Dishes for proper table setting

table setting for four persons

Even the most simple dish can become a masterpiece of culinary art. Creating a special, unique atmosphere at the table will help with this. Beautiful tableware for table setting will help achieve such an atmosphere. Design also plays an important role.

Where to start

Before you start setting the table, you need to think through everything carefully and plan. Particular attention should be paid to the number of guests and the menu. Depending on what dishes and in what quantities will be served, appropriate cutlery is used.

Before setting the table, you should consider how to arrange all the cutlery

First of all, a carefully ironed tablecloth is laid out on the table. The edges of the tablecloth descend approximately 25–30 cm from the table, covering its legs. In order not to cause inconvenience to the guests at the table, they should not lower themselves to the seats of the chairs.

A soft cloth should be placed under the tablecloth itself. This is done to soften the sound of dishes hitting the table. For example, you can use fleece.

According to the rules of etiquette, it is not necessary to cover the top of the tablecloth with oilcloth. Even if it is expensive and very beautiful. However, it is permissible to buy and lay a Teflon tablecloth.

table setting in rustic style

The Teflon coating will protect the table surface from spilled drinks and greasy stains. You can easily get rid of them with a sponge. After cleaning, there will be no stains from drinks or traces of food on the Teflon tablecloth.

In certain cases, it is permissible to use underplates or runners instead of a tablecloth. Podtarelniki are various stands. They are placed under plates and cutlery. They can be made of plastic, bamboo. Plain paper placemats can also be used. Runners are narrow strips of fabric that are spread in the center of the table.

Result:

In our article, we explained which cutlery should be used for serving, in what order and why. We took as a basis the table setting and etiquette that is used in Russia and Europe. But you can still come across slightly different serving nuances, this will not be a mistake, these are just the peculiarities of the country’s etiquette that have historically developed this way. For example, in France they place forks point down, which is how they want to show that they are positive because... They believe that if the sharp tips of the fork are up, it means a threat and a hostile attitude of the owners.

In addition to regional nuances of etiquette and serving. Servings come in different types, i.e. table setting for dinner, lunch, breakfast. And our article will help you on how to form the basis for any table setting, and because... We are preparing a table setting for receiving guests at home, we recommend adding the necessary elements yourself to highlight the style and taste of the hostess.

If you have any questions, feel free to write to us and we will help you.

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.

Care

Porcelain dishes should be washed in warm running water. If the coating has darkened or turned yellow, it is treated with baking soda or vinegar mixed with salt. Stains are removed using ammonia.
The earthenware is washed with warm water without using detergents (using soda or laundry soap is acceptable). Instead of drying, plates should be wiped with a dry cloth and sometimes “hardened” in direct sunlight.
Glassware should not be cleaned with hard sponges, sponges or sandy detergents. To protect the glass from cracking, warm up the plates periodically.

To do this, place the dishes in a pan, cover the bottom with a cloth, fill it with water, slowly heat it to a boil, and then cool it naturally. Stains from glass can be removed with baking soda or vinegar.

You can wash ceramics with a non-abrasive detergent, then dry the dishes well. It is better to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Hot ceramic surfaces must be cooled before washing.

You cannot delay cleaning the ceramics: if food remains stick to the surface of such a plate, they will be difficult to remove.

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.

Flaws

Disadvantages depend on the quality and characteristics of the material:

Porcelain dishes are susceptible to high temperatures. You cannot heat food in it; it is intended for serving only. Porcelain plates should not be washed with hot water. In addition, after prolonged use this material darkens.
Earthenware plates cannot withstand high temperatures; they can only be washed with cool water, otherwise microcracks will appear in the glaze.

Unlike porcelain, earthenware has a snow-white surface; it is more fragile, despite the fact that the walls of the plates are thicker.

Ceramic cookware “responds” to physical impact; even with accidental contact with a hard surface, chips appear on it.

Temperature changes negatively affect the quality of ceramics - you cannot pour a hot dish into a cold plate. If a ceramic plate is not covered with glaze, it absorbs all odors, and the grease from it cannot be washed off.

Glass is an almost eternal material, but temperature changes are destructive for it.

The disadvantages of glass plates are associated with the loss of external qualities - they are easy to scratch, break (even impact-resistant options), you have to spend a lot of time on care, since even dried drops of water on the glass look like dirt.

Drinkware

tableware for tea drinking

Stacks, glasses, and wine glasses are used to serve drinks to the table. They differ in shape and volume. You need to know what drinks the glasses are intended for and take this into account when setting the table.

