Table setting according to etiquette: basic rules and principles

Have you ever wondered what is the main sign of the hostess's attention to her guests? Of course, this is the right table setting. Unfortunately, not all housewives know how to do this. Many people think that a 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 household members. Most likely, they will like this activity, and you will save time and effort.

Table setting at home

It is wrong to think 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 of food depends on the appearance of the dish and the table as a whole.
Table setting at home differs from the solemn one in the smaller number of instruments and decor details.

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Take on board that stand cymbals are a must. By using them, you will avoid contamination of the tablecloth. Agree that sometimes it is very difficult to remove borscht stains from it.
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.
If your menu includes the first course, then the presence of deep plates is a must. It’s much easier to walk around with a saucepan and pour broth for everyone than to rush around with plates.
There should be a container for the side dish under the deep plate.
In order not to constantly run after forks and spoons, provide them in the right amount in advance.

What is table setting for?

Everyone will agree that it is much more pleasant to eat at a smartly set table. If everything is organized correctly, then the daily meal turns into a holiday.
It is not necessary to prepare gourmet meals, you can use ordinary inexpensive foods. The very idea of decorating the dining table is important.
Serving Planning for Specific Meals
Introduce new traditions into your family. Due to the lack of time in the modern world, not every family can afford joint meals. 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 arrange the serving in an original way. Children will be happy to help you with this, as a rule, they are very fond of arranging plates and laying out napkins.
At such a 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. This tradition will bring a piece of joy into everyday life. After everyone gets used to getting ready for dinner at home, you can start introducing weekend gatherings into family traditions.

Table setting rules

You need to use the same appliances.
Each dish should have its own setting.
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.
Plates are placed in the middle of the allocated area, at a distance of 2 cm from the edge.
When planning to serve several dishes, place deep dishes on a flat surface.
At a distance of 10 cm to the left of the person, plates for sweets or bread are placed.
Spoons, forks and knives are placed with the tip up, on the right - knives, on the left - forks. If dessert is to be served, place the soup spoon above the plate.
Glasses and glasses should 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 course is placed closer.
All dishes should be clean and free from stains and streaks. Wipe it off with a dry towel before serving.

How to choose the right tablecloth

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

for a banquet, a tablecloth made of natural fabrics, preferably white, is used;
for everyday dinner or lunch, you can use an acrylic attribute, it should fit the shape of the table;
it is important that the tablecloth is of 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.

Arrangement of plates

So, the tablecloth is made. Now you need to arrange the plates. The circuit is very simple. There should be a decorative plate in the very center, it should not be too close to the edge. A plate for a snack is placed on it. If the menu contains liquid dishes, then a deep container is also placed on a decorative plate. It is important to take into account that when serving puree soup, a soup plate is served, and when serving broth, a cup must be served. The bread plate is placed to the left of the decorative one.

Instrument arrangement

Serving provides for a specific arrangement of all devices. Everything must comply with the rules of etiquette:

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

Important!!! The fixtures to be used first should be closest to the plate. The devices for the first courses should be farthest. It should be borne in mind that all devices must be freely accessible for use.

How to choose glasses

For setting the festive table, it is very important to choose the right glasses. Each drink has a specific type of wine glasses or glasses.
For red wines, cognac and brandy, "pot-bellied" glasses are used. And for wines from white varieties, small glasses are used. The tallest or narrowest glasses are for champagne. For juices and water, glasses are served, which are intended for cocktails.

Use of napkins

How to set the table beautifully? Napkins are one of the most important decoration elements when decorating any holiday or banquet. A lot of techniques have been invented, following which you can create an exquisite and unusual composition from them. When choosing napkins, you need to pay attention to the color. You can buy napkins in the same color with holiday candles.
The napkins should be folded so that they do not look too wrinkled after unrolling. This decoration fits on a snack plate. Using napkin figurines, you can make your table very stylish.

Dinner table setting

Festive dinner with the family. On the table are beautiful candles and plates, wine and snacks. Later, you can serve a hot meal, dessert and fruit. Remove the glasses and replace with cups and saucers.
How to set the table beautifully for a romantic dinner? A small table is set, at which two people sit opposite each other. Candles and flowers are required. A special flair of a romantic mood will add a dark-colored tablecloth.
For a themed dinner. You can serve dishes made from products that are grown in your country house. The table is decorated with vegetable compositions. All dishes are simple, made from natural products.
For dinner with a friend. No unnecessary details. Delicate tablecloth, minimum amount of cutlery, light meals. Possibly sliced or seafood.
Dinner for friends. Friends come to visit for simple informal communication. Therefore, forget about solemnity, everything should be simple. But of course, prepare some delicious meals.

Table setting for a children's event

Organizing a children's event is always a special concern for parents. It is necessary to take care not only of the deliciousness of food and the beauty of serving, but also of the safety of the children.
How to properly set the table for a children's party?

To make children feel like adults, set a separate table for them.
It is necessary to maintain the design in the same range. It is better if you pick up any cartoon theme. She must be present in everything.
Disposable tableware is a real find for parents who need to organize a children's party. Just don’t think that we are talking about simple disposable plates. In stores, you can buy very beautiful dishes made of durable plastic or special cardboard. Such dishes are very practical because they do not break. She is very beautiful, so the kids will be delighted with her.
Don't cook a variety of salads and meat dishes. After all, this is a children's holiday, and children do not like to eat this at a party. Surprise them with beautiful buffet appetizers, this is exactly what they will like.

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 up cultured, knowing the place of each item on the table. Evening gatherings at a beautifully set table will unite your family. And this family tradition will be passed down from generation to generation.