Table setting for dinner: the basic rules

The rhythm of modern life does not always allow you to just have a quiet dinner, not like serving dinner according to all the rules. But the weekend comes, and the whole family spends time at home, and guests often come to dinner. Table setting is a great way to turn an ordinary meal into a real event.

For a beautiful and proper table setting, you need to acquire the following items:

• Tablecloth;
• Napkins;
• Bread plate;
• Soup plate;
• Tureen;
• Large plate as a stand;
• Snack plate;

• Cutlery set;
• Butter knife;
• Glasses, glasses or glasses depending on the proposed drinks;
• Salt shaker, pepper and oiler;
• Sauce bowl.

To choose the color of the tablecloth you need on the basis of the overall interior of the room in which lunch is held. Tablecloths of calm and pastel colors look advantageous. A classic white tablecloth is appropriate for both a simple homemade dinner, and a solemn and businesslike.

Oddly enough, serving requires some preparation. Let's start with the dishes and appliances. Simple instruction:

• Choose the size of the new dishes based on the dimensions of the table top. Large plates on a small surface will look ridiculous.
• Knives and forks should be cleaned before laying on the table. With one edge of the towel, grab the cutlery and rub it with the other end to shine. Each device is rubbed separately.
• Glasses also need to rub before setting on the table. Hold the leg with one edge of the towel, and wipe the inside of the glass in a circular motion with the other.
• Plates are rubbed just like knives forks. Hold one edge and rub another.
• It is absolutely impossible to blow on glassware.

Preparing the tablecloth is an important and responsible procedure. The appearance of the laid table should cause a feeling of comfort, but not distract attention from the serving. The principle of preparing the tablecloth:

• Choose fabric patterns tablecloths. On a beautiful dining table is simply not allowed the presence of oilcloth.
• Tablecloth must be washed and ironed. Sometimes it makes sense to apply additional bleaching compositions. Make sure that there are no creases or creases of the fabric after ironing.
• Putting the tablecloth is necessary in one sharp movement. At the same time keep matter at the corners on the diagonal. Such simple manipulation creates a special air layer between the tabletop and the fabric, which helps to perfectly lay the tablecloth.
• The corners of the tablecloth should be lowered along the line of the legs with the same distance. Usually enough 20-30 cm.
• Tablecloth dangling is a delicate matter. All sides must be at the same height. The tablecloth should not fall below the seats of the chairs.

An important attribute of the dining table are napkins. They also need training:

• To create a special atmosphere discard paper napkins. Fabric products look more representative.
• Choose napkins to match tablecloths or use products from one set.
• Be sure to put one napkin on a plate in front of the guest. It is her man who must pass to her knees before the beginning of the meal. Such a napkin can be folded absolutely in any way.
• Be sure to place extra wipes along the center line of the tabletop. Arrange them so that every guest can easily reach them.

At the final stage, prepare the equipment for seasoning:

• The salt shaker is filled 1/3 with salt.
• The pepper shaker should be half full.
• Vinegar and oils should be supplied in special containers.
• On the table must be mustard in a special open container. So that it does not wither during lunch, just drop some milk on top. Be sure to place a spoon on the bowl itself.

So it's time to serve your dinner table. At the preparatory stage, the table was already covered with a beautiful tablecloth, now it is time to display the devices. Serving step by step:

• Lunch may consist of 2-4 dishes. Place two plates on the table. Deep dish is placed on top of shallow. Place them so that there is literally a couple of centimeters to the edge of the table. It is important to observe an equal interval between tableware.
• Devices laid out near the plates. On the right, place the soup spoon and knife, and place the fork on the left. Closer to the plates are devices for hot. Apply the devices strictly teeth in the ceiling.
• Place containers with spices in the central part of the dining table. This arrangement allows each guest to easily pick up the desired jar.
• Drinkware place next to a large plate, which serves as a stand for the main dishes. If there is alcohol on your table, open the bottle before serving.
• Dining and snack plates need to be put, if the dishes are served in a common dish.

• The oil on the table should stand in a butter dish with a butter knife.
• Soup can not be served in a pan, use a special tureen. The dish itself is located where the mistress of the house sits.
• Place the napkins on the plates of the guests.
• The design of the dining table assumes that the central part of the tabletop is made up of beautiful fresh flowers.

This is the general table setting for the dinner table. Some of the nuances may vary depending on the dishes that you intend to feed the family or guests.

It is necessary to highlight the basic rules that must be observed during the serving of the dinner table. Never serve the first dish in the pan, it violates the whole serving principle. If the dish in the tureen cools quickly, then before serving, be sure to heat it.

Bread should be placed on the side of the table, not in the center. On the plates can be placed exclusively cloth napkins. Paper products can be supplied only as a supplement in special stands. Putting paper napkins on the table interspersed with fabric is unacceptable.

Forks are arranged only with the teeth up. If you put snacks on the table, then the devices for them should be placed further than the main ones. Place drinking plates on the right and diagonally from the plates.

In the central part of the table should be containers with drinks - jugs, decanters, bottles. Place a variety of spices on the same line. Do not forget to put the knife to the oil.

Dessert is served at the end of lunch. Before serving the final dish, be sure to remove unnecessary dishes from the table. There should be no spices, tableware, and used napkins on the table. In the center of the table top, only drinks and flowers are retained. Remove food debris with a small scoop with a lid and a folded napkin.

The word "dessert" itself has French roots and literally means cleaning the table. At a family dinner, cakes or sweets are often served with tea. In this case, the serving is reduced to a tea set and a vase for refreshments. When serving the cake, you must put a dessert plate in front of each. When serving a holiday dinner, if necessary, the bowls with dessert are placed on top.

Serving dinner at the highest level is not enough. Simple and clear rules of etiquette at the table should be respected by each participant in the meal. Basic standards of behavior:

• Being late for the table is not accepted. Especially tactless when the hosts make guests wait.
• Sit at the table with a flat back, and keep your elbows pressed to your body. When eating, do not put your elbows on the table.
• A napkin from a plate should be placed on your lap. After dinner, put it to the right of your plate.
• It is not accepted to eat false dishes that can be eaten with a fork.
• Food can not be eaten with a knife. Also, do not impose food on the fork with a knife.

• The man at the table undertakes to woo the woman to the right. Therefore, the wives of men sit from this side.
• After using a teaspoon, place it on a saucer. You can not leave a spoon in a cup.
• If you need to cut something, then take a knife in your right hand and a fork in your left.
• A napkin is used to get wet lips and fingers. Do not try to wipe her entire face.
• Do not try to finish the dish to the last crumb. It looks ridiculous and not ethical.

On how to properly serve the table, see the following video.