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Alena Gievskaya
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Setting the table for dinner is an important step that cannot be ignored; the main thing is to use your imagination.
Why do you need serving?
The concept of “serving” came to us from France, a country known for dictating the rules of style and etiquette. If we translate the word literally, we get “preparing the table and items necessary for the meal.” Some people believe that serving is the job of people from high society, and that the average person has no time and no need to spend time on this.
Preparing the table for dinner
Why do you need serving for dinner? Here are just some of the main factors:
- Aesthetic satisfaction. People are designed in such a way that they always want everything around them to be “beautiful.” Sometimes we even unconsciously take some action to surround ourselves with things that please the eye. When the whole family gathers for lunch on the weekend, or has an official meal with business partners, or celebrates any holidays, this is all a reason to devote time to serving.
- Practicality. In some families, in which it is not customary to prepare much for dinner, someone has to constantly run for the necessary items. One will need another spoon, another will not want to drink compote from a small glass, the third will ask for more. When the table is well set, everything is in its place and everyone can enjoy the meal, pleasantly communicating with each other, without thinking that something is missing.
- Benefits for the stomach. No matter how strange it may sound, scientists have long proven the fact that a beautifully set table, and especially if it is accompanied by pleasant company, has a positive effect on appetite. A cozy atmosphere is not created on its own; it requires effort. And paying due attention to plating is a great way to do this.
Positive effect on appetite
Tablecloth
The tablecloth on the dining table should not be oilcloth; the option is fabric, preferably cotton. The oilcloth is intended for the kitchen; it is well suited for cooking, because you can easily wipe off dirt and water from it. Using it to serve the dinner table is not aesthetically pleasing.
It is better to choose tablecloths made of fabric
As for the colors, the tablecloth should in no case be splattered, look sloppy and attract undue attention. The main attributes of any table that immediately catch the guests’ eyes are the prepared dishes. It is best to choose a tablecloth in light, neutral tones, such as beige, but you also need to consider the color of the dishes.
Choose a tablecloth in neutral colors
It is important to pay attention to the preparation of the tablecloth: it must be washed and ironed so that there are no folds or creases in any place. It should also be true to size, the edges can hang down only to the level of the seats of the chairs, no lower. In the corners it should go down along the legs, evenly on each side.
She should go down the corners
If there is even a small stain on the tablecloth that cannot be washed or a hole, under no circumstances should you lay it on the table. Such a small thing can ruin the overall dining experience for guests.
What to set on the table
A table covered with a tablecloth always looks especially beautiful. It can be both everyday and festive. The fabric should be natural, preference is given to white.
It is important to choose a tablecloth that matches the interior and theme of the holiday.
For everyday dining, you can use an acrylic tablecloth that matches the shape of the table. It is important to take into account the size of the tablecloth; the edges should not hang down more than 20-25 cm.
A practical acrylic tablecloth is suitable for everyday meals.
Important! The tablecloth must be clean, so it is always better to have a backup option.
Dishes
The placement of plates plays an important role in ensuring the comfort of guests. Which ones to place depends primarily on the prepared dishes.
It is important to choose what kind of cookware you need
The basic rule when choosing the number of plates and their type is as follows: there should be so many of them that you do not need to eat two dishes from one plate and they should be such that it is easy to put food on and put it into the cutlery.
- The first plate is used for decoration and serves as a stand. It is not for eating and must be the right size. The table area per person is 80 cm according to standards, so the plate-stand should be placed exactly in the middle of this gap.
The first plate acts as a stand
- A plate is placed on top for the second course, and on top of it - for the first. This is a classic scheme, since almost any lunch menu includes a liquid dish and a main dish. If only the second course is served, then the option of placing both plates disappears.
- A plate for bread is placed on the left, closer to the top. It is called a “pie” and is used throughout lunch to put any baked goods on it.
Plates for baked goods
- It is necessary to decide whether table and snack plates will be used, as well as their quantity, based on the menu. If the appetizer is served in a dish that is intended to be eaten directly from it, there is no need to place these plates. If a cold or hot appetizer is prepared in the form of, for example, a salad, then you will have to prepare an additional plate.
Set out the salad plate
Once all the plates are prepared, you can move on to preparing the rest of the utensils you will need for lunch.
When placing the stand plate and others on top, you must remember safety. The minimum distance to the edge should be at least 2-3 cm.
