A properly set table is a sign of the attentive attitude of the hostess to her guests. You need to try not only to surprise everyone with your culinary skills, but also to make the most pleasant impression possible. The correct arrangement of dishes and cutlery creates a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, has a positive effect on mood and improves appetite.
How to set a festive table? It's not difficult at all, you just need to know a few secrets! We will try to teach you the basic rules, and the photos presented in this article will tell you how to decorate a beautiful table for guests at home.
Placement of tablecloth and runner
Stores offer a wide selection of textiles for interior decoration. Regardless of whether you are a follower of the classic style or a lover of experimentation, you are sure to find something for yourself.
Traditionally, it is customary to choose a white satin tablecloth. Remember: there are no strict restrictions, it all depends on your idea, the interior of the room, etc. However, a properly set table requires the use of light colors: beige, champagne, etc.
The tablecloth should be starched and well ironed. If it is made of thin material, then it is best to place a thick piece of fabric under it. This way it will stop sliding, and the sound of instruments will be less audible. Paper tablecloths and plastic-based tablecloths are not suitable for special occasions; they are best left for outdoor trips.
Interesting : a modern way to decorate a holiday table is to use special runners and plates.
Boho at the border of the seasons
Create an amazing holiday table decoration by mixing elements characteristic of different styles and seasons. A blue and white tablecloth with a Gzhel pattern looks interesting if you complement it with fresh flowers and fruits in ripe shades: red, orange, burgundy. Boho also welcomes the combination of dishes from different materials. Glass, ceramics and metal are also suitable.
Plates placement
Table setting begins with arranging the plates:
- Use one type of place settings to stick to a specific style. Place the largest bottom plate in the center of each seating to serve as a base for main courses and appetizers.
- To the left of the snack plate, diagonally, a special pie plate is usually placed, on which butter and pieces of bread are placed.
- It is necessary to periodically remove the dishes and replace them with clean ones. This is done at least once in one evening, and sometimes more.
Placement of cutlery
Learn a few simple rules that will definitely help you set the table correctly:
- Knives are usually placed on the right side with the blade facing the plate, forks - on the opposite side with the pointed part up.
- There are several types of appliances: snack bars, for desserts (cakes, pastries, etc.), for meat/fish dishes. The first group is located at the edges of the plate, since it is customary to start any meal with appetizers. Thus, those devices that guests will use first are placed further from the plate.
- The dessert set is placed immediately behind the plate parallel to the edge of the table.
- If your home menu includes a first course, then place the spoon near the knife with the rounded part up.
- Be sure to place a butter knife on top of the pie plate.
Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses
Each type of drink has its own type of glass. Their place is to the right of the plates, and they must be placed strictly in a single line at an angle of 45 degrees. When placing, follow the sequence in which you will offer alcohol.
Different types of drinks are usually served at specific times, so glasses are put away along with other cutlery. Only a special device intended for water remains on the table all the time.
Tip : Make sure the glasses match the types of drinks you have. After all, their taste and smell will be correct only if you did it correctly!
Shabby chic
Make your celebration feel like relaxing in the thickets of a greenhouse. To prevent decorations in the form of flower pots from looking too simple, combine them with bronze or gold-plated dishes. Also use accessories inspired by nature, such as jute napkins and twig-shaped candles.
Napkins
Napkins are as important a detail as the tablecloth. When choosing, we recommend giving preference to a natural-based material that will definitely not cause redness and irritation to the delicate skin of the face. This element is usually placed on the left or on top of the snack plate.
Pay special attention to folding it correctly, try to do it very carefully. Having difficulties? Make it easier on yourself by using napkin rings. They will add zest and unique charm to your table setting.
Room decoration
The room in which the celebration will take place must be decorated. The decoration of the holiday depends solely on the chosen style and preferences of the hero of the occasion. We can offer you several different options for decorating the room.
Numbers
The numbers will emphasize the respectability of the date being celebrated, and any material for their manufacture can be used to suit your taste:
- The numbers made from balloons are voluminous and look very impressive.
- You can make numbers from photographs of the birthday boy.
- Numbers made of shiny paper can be hung from the ceiling - this design is suitable for decorating a holiday for both men and women.
- You can make numbers that are not only spectacular, but also tasty. For example, from fruits or sweets.
Inscriptions
Bright inscriptions will fit perfectly into any room design. You can buy ready-made stretch marks, or you can make them yourself.
Posters
You can make a custom banner with a large photo of the birthday person. Or you can make something like a school wall newspaper, paste old photographs, write wishes to the hero of the day.
Flowers
What's a holiday without flowers? Any flowers will add solemnity to your anniversary. You can use bouquets, compositions, it all depends on the style of the event.
Table decor
Regardless of whether it’s an anniversary, New Year, or a table setting for a birthday, the decor has never been canceled! Properly selected jewelry is already 50% of your success.
If you are planning a large-scale event, you can rent or buy special chair covers, buffet skirts and table tops. This pleasure is not cheap, but you will definitely surprise your guests!
Fresh flowers look very impressive. True, there is one unpleasant drawback - their petals may fall off or quickly wither. Then all your efforts will be in vain, and your time on decorating the table will be wasted. A few life hacks that will make this process easier and more enjoyable:
- Make sure in advance that no one on your guest list is allergic to the smell of the flowers you want to use as a decorative element.
