alcoholic beverages, table wine, sherry, and vodka can be offered. Cognac at dinner do not drink. Port and beer are also excluded. Such drinks can be served with afternoon coffee or a pleasant conversation with fireplace .

Dinner is served as strictly as lunch. Only fresh flowers can be replaced candles   in high candlesticks   . Instead of crystal, you can put silver utensils on the table: common dishes, gravy boats, salad bowls. Evening is a time of soft shadows. Table setting should be consistent.

Be sure to place paper napkins on the table. But do not forget about linen! Guests unfold a napkin and lay on their lap.

If the wedding table setting at home is very dense, do not put fresh flowers. Better decorate garlands the room. At the wedding, it is advisable to invite staff who will change dishes. It is difficult for the mistress to keep track of all the guests.

Whatever celebration would be celebrated in your house, remember: the main thing is a good mood and a smile!