Dishes
when changing several dishes, initially place several plates one on top of the other
Approximately 35 types of plates can be used when organizing a feast. The most commonly used types on the table are:
- Soup plate. Soups are usually served there. This is a deep plate. You can also serve muesli, oatmeal and other porridges, cereals dipped in milk. The soup bowl is not intended for serving broths. They are poured into specially designed bowls.
- Dining Plate. Such plates are divided into small and deep. Small plates are used to serve the second course. Italian pasta and other pasta dishes are traditionally served in deep plates.
- Pie plate. It is used for serving bread, croutons, and butter. The plate is placed on top and slightly to the left of the basic set of cutlery and dishes. A butter knife is placed on top of the pie plate.
- Chill plate. In appearance it resembles a shell. It serves oysters. Salads can also be served.
- Fish plate. This is a slightly elongated plate. It is intended for serving fish dishes.
plates of the same color scheme are the main rule when setting the table
In addition to these main types, there are also, for example, serving, dessert, egg, and caviar plates.
As the rules of etiquette say, the serving plate may differ from the rest of the set of dishes. It may be taken from another dish set or differ in color. However, try to follow the general color scheme: if white dishes are used for table setting, then red plates will add dissonance to the composition.
Devices
- The forks are placed to the left of the plate, strictly with their tines facing up. How many there will be and what type they will be depends on the dishes. The principle of laying out forks is simple: from right to left, in the order of use. For example, the fork for the second one will be closest to the plate (it is eaten first), next to it there will be snack bars, and then dessert ones.
- Knives and spoons are laid out according to the same principle as forks, but to the right of the plates. It is important that all knives “look” in one direction - towards the plate. Knives are laid out closer to the plate, followed by spoons.
Forks are placed to the left of the plate
There are also separate rules for serving cutlery with spices. The salt shaker should be 1/3 full and the pepper shaker ½ full, the container with mustard can be filled to the brim, and a spoon must be served with it. All liquid spices, olive oil, vinegar and others, are served in small sized bottles (usually 100-150 ml).
Don't forget about the spices on the table
Sauce bowls can be of different shapes and volumes; when serving them, it is important to make sure that the sauce is easy to scoop, and at the same time it does not stand open so as not to dry out. Both spice utensils and gravy boats should be located in the center. They should be in such quantity that everyone can reach the desired item.
Serve the sauce to the table
Glasses
Beautiful glasses always look luxurious and add a special chic to the dining atmosphere. The main glass that must be present is the one intended for water. It is placed above the knives, at a distance of about 7 cm above.
Glasses are displayed in order of need
The remaining glasses are set based on the planned drinks. A glass for juice (or compote) is placed closer to the first one, followed by a glass for wine. Even if you think that a particular guest will not drink wine, for example, you must supply the same number of cutlery for each person. This will avoid awkward moments and will not put guests in an awkward position.
We give everyone the same number of glasses
If children are present at the table, they are allowed to have separate glasses for juices; they can be painted or decorated with age-appropriate designs. In all other cases, it is recommended to use the same glasses, the same color, pattern and size for all guests.
Alcohol other than wine is rarely used at dinner. However, if the event involves the presence of other, stronger drinks, glasses and other glassware may be displayed, depending on the choice of alcohol. They are placed behind the main glasses.
Set depending on alcohol
Napkins
Using paper napkins when serving dinner is a sign of bad taste. They look appropriate when eating street food or when you are eating without guests, for example, herring. When a beautiful, or even more so festive, table is laid, cloth napkins must be present.
It is better to use cloth napkins
The main thing that napkins should be combined with is a tablecloth. There are many ways to lay them out in an original way, so simple envelopes or rolls are considered classic options. It is important to count them so that not a single guest is left without a napkin.
Variety of choices how to serve
An important role is played by stands, which can have different shapes and decor, which looks beautiful and rich. Never place napkins in a transparent glass, and it is also not recommended to use ordinary plastic coasters.
We arrange it in the form of an envelope
We pay special attention to the cleanliness of the napkins: they must be clean and ironed. If they have been used for a long time, it is quite possible that abrasions may occur; such items must be replaced. It is expected that guests will use cloth napkins to cover their laps, which means they must look decent enough to be safely applied to their clothes.