The classic glass is used to serve sparkling wines. It is elongated in shape. Its volume is 120-200 ml. It should be cooled before filling.
A wine glass with an increased volume has a slight difference from a classic container. Its neck is slightly narrowed. It is intended for refined sparkling wines. It is also cooled before filling. The drink is poured into the glass no more than 2/3 full.
A glass with a narrow stem is used to serve white wine. Its bowl is slightly elongated. Its volume is 180-260 ml.
More open and spacious wine glasses are designed to serve different types of red wines.
Cognacs are served in classic glasses.

Liquor glasses, shot glasses, and beer glasses can be used. It all depends on the wishes of the invited guests and the wishes of the event hosts themselves.

Cutlery

arrangement of cutlery

Over the many years of development of culinary art and the development of the ability to set the table, a variety of fashionable tableware has emerged, namely cutlery and accessories. All of them are divided into two basic groups. These are the main cutlery and auxiliary utensils. They are often also called serving dishes.

All basic appliances are designed for individual use by each guest. Auxiliary devices are used by everyone at the table. With the help of auxiliary equipment, dishes are cut and divided into portions. Portions are then placed on plates.

cutlery should be on one side of the plate

Types of basic devices:

Cutlery. They are used for eating soups and main courses. The standard set of accessories consists of a fork, spoon and knife.
Snackware. Cold dishes and snacks are eaten with their help. A fork and knife are used.
Fishing utensils. Designed exclusively for fish dishes. They differ in slightly modified knife and fork. The knife is dull, made in the shape of a spatula. The fork has shortened tines.
Dessert cutlery. The set consists of a small spoon, a fork with three prongs and a narrow knife. The length of the fork is 18–19 cm. All kinds of desserts are eaten with their help.
Fruit cutlery. With their help they eat a variety of fruits. The standard set includes a knife and a two-pronged fork. Fruit salads and desserts are also eaten with their help.

It is possible to supply special cutlery. They are intended for strictly defined dishes. So, for example, a seafood fork can be served.

We present to your attention a set of plates and kitchen utensils from Home Club

The set includes 6 forks, 6 tablespoons and 6 teaspoons.

As well as salad bowls 15 cm in the amount of 6 pieces

Dessert plate 21 cm, 6 pieces

Dinner plate 27 cm, 4 pieces

Delivery throughout Russia, you can order this set by contacting the mail through the website feedback.

What is used and how

cutlery is generally always placed on the right side

Most often, difficulties arise when serving and further using cutlery. In this case, a simple hint comes to the rescue. Cutlery is taken from the edge to the center and from right to left. That is, you should start your meal with cutlery that is furthest from the plate. If in doubt, you should first take the device located on the right side.

How to arrange dishes and cutlery

the knife is placed with the blade facing the plate

The ability to tastefully and competently set the table is a whole science, in which, over the entire period of its existence, certain rules and a number of exceptions have been formed. However, you can set the table correctly without much difficulty if you remember the following main points:

The table should be set following a strict sequence of cutlery. Earthenware and porcelain utensils are placed first. Secondly, cutlery is laid out. When setting the table with glassware, it is placed at the very end.
Everything is laid out so that the cutlery with which the meal begins is closest. This does not mean that you need to put all the cutlery and dishes at once. First, you should prepare the cutlery for the main dishes. After the main courses are taken away, dessert items are set out.
The knife should be with the blade facing the plate.
Drink containers should be located above the knife.
Forks are always placed on the left side of the plate. Spoons should always be located to the right of the knives.
If you plan to serve Italian cuisine, then you definitely need a plate for bread on the table.
When soup is on the menu, you can't do without soup spoons. Place a soup spoon between the appetizer and fish knives.

In addition to those described above, there are several more rules. They clearly regulate how to correctly arrange dishes and cutlery for table setting.

Dishes

table setting begins with arranging the plates

According to the rules, proper table setting begins with arranging the plates. They are placed approximately 2 cm from the edge. The distance between the plates is approximately the same. The gap between the dishes is 50 cm. This is done for the convenience of the participants in the feast.

According to the rules, there should be a plate with the required set of cutlery opposite the chair of each participant in the feast. The number of utensils and cutlery is determined based on the menu and type of meal. For example, one plate with the necessary cutlery is quite enough for a simple meal. It is necessary to serve a couple of plates and, accordingly, a larger number of cutlery to organize lunch and dinner.

a smaller plate is placed on a larger plate

Smaller diameter plates are always placed on larger diameter plates. This way they can be replaced quickly and conveniently. Look at how the tableware is arranged in the photo below - this way, free surface area is saved.

