Table setting rules: 8 tips on how to properly set the table, photos and ideas

Correct table setting types and features of how to set the table

A beautiful table setting for a holiday, business dinner, children's matinee or any other type of feast will be different in design, because each topic has its own table setting rules.

So the children's setting of the festive table should be not only beautiful and bright, but also convenient for children.

You can arrange spoons for children instead of forks. So the kids will eat calmly and easily, and their parents will not worry about their safety.

Obviously, a fork is a sharp object, and children are still fidgets. Children's table setting can be decorated with children's figurines, balls, multi-colored napkins, and dishes of unusual shape.

Children's table setting is often done using plastic or paper dishes in bright colors. So it is more fun for children, and less trouble for mom.

Festive table setting for the New Year or Valentine's Day takes into account not only the rules of table setting, but also the special atmosphere of these holidays.

Therefore, the table setting for New Year's events, as well as the romantic table setting of the feast, can be done in bright colors, for example, red with decor symbolizing the spirit of these events.

New Year's toys, tree branches, cones, small gifts, original New Year's figurines - all this is a beautiful table setting for the New Year.

Rose petals on the table, red tablecloth and napkins, many flowers and floral decorations, hearts, etc. - such decor can be present if you are looking for ideas on how to set the table in a romantic manner.

Business table setting, of course, will be more restrained and calm in design, because although table setting should make those sitting at the table appetite and desire to relax, table setting for partners or business people should not distract from the purpose of the meeting.

Wedding table setting is gorgeous. Today, there are so many ideas on how to set the table for a wedding that young people can combine several of their favorite options to organize a grand feast.

The wedding table setting supports the overall theme and color scheme of the wedding party.

The wedding table setting will definitely not lose if you decorate the wedding table with bright accents, for example, bouquets of multi-colored tulips, delicate wildflowers, mysterious roses.

Wedding table setting

A big celebration like a wedding, on the other hand, needs an exquisite focus of taste and creativity. Styling comes first here. The conceptual solutions of the modern interpretation of serving sweet food are breathtaking, so if you decide to run without previous experience, be careful - this process is worth the maximum effort, namely:

Themed decoration for the style of the general atmosphere, even for the style of the bride and groom;
Tablecloth and drapery should be natural and match the color scheme with the main thematic objects;
It is fashionable today on the wedding dessert table, small inscriptions, figures dedicated to the solemn event of marriage. The bride and groom are in the lead role;
Use miniature but expensive dishes. You can't eat a lot of sweet goodies;
If you intend to make a real excellent and status celebration - order a chocolate fountain and a machine for making delicious ice cream. The effect is guaranteed.

The rest of the serving of dishes and table setting does not differ from the usual.

Festive etiquette is like a business card that the owner presents to his guest.How the table looks like, this and the initial opinion will be formed by the guest.

Accentuate the arrangement of objects according to the rules and then there will be no dissonance in opinions. Use the stylization of other countries, you will only benefit from this, since everyone will want to try something new for themselves, this will definitely remain in your memory.

Etiquette for children at the table

Table etiquette - eating

How to set the table correctly

It doesn't matter whether it will be a festive dinner or lunch with relatives, according to the existing rules of etiquette, serving is carried out in a certain sequence:

a tablecloth spreads on the table;
the plates should be in front of the chairs;
then the line of cutlery, glasses, wine glasses and glasses;
the next stage involves the arrangement of dishes;
put napkin holders, sets for salt and spices;
the table is decorated with beautiful decor elements.

The main requirement is that the tablecloth must be perfectly ironed and absolutely clean, otherwise even a perfectly laid table will look sloppy.

Basic table setting rules:

The plate should be in the center of the chair, an indent of 2 cm should be observed from the edge of the table.If several dishes are planned to be served for a birthday or other celebration, then it is permissible to put a deep plate on a shallow one. Pies are 10 cm on the left hand.
Cutlery is placed with the tip up around the plate. The blade of the knife should be facing the tableware. The right side is for the knives, the left for the forks. For dessert, the soup spoon will be above the plate, otherwise on the right side. Festive table setting is not complete without a knife, a snack fork, and fish cutlery. The permissible distance between tableware and cutlery is 1 cm.
On the right side, space is allocated for dishes for drinks. If water and wine are served at the same time, then the one that is more suitable for the served dish is placed closer and it is located on the line of intersection of the plate and the first knife. The number of items for each person should not be more than three.

Another important detail of serving are napkins, they are paper and linen. The first ones are put in a napkin holder, they are placed not at such a distance that it is easy to reach with your hand

Linen is placed in a deep plate.

