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Proper serving is always a sign of attention to guests, a way to create a festive atmosphere, and also an indicator of the artistic taste of the hostess.
- In this material we will look at 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 cutlery so that it is convenient and pleasant for the diners to eat.
Based on this goal, table setting rules were invented. In everyday life, all these canons need to be observed only on the most solemn occasions, but once you have mastered their essence, you will be able to set the table with your own hands for any occasion - from a romantic dinner to a family New Year celebration.
Before you begin, take a look at two sample table settings. As you can see, setting a home holiday table for guests is much easier than setting a formal reception!
So, how to set the table? We have compiled step-by-step instructions in a certain sequence, describing each of the stages. In short, the most convenient procedure is as follows:
- Tablecloth – Plates – Cutlery – Glasses – Napkins – Decor (vase with flowers, candles, themed decorations).
Keep in mind that a few days before the event you need to resolve all organizational issues and prepare:
- Decide on the number of people, create a menu, tidy up the tablecloth, check the quantity and quality of napkins, dishes, cutlery, and think about the decor.
On the day of receiving guests, wipe all dishes and cutlery clean, and then start setting the table.
And a little about the arrangement of dishes
In addition to serving cutlery and dishes, you need to lay out the food dishes themselves. Here is a small reminder on how this can be done beautifully and correctly.
OK it's all over Now. We wish you successful practice and happy, heartfelt holidays!
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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 set the table for tea: proper setting and festive decoration |+64 photos
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.
How to properly arrange dishes on the holiday table
Each housewife prepares many different dishes to surprise guests with her hospitality. However, one should take into account the fact that excessive abundance is quite difficult to place on the table, which leads to the following consequences:
- There is no place for guests to place their plate.
- Not enough space for food.
- It is impossible to reach all the dishes.
- The table looks sloppy.
- You won't be able to set the table properly.
Therefore, when planning a special event, you should initially make a list of dishes that you want to prepare. If you are planning an elegant reception, you should consider the possibility of setting the table three times:
- Serving hot dishes.
Table setting for hot dishes
- Separate table offering snacks.
Serving the snack table
- The final stage is when sweet dishes and desserts are served.
Table setting for serving dessert
You need to think carefully about setting the table at home for each stage. You should plan time for changing dishes and utensils. During this period, it is recommended to keep guests busy with something interesting.
Great attention is paid to the details of the placement of the main dishes. Salt and pepper should be placed in the central part of the table, with a small distance between them. Nearby, as a rule, mustard and special sauces are located.
Arrangement of salt and pepper on the table
The butter is served with a knife, and the mustard is supplied with a small spoon. The bread is placed on special plates, which are placed on opposite sides of the table. This way every guest can reach it.
Serving oil on the table
Cold appetizers must be positioned correctly. They should consist of fish, meat and vegetable types, which alternate with each other.
Cold appetizers on the table
If you serve drinks that are in bottles, then uncorked vessels are placed on the table. Experts are ready to give some advice regarding serving drinks:
- Fruit or mineral water should be placed in different places, opened before the start of the meal.
- Juices or fruit drinks must be poured into jugs and placed in several places.
- Decanters are used for vodka and fortified liqueurs.
- Cognac and wine should be served in original bottles.
Placing drinks on the table
If you have invited many guests, then you should follow the correct order of serving dishes. As a rule, the feast begins with the offering of cold appetizers. Salads and sandwiches are available.
Then the main course is served, which may consist of soup and a second course. The meal ends with dessert, which should be served at the very end of the event.
Every dish placed on the table must have a spoon. This offer will allow guests to freely put food on their plate. Don't forget to decorate the treats with herbs; you can cut out figures from vegetables.
Dishes are served to the table in a certain order