Forks and spoons

Cutlery is laid out after the plates have been placed. They are placed to the left and right of each plate. According to the rules, spoons and knives are on the right side. Therefore, forks are placed on the left side. The cutlery should be facing the table with its concave side.

knife, spoon, fork and dessert spoon - standard cutlery for home serving

It is important to put on the table only those accessories that guests and hosts will really need during the feast. If the meal is ordinary, then a knife, fork and a couple of spoons will suffice. Spoons will be needed for the first course and dessert. This set can be supplemented with special devices if necessary.

Glasses

glasses should be placed from larger to smaller sizes

Wine glasses for drinks are placed a little to the right of the plates. Taking into account which contingent is invited and what drinks the guests will be treated to, the containers themselves are selected.

Drinkware is arranged from larger to smaller sizes. There is no need to place too many glasses or glasses. This may cause inconvenience to invited guests. In addition, the table area will be cluttered.

The meaning of the color scheme of tableware for table setting

“A table setting with white dishes artfully paired with a variety of soft pastel shades will add an element of romance to lunch or dinner.”

Choosing the color of the tablecloth before setting the table is extremely important

The color shade when setting the table correctly is as important as when designing a room or choosing clothes.

A white tablecloth is used in most cases. A different color for the tablecloth is also great, especially if you want to create an unusual atmosphere. In many ways, it all depends on the type of dining event. The wishes of the owners themselves are also taken into account.

A snow-white tablecloth is an ideal option for formal events. It looks beautiful and appropriate, as it is perfect for any festive banquet. White color can be skillfully combined with other suitable shades. A table setting decorated in classic black and white will look exceptionally impressive.

long tablecloth in black and white

At the same time, setting the table with white dishes skillfully combined with a variety of soft pastel shades will add an element of romance to lunch or dinner. The table setting, entirely done in green, looks very unusual and stylish. Green color will add a rainbow spring mood.

Blue and white colors combine beautifully. As for red, it must be used with caution. The color red can affect guests in different ways. Under certain circumstances, it can even affect the overall atmosphere at the table.

Napkins

The napkin has its own sign language, so how you place it depends on the further behavior of the waiter, but let's look at it one by one.

The napkin can be served decorated or standard.

The design is of course beautiful and impressive, but it is believed that the less the waiter touches the napkin, the better, and the design takes time and effort, so don’t be shy about just putting it down, it’s quite normal. An easy and quick way to decorate it beautifully is this napkin ring - fast, beautiful, convenient.

Using a napkin

Yes, yes, the napkin still needs to be used correctly. If the feast is very long, in this case the napkin can be completely opened and placed on your knees, but in most cases it is placed on your knees, folded in half with the fold facing you. You wipe your hands on a napkin only under the table, and if you need to wipe your mouth, you need to bend one edge of the napkin and carefully bring it to your mouth with the inside of the other half and blot it around your mouth, under no circumstances rub your face with it, get it wet!

Where to put the napkin and what does it mean?

The behavior of guests and waiters will depend on where you put it. If you get up from the table, then you need to put it in the place where you were sitting - this will mean that you will return, if you put it on the table, then this means that you will not return and have finished your meal. If you are at a banquet and the host or hostess gets up from the table and puts a napkin on the table, then it’s time to leave. The napkin does not need to be crumpled or neatly folded, just place it as you took it from your lap.

Table decor

origami for table decoration

The table setting takes on a complete look after decorating the table. Napkins are a basic element of decor. Beautiful napkins can be placed on top of plates, next to them, or placed in a beautiful glass.

At a typical dinner, large napkins are used. Smaller napkins are taken for breakfast.

When large formal dinner events are organized, napkins are folded in the form of flowers or fancy shapes. The design and color of the napkins can be any, the main thing is that it matches the overall picture of the serving.

In addition to napkins, the table can be decorated with a vase of flowers, beautiful candles or decorative elements based on the theme.

Which ones are better

Plates are selected individually, but there are parameters that you should rely on regardless of taste preferences:

Safety . The dishes are made from environmentally friendly materials without harmful impurities, and each element meets the requirements for ease of use.
Availability of valid quality certificates. The dishes are manufactured by a company that guarantees the quality of work.
Functionality . The plate is designed for reusable use, for serving and preparing all kinds of dishes, and can withstand the effects of common food acids.

Saving time on cleaning and washing is one of the most important parameters. The easier it is to maintain the original appearance of the dishes, the higher their value.
Keeping up with trends. The cookware meets the parameters of reliability, convenience, and is combined with the basic elements of the kitchen, retaining a useful set of qualities for more than one year.

Rules for setting the table with dishes at home

home table setting

As usual, the plates are placed on the table first. Drink containers are placed last.