There must be a set for spices on the table. The containers only need to be filled halfway. It is better to add horseradish and mustard to the meat dish.

Nuance: let only the necessary devices be on the table.

The family, as a rule, always spends weekends together at home. It is on such days, with the help of competent serving, breakfast, lunch and dinner can be given a special warm atmosphere.

The number of cutlery is influenced by the theme of the event, the declared lunch program and the number of guests.

Let's consider the possible schemes:

Breakfast. Snack plates are placed first, then cups, saucers and spoons. The latter are placed in the center of the table. For eggs, special coasters with long legs are served. For porridge, put a deep plate, for baking - a wide one. A small butter knife is a must. And of course there should be a napkin holder with napkins.
Dinner. As a rule, the first course, second course and dessert are served for lunch. Therefore, for a family meal, you need to put more appliances than for breakfast. Here you will also need additional devices (shovels, spoons, forks). The deep plate is placed on the diner, and the dessert plate is brought after two dishes have been eaten. It is worth taking care of knives for fish and meat.
Dinner. The table setting for an evening meal is almost the same as the morning table setting. Dessert plates are immediately placed, on the right side of which the cutlery is placed. Candles in candlesticks are placed on the table to create a romantic atmosphere.

How to lay a tablecloth

The textiles on the table set the tone for the entire table setting.A tablecloth as a background can emphasize the solemnity of the moment, or vice versa, spoil the mood. Therefore, it must be impeccably clean, intact and free of scuffs. It is checked in advance, washed and ironed.

According to the general rules of table setting, the tablecloth is chosen in accordance with the occasion of the celebration:

Formal reception requires a white damask cloth. This is the name of a linen or cotton tablecloth woven with shiny convex patterns. You can replace it with a smooth linen or linen, but damask looks more solemn. A soft lining is spread under the main tablecloth so that cutlery and plates do not knock when serving and during the meal. For this purpose, felt or felt cut to the size of the countertop are used. For table setting at home, you can use a sheet folded several times.
A gala dinner in an old mansion or a room designed in the style of a "noble nest" can be decorated with a lace or embroidered tablecloth. However, do not choose bright and lush patterns.
For quiet family celebrations and setting a festive table at home, light, elegant, and sometimes bright embroidery is more suitable. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the pattern is located strictly symmetrically relative to the contours of the table.
Modern etiquette allows the use of colored tablecloths, matched to the porcelain and napkins. However, it is undesirable to get too carried away with bright colors. Soft pastel shades, selected taking into account the style of the room, decor and the occasion of the celebration, will look good. For example, in a sunny dining room, bluish and greenish tones will add coolness, and shades of yellow will warm you in the winter cold.
Colorful, brightly colored tablecloths will be more than appropriate for a children's party or themed party. Table setting with juicy tones is acceptable for breakfast or tea drinking.

Formal reception
Gala dinner
For family celebrations
For children's parties

Iron the tablecloth before use, even if it has been stored very carefully. Traditionally, vertical and horizontal folds are smoothed out on it, passing strictly in the center. When placed on a table, they should divide the tabletop into four equal parts, aligning the center of the furniture with the center of the canvas.

How to properly cover the table with a tablecloth:

shake it over a piece of furniture to form an air gap;
combine the centers of the table and tablecloth;
place so that the corners of the canvas cover the legs, and the edge drops 30-50 cm down (less is not aesthetically pleasing, more is inconvenient).

At the end ends of the dining table, the tablecloth may hang slightly lower, unless guests are sitting there. For a buffet table, a fairly long tablecloth is usually used, since there are no seats at the table. However, she no way the case should not touch the floor.

Varieties and subtleties

Serving can be different. Its features are determined by the time of day and the characteristics of the festive event. Minimum items are served for breakfast, so the number of appliances may be limited. Dinner requires a lot of utensils.

For breakfast

This is the simplest option. To properly serve the table, it is worth putting on small plates. Next, place glasses and cups, saucers with teaspoons. When using butter dish, it is worth putting in an extra spoon. A bowl should be placed on top of the snack plate. You can eat porridge from it.

On weekends, breakfast includes tea. Therefore, a kettle or a coffee pot is placed in the center of the table. Original napkins are used to decorate the table. It is also permissible to use flowers.

For dinner

Lunch table setting is presented in different versions. It is influenced by the number of dishes and their composition. It is recommended to lay a white tablecloth on the table, place plates on top.

If dishes are served that cannot be eaten from the common container, they additionally put a small plate. The devices should be positioned based on the recommendations of the etiquette. For decoration, use napkins folded in an original way. A salt shaker and other devices for spices must be placed on the table.

