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Table setting: principles and rules. Table setting: the correct arrangement of cutlery Dessert table setting

Table setting implies the correct arrangement of dishes, appliances and its decoration. Its design directly depends on the target area, it can be an ordinary feast, a solemn event or a business lunch. But some rules must be observed in any event.

Naturally, in order to arrange a real celebration, you need a large cozy hall where you can accommodate all the invited guests, and you should also take care of beautiful dishes, tablecloths, cutlery and various holiday dishes. Near each plate are knives, forks, spoons, glasses and glasses. As a rule, all devices are usually divided into individual and auxiliary. The latter are used to take food from common dishes, they include spoons, forks, tongs, scoops and more. With auxiliary forks and spoons, they place food from a common dish on their plate, while the spoon is in right hand, and the fork in the left. Sauces and hot soups are placed in ladles very carefully, so as not to drip onto the tablecloth. If this nevertheless happened, you can, without attracting everyone's attention, blot the soiled place with a napkin.

Traditional design implies a certain order of arrangement of dishes on the table. First, items made of porcelain or faience are placed, cutlery is laid, and then glasses, glasses, glassware and crystal.

A photo of the table setting is presented below:

Fabric and paper napkins are of considerable importance when decorating. Fabric harmoniously can complement general design They look sophisticated and elegant. According to etiquette, guests put them on their knees so as not to stain their clothes. Paper napkins wipe lips and hands during or after a meal.

Table setting for a birthday and a lot of photos

Name day is one of the most favorite holidays for both adults and children, so the table setting for a birthday should be elegant, original and even bright.

A large role in the design is given to tablecloths. It can be plain white or vice versa, colorful. And lace patterns on it will give the table a solemn look. In order to prevent the appearance of stains, an oilcloth is placed on top of the tablecloth.

Table setting for a birthday will not be complete without cutlery such as wicker fruit baskets, crystal vases for sweets and salads, porcelain plates and elegant glasses.

It is very important to think over the number of invited guests in advance, so that there are enough devices for everyone present in order to avoid embarrassing situations.

A vase of flowers is placed near the birthday boy, but in such a way that it does not interfere and does not block the view. Fruit baskets are placed on both sides of the table, it is desirable that they be the same.

After that, several coasters with bread and sandwiches are placed at the same distance from one another and drinks. As for the plates, there is a generally accepted rule - to put them half a meter apart, and from the edge of the table they should be one centimeter. The use of disparate cups and plates for a special occasion is considered bad form, so it is best to take dishes from the service, because they are not only beautiful, but also the same.

It is arranged as follows: first, shallow plates are placed for the second, larger ones are placed on them for first courses, and on top are the smallest ones, serving for snacks.

The arrangement of cutlery has its own peculiarities: a fork is placed on the left, and a spoon and a table knife are placed on the right, and the spoon and fork should lie with the concave side up. Paper napkins are laid out on the left side. Glasses, glasses and glasses are arranged in descending order from left to right, starting with the largest capacity.

It is customary to start the holiday with cold dishes: salads, appetizers, sandwiches, then hot and dessert are served. Hot usually consists of the first and second. The hostess must definitely check the presence of a spoon in each salad bowl so that it is convenient for guests to put it on.

For kids festive table served in the same way as for adults, but now many parents prefer to use plastic utensils, in order to prevent possible injury and breakage of expensive services. In addition, today plastic glasses and plates delight with their bright and original appearance, allowing you to make a children's table elegant and colorful.

As you know, children have a big sweet tooth, so you should pay attention to Special attention sweets: cakes, cookies, sweets, ice cream, which should be served in beautiful vases and other desserts. Fruit can be unusually cut and spread out.

Juices, compotes, fruit drinks, tea or coffee are suitable as drinks for children. And of course, the main attribute of the celebration will be a beautiful birthday cake.

Do-it-yourself festive table setting

Each hostess, preparing for any solemn event, tries to decorate the festive table as best as possible. But, before covering, it is worth considering in what style it will be decorated.