The plates are placed on the table as follows:

The appetizer plate is placed approximately 3 cm from the edge.
On the left hand is a pie plate.
If there is a change of dishes, then place a small dinner plate under the appetizer plate. Before doing this, you must first place a napkin under the dinner plate.

simple table setting

Depending on what first course was prepared, a suitable plate is selected. For example, cream soup or broth should be served in a bowl. Soups or borscht are poured into a large deep plate.

Glasses must be placed in one straight line. A wine glass is placed on the right side, a water glass is placed on the left. If you are preparing a large-scale banquet with a large number of dishes and drinks, then the drinkware can be placed in two rows.

Ideally clean dishes are used for table setting

All tableware for serving the table is prepared in advance . It must be washed, dried and thoroughly wiped with a towel. The dishes should look perfect. Its cloudy or simply insufficiently transparent appearance, any stains or drips are unacceptable.

Rules for proper festive table setting

“Stylish tableware for a festive table setting will give the feast a warm, friendly atmosphere”

in this case, the festive table fits perfectly into the design of the room

The ceremonial feast is organized not only for the owners of the house, but also for invited guests.

Guests should be comfortable and comfortable at the table. If the serving rules are observed, the feast can be considered a great success.

What you need to know

The festive table should not be filled with extra dishes

Any housewife must comply with the following requirements:

There must be a clean and ironed tablecloth on the table. It would be a good idea to place a soft, dense cloth underneath it. This will muffle the possible clatter of dishes on the table if the container tips over. In addition, the surface of the table will not be damaged by liquid spilled on it. If the table is made of expensive and valuable wood, then it is permissible to do without a tablecloth altogether.
All tableware for a festive table setting should belong to one set. It is unacceptable for dishes and cutlery on the table to be of different colors and sizes. Dishes must be spotlessly clean.
Plates and cutlery are laid out in accordance with the serving of dishes.
You shouldn’t fill your holiday table with extra dishes and cutlery. They will not be needed during the feast, they will take up extra space and ruin the entire careful serving.
All alcohol is served on the table in pre-opened containers. But there is one exception: champagne should be opened just before serving.
Each participant in the feast should have one cloth napkin and several paper napkins.
The hostess herself serves the first course to the participants of the feast. She pours it into plates from a special tureen. One of the family members or guests can help her by handing out full plates. To do this, you need to approach each participant in the feast from the right side.
Guests serve the second course on their plates themselves.

proper table setting will highlight the skill of the hostess

Dishes during the feast should be served in the following order: first appetizers and first courses, then fish dishes, meat dishes. Finally, they bring out a sweet dessert or fruit, and offer tea or coffee.

If the festive table is decorated competently and tastefully, it will emphasize the skill and skill of the hostess. In addition, stylish tableware for festive table setting will give the feast a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Features of material selection

Plates are made from a variety of materials.

Porcelain is a material for all times. Today, traditional white is in fashion, and it does not seem boring and is no longer associated with Soviet dining rooms.
Crystal plates look elegant and stylish. If a few years ago crystal was associated with grandma’s closet, now it is finding a rebirth. True, the material is heavy and plates made from it are not very convenient to hold or lay out with one hand.
Glass is an inexpensive option, but also versatile. In such plates you can serve both hot and cold dishes. Since glass is chemically inert, dishes in it cannot change their aroma or taste.

However, today there is a place on the table for wooden and even plastic plates.

Useful tips for setting the table with dishes

table setting for two people

Table setting experts give the following advice:

When the table is set up for a wedding celebration, the main emphasis is on the seats for the bride and groom. They can be decorated with symbols of love. For example, swans, hearts. Individual wine glasses that are different from the rest are also placed here. The tablecloth must be snow-white, the dishes are also chosen white, perhaps with a silver or golden border. See what table setting with white dishes looks like in the photo below.
If you need to create a romantic atmosphere, you can put candles and a basket of fruit on the table. Fruits can also be replaced with a bottle of wine. Tableware for a romantic dinner is placed in such a way that those sitting are located opposite each other. No need to put a lot of dishes. One set of cutlery per person will be enough. The tablecloth can be white or red. If the design needs to give an atmosphere of tenderness, then combine red and pink tones.
If we are talking about decorating a round table, then you need to use only the most necessary cutlery. This will allow those participating in the event to avoid additional inconvenience. Before each new serving of dishes, the set of dishes and cutlery is changed.
If you need to set the table for a birthday, then in this case the age of the hero of the occasion plays an important role. For example, for a child, a holiday table can be decorated with balloons, toys or cartoon character figures. If a young girl is celebrating, then fresh flowers, original dishes, and beautiful napkins are suitable as table decorations.

The color of the tablecloth goes well with the stand for dishes

If you carefully follow all the rules, even setting the table with disposable tableware will make a favorable impression on your guests.