Full evening

Family members and friends can be invited to dinner. To ensure convenience and comfort, it is worth considering the design of the table to the smallest detail.

For the celebration to go perfectly, you should adhere to a number of rules:

Lay down a clean and well-ironed tablecloth. It is recommended to choose a dense product. This avoids the ringing sound when the dishes are dropped.
Choose items that match colors. All components must be included in one set. The dishes must be crystal clear.
Unopened bottles of alcohol must not be placed on the table. It is recommended to serve alcohol in open containers and pour it directly into glasses. Textile napkins are placed near the glasses.

Banquet

This setting resembles a full evening. At the same time, there are certain peculiarities. It is recommended to place shallow plates at a distance of 1 centimeter. They begin to do this from the central part. First, the plates are placed on one side, then on the other. These items should be located opposite each other.

It is recommended to put saucers for snacks and pies on the plates. Next, it is worth placing the devices.

A characteristic feature of the banquet feast is the use of special name cards. They contain information about the participant in the celebration. Such cards are placed on the left side of the glasses.

Buffet

This type of serving is gaining popularity. It is often used for private parties or informal meetings with business partners. Often, buffets are also organized at official celebrations.

Serving can be one- or two-sided. They are characterized by certain features. In the first situation, the table is placed near the wall and decorated only on one side. The second option is used for anniversaries, wedding parties, corporate events.

When organizing a buffet table, it is worth observing equal gaps between the devices and other elements. First, glass and crystal dishes are placed on the table. Then vases with flowers and alcohol are placed in the center. Often a separate table is used for drinks and snacks.

Coffee shop

The coffee service depends on the drinks. Strong coffee made on the stove is poured into porcelain cups. You should definitely use one set. To create the perfect drink, you can use the geyser coffee maker.

When serving coffee, the cups should only be 2/3 full. This will give guests the opportunity to pour cream or milk. With this type of serving, 3 items are used - a cup, a spoon and a saucer. Additional details include a dessert plate. It is for sweets or fruits.

Tea room

The main dish is placed in the center. They put a pie on it. A cup, saucer and the required utensils are placed next to each guest. Dessert plates are often used. Teapots are placed at the edge of the table. When using a samovar, it is placed in the central part.

What is it for what?

There is a wide variety of serving items. Most of them are not used at home every day, but they may well be needed to organize a banquet or a festive dinner.

Plates

About 35 of their species are known. However, the most commonly used are:

Soup. A deep bowl serving not only soups, but also muesli, milk and cereal or oatmeal. But broths, according to the rules, are not served in such dishes - special bowls are provided for them.
Dinner plates. They are shallow and deep. Small ones are used to serve second courses, and pasta and other pasta dishes are applied to deep ones.

Pie. Bread, croutons or butter are served on it.Place it on top and slightly to the left of the main kit. A small butter knife is placed on top of it.
Kokil. Outwardly it resembles a mollusk shell. Designed for salads or oysters.
Fish. Slightly stretched out for easier handling of fish dishes.

In addition, there are plates of caviar, egg, dessert, salad bowls and many others. In addition, there is also such a variety of plates as serving. It is placed under a plate for appetizers, soups or main courses.

Goblets

Most often, glasses and wine glasses are used as dishes for drinks. They can be different in shape, volume and have a different purpose, which should also be taken into account when preparing to meet guests:

Classic elongated glasses with a volume of 120-200 ml are intended for champagne sparkling wines. served for exquisite champagnes. It must be refrigerated before filling.
A glass slightly different from the classic with an increased volume, with a slightly narrowed neck, is served for refined sparkling wines. It must be refrigerated before filling. And they fill it no more than 2/3.
For white wine, glasses with an elongated bowl on a narrow stem, with a volume of 180-260 ml, are used.
Red wine is poured into wider, open glasses.
Cognac glasses can have a classic shape (snifters) or a tulip shape.

Liqueur glasses, vodka glasses, beer glasses are also used - everything here will depend on the preferences of the guests and the proposals of the hosts.

Cutlery

Over the years of evolution of the art of cooking and serving, no less than plates, cutlery has appeared. All of them are usually divided into main and auxiliary (they are also called serving devices).

The former are intended for individual use. The second is used by all participants in the meal. They serve for dividing and cutting dishes into portions, laying them out on individual plates.