- Avoid using plants with a strong odor, as it can overwhelm the taste of your dishes.
Important : for the feast, choose small, low vases that will not interfere with the communication of guests. Place them so that the petals do not fall into the food plates.
Invitations
To make everything look respectable and official, you need to prepare invitation cards. You can order ready-made ones from a printing house or find a suitable design and print it yourself on a color printer, if you have one. They need to be sent out in advance - about a month before the celebration. The invitation must indicate the place and time of the holiday, and note the dress code if a themed party is planned.
Important! At the end, it is advisable to make a note asking to inform about the possibility of your presence within two weeks.
Features of serving by type
The type of table setting also differs in the time of meeting guests. Find out how to properly set the holiday table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For breakfast
Housewives usually begin setting the morning table by arranging plates, glass glasses for juice and cups for hot drinks (tea or coffee). For the morning meal, the bread is placed in advance on a plate with a napkin or in a basket. A piece of butter is placed in a butter dish, and the cheese and sausage are cut into slices. For jam, honey or jam, in most cases glass or plastic sockets are used.
For lunch
Use different types of plates. A knife is placed to the right of them, a dinner fork is placed to the left. Wine glasses and glasses are placed on top. Don't forget about the spice rack and napkin holder. During meals, it is allowed to use oilcloth on the dining table instead of a tablecloth; you can also cover it with transparent film.
For dinner
Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch. You can complement it with vases with fresh flowers, various figurines or an ashtray, which is placed on the corner facing the aisle.
Banquet
Preparing the premises for events is always a responsible task. It is important to take care in advance to ensure that your guests are satisfied. We offer several tips to help you organize your holiday:
- To organize a banquet, special buffet tables of different shapes are used, from which you can later create a single table. It is also planned to install special utility tables near the walls for spare cutlery.
- The decor can be complemented with candlesticks, floating candles in vases, ikebana plants, etc.
- An important element of serving is the printed menu in the cover.
Tip : before serving, carefully inspect the dishes that will be offered to guests. There should be no cracks, dirt or chips on it. Poor quality cookware must be replaced immediately.
Buffet
A buffet is a dynamic and modern way of organizing feasts. The main feature is the unusual form of the event: guests do not sit on chairs, but come up to eat the dishes that interest them. This is especially convenient at children's parties. There are certain rules that organizers need to remember:
- For the convenience of guests, tables should be located at a sufficient distance from each other. Special round stands for cigarettes, ashtrays and paper napkins are also installed in the corners of the banquet hall.
- The menu includes a wide selection of food. It is usually presented in large quantities, but is served in portions 30 minutes before guests arrive.
- There are also several secrets in the arrangement: canapés are placed in the first line, followed by various salads, and only then meat dishes. Desserts serve as the centerpiece of the table.
Coffee serving
In many countries, business negotiations are accompanied by drinking tea or coffee. This fact is not only a sign of friendliness and culture, but also has a positive effect on the company's image. So, how to set the coffee table correctly:
- Quality products are always the basis. Choose natural brewed coffee, avoid instant mixtures.
- It is necessary to first pour the drinks in a separate room where the negotiation participants are not present.
- It is necessary to preheat the coffee utensils to +40 degrees.
- Guests should be served from the left side so as not to distract them.
- Glasses need to be filled 2/3 full, not to the very top of the rim. Water (with or without sparkling water) and 2-3 types of juice should also be on the table.
Tea service
Setting a round table is especially relevant, because who among us doesn’t like to drink a cup of hot tea with our nearest and dearest? To begin, choose a bright tablecloth and a matching set. Arrange the plates, and next to them on the right, place a cup and saucer diagonally and place cutlery.
Tip : Various pastries, cakes and other sweets perfectly complement tea drinking.
Rules for arranging dishes
The festive table setting also includes details of the placement of the main dishes:
- It is better to place salt and pepper in the center of the table at a distance from each other. If desired, you can put mustard or any other sauces nearby.
- Pieces of bread are stolen onto plates and placed at different ends of the table for the convenience of guests.
- Serving dishes requires the presence of a spoon near each of them. This will make it much easier for those present to put the dish they like on their plate.
- Pay special attention to cold appetizers. They should include different types of products (meat, fish, vegetables, etc.).
- As for serving drinks, this also has its own rules and subtleties. Juices and fruit drinks are usually poured into jugs; there are glass decanters for vodka and liqueurs, and wine and whiskey are best served in bottles.
- If a large number of people are invited to the event, then follow a certain order of serving dishes. First, guests are offered cold appetizers, then hot ones. Dessert should be served at the end of the holiday.
Advice : many housewives have encountered a problem when there is a catastrophic lack of free space on the table for prepared dishes. Therefore, we recommend that you make a complete list of them in advance to avoid such a situation.
Now you know everything about how to set the table. The knowledge gained will help you make a positive impression on your guests, and the memories of the evening will last for many years. Remember: in order to decorate a set table according to etiquette, you do not need special skills and knowledge. Use our simple tips in everyday life and make your loved ones happy more often.