Cleanliness of presentation is very important
It is best to arrange cloth napkins so that there is one on each plate. Thanks to this, it will be easy not to miscalculate and guests will immediately see that they don’t have to think about the risk of getting their clothes dirty.
How the table is set in different countries of the world
- Italy
Vintage cutlery, fancy candlesticks, gold and silver. Some Italians place bread directly on the tablecloth, this is an old custom. The food of Italian housewives is simple and natural.
- France
The main serving style is romance. Lace napkins, white tablecloth, interesting runners. Without them, a true Frenchman will not sit at the table. Instead of a runner, you can find stoles, scarves, and pareos on the table. French tableware is characterized by elegance, vintage, and crystal tableware.
- Scandinavian style
Natural materials, environmental friendliness in everything, emphasis on texture. This universal style is suitable for a friendly meeting, banquet, or celebration. Often used to decorate Christmas lunches and dinners.
- Japanese style
This is an abundance of elements: bowls, chopsticks, cups, wooden coasters. The main course is soup, as well as rice with various additives.
- Kazakhstan
Bright napkins folded in the shape of a boat, colorful dishes, national ornaments.
- Russian style
Ceramic, wooden and painted utensils, clay pots, jugs create a national flavor. Otherwise, Russian food and its accessories are similar to European ones.
Decor and decorations
The simplest, yet at the same time, way to decorate a dining room is to place a bouquet of flowers in the center. It should not be a huge bouquet, because nothing should distract attention from the dishes, and the guests should see each other clearly. Therefore, it is better to use a small composition that looks stylish and aesthetically pleasing, and also fits into the overall design, especially in the color scheme.
Flowers will not be superfluous
A good rule for determining the acceptable height of a bouquet: it should not be higher than the tallest glass that is standing.
Themed decorations also look stylish; they are appropriate to use when lunch is dedicated to some holiday. For example, for Christmas, which in our area is considered a family holiday, you can arrange figurines of angels. It is important to ensure that no element interferes with the use and transfer of dishes.
Decorate according to the occasion
An excellent decoration is candles, which are used not so much for lighting, but to create a cozy atmosphere. Such a warm atmosphere will encourage guests to communicate, and it is not necessary to light them all; beautiful candles can simply be decorations.
General rules
- The best way to make a bad dining impression is to use untidy dishes. Therefore, it is important to check each device several times to eliminate any stains and other dirt that may remain even from ordinary water.
Be sure to check all the dishes before serving.
- It is best to use sets of dishes, rather than individual items that differ in appearance. If this is not possible, you can take several different sets, but choose them in such a way that they are harmoniously combined with each other.
- Chairs should be pulled out slightly to make it easy for guests to sit on them. The optimal distance is 40-50 cm from the edge. If appropriate, the chairs can be decorated with a fabric that matches the tablecloth. If it is made to order, you can take care of it right away.
Decorate chairs with fabric
- If tea or coffee is expected at the end of lunch, it is important to prepare dishes for them in advance, but do not put them out right away. It should be nearby so that, as soon as needed, the hostess can quickly put them out.
- Drinks should be located at different ends, and if they are in single quantities, then in the middle. Water, juice and compote are served in jugs. Wine and champagne are placed uncorked in advance, but this must be done at the very end of preparation, before guests arrive, so that the drinks do not go away.
Beautiful serving of alcoholic drinks
- When creating a menu and setting the dinner table, it is important to take care of the guests, because the hostess’s task is to organize everything so that everyone is comfortable. To do this, all those present must be warned in advance about the nature of the event, the theme, which will even affect the choice of their clothing. There are no small details when serving, so you shouldn’t save time on it.
A few rules
all cutlery must be arranged in a consistent manner
Before arranging dishes and cutlery, you need to check that they are intact and clean. This means that they must be free of cracks or chips, plaque or rust. Cutlery should not be bent.
Even the most stylish tableware should be wiped clean from dust and water marks . To do this, wipe it with a damp towel. Then the dishes are polished with a dry, clean cloth.
All cutlery and accessories are arranged in the same order. It is acceptable for the participants in the feast to have different utensils if the atmosphere is quite informal. You just need to remember that each guest must have all the cutlery from one set.
using vases with fresh flowers when setting the table
To set the table beautifully, you can use a wide variety of elements. A significant part of them is not used daily at home feasts. However, these elements will be needed when a festive dinner or banquet is organized.