The main devices, in turn, are subdivided into:

Canteens. They are used for soups and main courses. The set includes a knife 20-24 cm long, a fork and a spoon, which are 5-6 cm shorter than the knife.
Snack bars. Designed for snacks and cold dishes. Consist of a knife and a fork.
Fish. A set of slightly modified fork and knife. The fish knife is blunt, in the form of a spatula. The fish fork has shortened prongs.
Dessert. Fork-trident 18-19 cm long, a small spoon and a knife with a narrow blade. Served with pies, mousses, puddings and other desserts. Dessert spoon can also be served with fried eggs and berries with cream.
Fruit. These include a two-pronged fork and a knife. They are used for fruit salads, melons, watermelons, and unpeeled fruit desserts.

In addition, special cutlery designed for certain dishes (for example, a fork for oysters, sprats or lobster) may be served.

How to decorate a table for a holiday

Festive table setting for any event, a few tips for organizing a festive table. It is not enough to cook delicious dishes to make the holiday a success, you also need to decorate the whole room, the table and not forget to dress up yourself, while being able to convey the mood of the holiday. Therefore, it is better to study everything in advance, provide for and present the guests with an impeccable table. Is it possible to surprise guests without unexpected decor, intricate name cards, compositions with candles? But observe the measure, as busting with trinkets will look clumsy and chaotic.

Let's start decorating the table with the selection of tablecloths and napkins. Choosing accessories and jewelry for them, decide in what color scheme everything should be done. Do not lose sight of the fact that the tablecloth with the dishes should be harmoniously combined. If you still don't have a suitable tablecloth that would fit your favorite set, then perhaps you can arrange a piece of ordinary fabric on the table as a tablecloth.This tablecloth format can be matched to any tableware, you will have the opportunity to change it every time and not repeat it. If the tablecloth is monotonous, add a catchy set with flowers to it. You can complement such a set with matching ribbons. Tablecloth and napkins made in the same style look great. A non-new tablecloth can be enlivened with tulle placed in the center or ribbons crossed in parallel weaving across the table. Use Lurex only if your holiday will take place in the evening, when the lights are on in the house. From this, the shiny fabric will shine advantageously and fill the atmosphere of the table with sophistication.

Secrets of etiquette from aristocrats

Getting into an exquisite restaurant or an event where many respected people are present, you want to make a good impression and present yourself in the best possible light. To do this, you should know a few secrets that will help you behave correctly at the table:

Sit down at the table correctly, with your back straight, facing the table. After landing, there should be a distance equal to the width of your palm between you and the table.
Use the napkin correctly. Fold a large rectangular napkin across so that one end is twice as long as the other, and fold it in front of your knees. This will cover your clothes and can also wipe your mouth and hands.
To prevent lipstick from leaving marks on the glasses, first remove it from your lips. If you don't want to remove the lipstick before drinking, discreetly lick the edge of the glass, creating an additional "barrier" for the lipstick.
Bakery products should never be bitten. Gently break off a small piece directly on the pie plate while holding the piece with your other hand. Butter for spreading on bread must be taken with a special knife. At the same time, take the required amount of the product and put it on a pie plate, and only from there spread it on the bread.
Oddly enough, according to the rules of etiquette, it is not advisable to wish other guests “bon appetit”. This applies when you are going to a restaurant or cafe. According to the norms of etiquette, wishes of bon appetite can only be expressed by the chef.
According to the rules of good taste, salad should be eaten only with a fork without using a knife, which can be used only as a last resort, when you need to hold on to a piece of treat. In no case should you slice the salad on a plate.
The elbows should be pressed to the body. Never place them on the table, and also watch your posture.
When using the soup, do not hold the spoon sideways, but with the sharp end to your mouth.
While drinking tea, do not hold the cup in the usual way, sticking your finger into the hole, but holding it by the handle with your thumb and forefinger.
Try not to come to the event hungry. This way you won't miss out on everything and look good.

Table setting is divided into several types, depending on the nature of the event, as well as several styles, in accordance with the surrounding interior. Following simple tips and tricks, you can set the table without any difficulties and appear before guests as an attentive and hospitable hostess.

Serving order at home

It is recommended to take into account many peculiarities when serving. First of all, the order of the elements on the table is of particular importance.

Tablecloth

The serving process begins with the choice of a tablecloth. If you are planning a solemn event, you should give preference to brilliant materials. For a laconic table, coarse linen is well suited.

The material must be clean and ironed. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to cover it with oilcloth. The canvas should be placed so that it drops by at least 25 centimeters. The material should not hang below the seat. An overly long tablecloth will cause discomfort.

Plates

A decorative plate is placed in the center.It is worth keeping a distance of at least 2 centimeters from the edge. Place dishes for soups or snacks on top. For a puree soup, a bowl of soup will work. If you plan to serve clear broth, use a cup.

Cutlery

The devices are placed along the edges of the plate. They are also placed on top. It is recommended to place the forks on the left. They are directed horns up. Knives are placed on the right, directing the blade towards the plate.