First of all, the choice depends on the design and colors of dishes and tablecloths, and it is much easier to choose a tablecloth for dishes than dishes for a tablecloth. If your home arsenal has a service made of delicate, exquisite crystal, a snow-white tablecloth and starched, perfectly white napkins will perfectly match with it. Bouquets of flowers in crystal vases will be a wonderful decoration. It is much easier to choose a canvas for porcelain dishes, because any combinations and accessories will look good on it.

The festive table setting will become more refined if you add an additional zest to it in the form of colored or plain napkins folded into various figures. Most importantly, the tablecloth, dishes and napkins should be combined with each other.

A plain tablecloth is very practical, on which you can place dishes of any color. To give a more solemn look, it is decorated with a silk ribbon. If there is an elegant coffee service on the table, a tablecloth and napkins with lace will be an excellent addition to it.

Paper napkins folded in a special way will help complete the look. Due to the wide variety of these products, they can be easily matched to any event, whether it is a wedding, New Year, Valentine's Day and other holidays. Special holders, which are now included in the set of services, will help to fix the napkins.

Candles and candlesticks on the festive table create a special unique atmosphere in the room and decorate the event. These attributes will be appropriate at any celebration, the main thing is not to replace lighting with them, since the festive table should be well lit. The color of candles must be chosen in a single color scheme with napkins or a tablecloth, dishes or glasses.

The New Year and Christmas table will convey the whole atmosphere of the holiday if you decorate it with white or red candles in candlesticks with fir branches. You can arrange them in a flower arrangement or between bouquets, or screw them to flower holders so that the candles rise above the bouquets. You can see a photo of what such a table setting looks like here.

Table setting for the holiday can be complemented by all sorts of things and objects, for example, silk ribbons that match the tone of the dishes. They make up patterns, or skip from bouquets to cutlery, thereby creating smooth lines and rings.

Various silver figurines are also not uncommon on a modern ceremonial table. And finally, flowers serve as an indispensable element of serving. Properly decorated and arranged bouquets help cheer up, create coziness in the room where the holiday takes place, and also add a touch of charm and charm to the table setting.

Home table setting

As a rule, home table setting falls on weekends, when the family has the opportunity to gather for dining table in full composition. For this occasion, prepare delicious food, loved by family members, leisurely conversations are held, the time at such a dinner passes very pleasantly and sincerely.

A well laid, beautifully decorated table teaches children how to properly use cutlery, promotes a good appetite, and gives pleasure to the household who are behind it.

Table setting for breakfast

Aesthetic table setting for breakfast cheers up the whole day, but it also has its own characteristics. First, plates for snacks are placed, and then cups or glasses on saucers. The handle of the cup and the spoon on the saucer should be on the right side so that they are easy to use. Eggs boiled "soft-boiled" or "in a bag" are served in a special stand on a long leg, which is placed on a plate for snacks along with an egg spoon (it is better to use a plastic device for this, since a metal spoon will acquire bad smell). Porridge is poured into a deep plate, which is also placed on the diner. Hot drinks: tea, coffee, cocoa are poured into cups from a teapot or coffee pot, which are placed in the middle of the table or on the side, so that they can be easily taken out. Pastries and sandwiches are laid out on a wide dish, butter, a plate with honey, jam or jam, a sugar bowl and a salt shaker are also placed on the table.

A small set of several napkins and a heater for a teapot (coffee pot) will decorate the table and create coziness. This set must be made in the same style from the same material. Classic option is considered a set of products in a cage that will suit any kitchen interior. It is very practical and inexpensive to use paper napkins, which are placed under the appliance or on a plate of bread. It is useful to involve older children in setting the home table, and gradually they will learn this interesting, simple duty.

