Table setting for dinner. Table setting rules for dinner

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Unfortunately, the observance of the traditions of family dinners or lunches in our time is not as popular as it used to be. And this is due, perhaps, to a chronic lack of time due to the employment of working family members and their endless problems. But how nice it is to get together, for example, on Sunday evening, all together! Therefore, while waiting for family members or friends, it will be useful to know what the table setting should be for dinner.

Comfort is key

For some reason, many people associate the word "serving" with official receptions or some particularly significant events. It is generally accepted that table decoration is obligatory only on holidays. But the main purpose of serving is not at all elegant decoration and a huge variety of cutlery, but convenience when eating. Therefore, any preparatory work before the start of the meal can already be considered table decoration. Of course, serving is different - from everyday to festive. But this does not mean the need to follow all the rules and features every day. A huge plus, especially for the younger generation, will be cultivating the habit ofneatness, order and beauty. Let's figure out in order what the table setting for dinner should be. And on the example of some specific features, we will understand how easy it is to transform the decoration, giving it a touch of mystery and romance. Also, a few words will be mentioned about buffet receptions.

Pre-table setting for dinner

Long before the actual serving of dishes, some work needs to be done in the form of decoration. In fact, this will be considered a preliminary serving. It is followed by a performing one, with direct serving of dishes according to the menu. First of all, pay attention to what the table is covered with. If you are expecting guests, then, of course, you need to cover it with a clean, ironed tablecloth. Although it is advisable not to skip this stage of serving on weekdays. Use inexpensive materials with a colorful pattern for these purposes. Throwing a fresh tablecloth over the oilcloth will once again emphasize the accuracy of the hostess and her cleanliness. Moreover, in our time, having a modern automatic washing machine, it will not be difficult to regularly change the fabric coating to maintain hygiene. Also, related attributes in the form of flowers, napkins and various other accessories can be pleasant little things.

How to make a design?

What are the basic rules for setting the table for dinner? Let's list some secrets, the observance of which is desirable under any circumstances.

• Pay special attention to lighting, as dinner usually takes place inevening time. To do this, it would be best to place the table under the chandelier. Then both the faces of those present and the food will not be in the shadows.
• You can decorate the table in different ways, for example, adhering to a theme corresponding to the holiday. So, before the New Year's Eve, it would be appropriate to have small spruce branches, cones, candles or other fantasy compositions on the table. The main thing is that the total number of these items be used in moderation, and they do not interfere with the guests.
• The universal decoration of the table, of course, are flowers. Table setting for dinner in this part may not change at all after dinner. Place the bouquets in low vases so that they do not cover the faces of those present sitting opposite each other.

Napkins are an essential element of serving

Without them, perhaps, it is unthinkable to imagine any table. Napkins are one of the most important serving elements, the presence of which is as essential as, for example, forks or plates. Paper accessories are usually placed in the middle of the table in special stands or glasses. And linen napkins can be wrapped in the form of an intricate composition. Try to practice using one of the methods:

• Fan. Fold the napkin in half and unfold it across. Then it will form folds in the form of an “Accordion” from it. Place on a plate, fan-shaped on one side.
• Lily. Fold two opposite corners towards the center. Turn the item over. Fold the other two corners in the same way. Then turn the bottom folded edges outward to give volume to the composition.

Where should the napkin be placed in order to have the correct table setting for dinner? The arrangement of objects provides, first of all, convenience. Therefore, it is customary to put a napkin either on the device, or to the side of it.

Order of dishes

The dinner table layout usually includes the main course in the center. So, for example, it can be a Christmas goose or another meat dish. In the same case, if it is planned to be served hot, before inviting guests to the table, you can only serve cold appetizers. And after some time, place the main dish on a specially left free space for it. Vessels with seasonings are also in the center of the table or evenly alternating with snacks. Sometimes they put a pepper shaker and a s alt shaker near each appliance. If there are many guests, then hot dishes can be spread, offering each one in turn. Bottles with drinks are placed at the edges. You need to open them in advance, even before the guests sit down at the table. And do not forget that for dinner it will still be more useful to do with a smaller list of dishes compared to lunch, since it is not entirely useful to overload the body at night.

Instrument Locations

The easiest way is the usual table setting for dinner. The photo clearly demonstrates the daily arrangement of devices. The presence of one set of dishes (plate, knife, fork) meanslack of appetizers and additional second courses. If you have to set the festive table, follow these rules:

• When serving, they adhere to a symmetrical arrangement so that guests are located opposite each other.
• The type and number of devices should correspond to the menu and the general sequence of dishes, but, as a rule, there are usually no more than three.
• When serving snacks, the outermost knife and fork are used, lying on the sides of the plate. For the second dish - the following in order.
• For dessert, a spoon, knife and fork are located in front of the plate itself.
• Snack plates on top of the main dishes are removed along with the same knife and fork before serving the main dish.
• If the menu has several second courses, plates are replaced.
• Drink glasses are in front of the plates.

Serving sequence

Usually, everyday dinner starts after setting the cold appetizers and the main dish on the table. Therefore, it is not provided for serving with additional devices. A meal is somewhat different when changing several dishes at ceremonial receptions and festive events. First, cold fish appetizers are served - caviar, aspic, pates, salads. Therefore, if they are present, the menu provides for table setting with appropriate devices, they are located on the edge of the fork and knife for cold dishes. Next in order are snacks from poultry, meat, game, vegetables, mushrooms andeggs. After that, the main hot dish and additional ones are served. Dessert is a must at the end of dinner. Before that, you need to remove all unnecessary dishes and cutlery from the table, with the exception of glasses. At the end of the meal, it is not customary to move anything away. The main sign that the meal is over is a knife and fork placed parallel on top of the plate, with their handles pointing to the right.

Romantic dinner

In this case, the design should be special. Usually, table setting for a romantic dinner is distinguished by both sophistication and simplicity. Since the meal should be light, the menu should be limited to a minimum list, including dishes “with a twist”, special and unusual taste characteristics. Most often limited to only cold appetizers, one light hot dish and dessert. In this regard, the serving can be simplified, including only two sets of cutlery. Particular attention should be paid to the design of the table. A romantic atmosphere is easy to create with the help of appropriate details - flowers, dishes with themed ornaments, candles, additional accessories. All details should be in pleasant harmony with each other - from the tone of the tablecloth to the shade of flowers. And, of course, do not forget about the soundtrack of a romantic evening. Muted music and soft lighting will help create a cozy and warm atmosphere for delicate communication.

How to serve a buffet?

Many parties, especially youth parties,organized as a buffet. In this case, the invitees move freely around the room, periodically filling their plate with snacks. How is the table setting for dinner with such an organization of the event? Empty snack plates are stacked, forks are placed next to the dishes. On the tray are glasses with drinks. As a rule, these are light wines and cocktails. Snacks are arranged in the form of plates filled with them. Sandwiches with skewers, such as canapés, are very popular and convenient. Dessert treats and hot drinks are placed separately from the edge of the table. Usually, everyone can brew tea, coffee and add other ingredients to their liking - sugar, milk, honey, jam, etc., at will. It is up to the hosts to decide how correct such an organization of dinner is. They must make sure that any guest is comfortable and convenient, whether it's a traditional party or a modern one.