A device is placed on the edge, which will have to be used first. Therefore, objects for snacks are put farthest.

In the absence of dessert, a tablespoon should be placed on top of the plate. If a sweet dish is provided, the appliance is placed to the right of the knives. Dessert items are placed over the plate.

Glasses, wine glasses, glasses

It is recommended to provide separate containers for drinks. Cognac or red wine is poured into voluminous glasses. Small glasses are suitable for white wine. Champagne is drunk from tall and narrow wine glasses. At the same time, cocktail glasses are often used for juice. Water is often poured into them.

It is recommended to place a glass for water 50 centimeters from the end of the knife. Then a wine glass is placed at an angle of 45 degrees from the edge of the table. A vodka glass can be placed in the same place.

Napkins

Guests are given individual napkins. It is recommended to fold them beautifully at the end of serving and place them on a plate for appetizers. There are many methods for folding this element.

Decor and decoration

To provide the guests with a good mood and set them up in a solemn mood, it is worth using stylish decorative elements.

It is important to maintain a sense of proportion. Such additions should not interfere with the arrangement of dishes.

A statuette can be a stylish addition to the table. Candlesticks will look very attractive. They should be paired with sophisticated dishes and glasses.

Flowers are considered a good addition to the festive table.

At the same time, it is important that they look harmonious and do not create inconveniences. Therefore, the bouquet should not be larger than the tallest glass

If you are planning a themed celebration, it is recommended that you select the appropriate accessories. For the New Year's table, decor in the form of spruce branches, balls, tinsel is suitable.

Serving fruit on a festive table

Before you start serving the table with fruits, you need to prepare small sharp knives for slicing. It would be nice to stock up on tools that allow you to cut out curly elements.

Further, when making a fruit plate, we adhere to certain rules:

Using bananas and apples, pre-sprinkle 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.

Nuts, mint leaves or flower petals are used to decorate the plate.

The fruit should be served in a beautiful dish.

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

You can put fruit slices on a plate in different shapes. Most often they use the silhouette of a firebird, a butterfly, a tower. A children's dish is laid out in the form of a fairytale hero. On the anniversary with fruit, you can lay out a significant date. Table setting at home, the photo of which is presented below, will tell you the options for decorating fruit slices.

In the video: 5 life hacks how to cut fruit beautifully.

Festive table setting

The hostess should prepare for the festive meal with special effort and take care of all the details that decorate the table. Here, the main thing is not only the classic rules of table setting, but also the combination of colors and the sense of style of the owners of the holiday.

What rules should be followed when setting a festive table?

Napkins and tablecloth

The color and color of things can be chosen according to your choice, but it is important that both the napkins and the tablecloth are combined with each other.In this case, you can use the common white color or light shades of blue, blue or green.

For a romantic dinner, red, burgundy or pink tablecloths and napkins will be most suitable. It is better to construct unusual geometric shapes from napkins, or simply roll them up in the form of a tube and decorate with a satin ribbon.
Cutlery and crockery sets. The banquet table will go well with dishes of an unusual shape: geometric shapes, beautiful curved handles. A set of white porcelain dishes will look best on the table. If the tablecloth and napkins on the table are also white, then you should choose dishes decorated with a kind of border.
Candles. This table decor is well suited for wedding or romantic feasts; for a birthday, it is better to use candles only on the cake itself. It is also important to remember that the candles must be placed in a special candlestick. It can have a narrow shape and great height, or the candles can be in bowls filled with special water and flower petals.
Bouquets of flowers. For a harmonious decoration of the table with flowers, you need to choose vases of the correct shape and type. Tall types of vases are best used for birthday bouquets. For setting the table, low vases will be more appropriate, which will not interfere with guests looking around. You also need to take into account the smell emanating from the flowers, it should not be too harsh and should not interrupt the smell of dishes.
Unusual compositions. Various fruit compositions will look beautiful and unusual on the festive table. Depending on the season, outside, you can decorate the table with spruce, mountain ash, pine cones, sea stones and sand. Such unusual compositions can later be used to decorate the house.
Birthday table setting. For a birthday party for children, you should pick up plastic dishes and choose only those cutlery that do not have very sharp ends. The tablecloth for the table should be cheerful and colorful, you can choose the one on which your favorite cartoon characters will be depicted. You can put a small present next to unusual napkins. If a girl celebrates her birthday, then you can arrange various bouquets of flowers on the table. However, you should not overdo it with flowers; it is better to add more balloons or garlands. Also, near each chair there should be a sign with the name of each little guest, this will help to avoid various problems in the process of seating at the table.