Table setting for dinner

Table setting for dinner requires compliance with several rules. Usually, it is customary to serve cold and hot dishes for lunch, and dessert at the end of the meal. Such serving will require the presence of several devices (spoons and forks) for laying out food into individual plates from common dishes. Snack plates are served for each member of the family, along with a fork and knife. A snack knife is used for butter.

First courses (hot soups) are served in bouillon cups and deep bowls. Both of them are put on the table in a special substitution plate in order to make it easier to clean these dishes and then so that the table and tablecloth do not heat up. Tablespoons are served with broths and soups, and knives and forks for meat.

The main dishes are laid out in small, pre-served plates. If this is a fish dish, the table is served with a fork and a spatula knife, which separates the fish fillet from the bones. Cutlets, meatballs, zrazy, omelettes, casseroles and similar dishes are divided into pieces with a fork. Dessert is served at the end of a meal, when all used dishes after the first and second meals are removed.

Table setting for dinner

Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, with the only difference being that there are no hot appliances. A casserole, pancakes, pancakes, or a sweet pie are prepared for the evening meal.

Dessert plates are preliminarily placed on the table, dessert forks are laid out to the left of them, and dessert knives are laid out to the right. Cups for hot drinks are placed to the right of the plate, or closer to the center of the table.

A very useful acquisition for the kitchen will be a utility table, which perfectly helps out the hostess while eating. Additional plates, cups, cutlery and other items that may be required for meals are placed on it.

Table setting at home is painstaking, but at the same time pleasant and interesting activity which will bring a lot of pleasure and benefit to the whole family.

Of course, the beauty and originality of the design depend on the imagination and diligence of the hostess. In this case, it is important to take into account a lot: the choice of dishes and cutlery, the color of the tablecloth, napkins, as well as correct location all items and decorative elements. But besides this, there are generally accepted and long established rules table setting, they must be taken into account when making it.

One of the main requirements is the presence of a spotlessly clean and ironed tablecloth. Its ends should evenly hang from all sides of the table by about 30 cm, and the corners should cover its legs.

When arranging the dishes, you need to start with the plates, cleanly washed, wiped with a towel and polished to a shine with a napkin. Snack plates are located opposite each chair and at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table. A pie plate is placed to the left of the snack bar. Only the necessary appliances should be on the table, you should not overload it with extra dishes, firstly, it spoils general form, and secondly, it creates certain inconveniences for guests.

To make it easier to seat a large number of guests, you can pre-make cards with the names of all those present and place them near the glasses.

The distance between the chairs should be approximately 50 cm, this will ensure a comfortable pastime at the table.

Despite all the complexity that seems at first glance, do-it-yourself table setting will be successful if you put maximum effort and patience into this work, show ingenuity and imagination as much as possible, and, of course, bring a piece of your soul into it. Then any event will be held with a bang and will be appreciated.

We all love to welcome guests. However, guests are different: relatives, friends, with or without children, long-awaited or sudden. And the reason for the meeting may be different - big holiday, family dinner, friendly gatherings, bachelorette party, etc.

We bring to your attention the menu for guests for any occasions:

Products in the lists are designed for 6 people, but they can easily be counted for any other number of people.

Menu for family guests

Most of the relatives represent the older generation. For them, the menu is perfect, which includes the usual traditional dishes. The familiar salad, delicious chicken, fragrant potatoes and beloved by many charlotte will delight you with taste and allow you to feel a little nostalgic for bygone times.

Snack:
Hot:
Garnish:
Dessert:

Action plan:

2 days before meeting boil eggs and vegetables for salad.

On the eve of the meeting make a salad and put it in the fridge to soak. Bake chicken in a jar.

On the day of the meeting in the morning we bake charlotte. By the arrival of guests, we prepare potatoes with spices, heat up the chicken and set the table.

Grocery list:

Egg ─ 4 pcs.
Herring ─ 250 g
Chicken ─ 1 pc.
Potatoes ─ about 2 kg
Onion - 1 small onion
Carrot ─ 1 large
Beets - 1 large
Tomato ─ 3 pcs. (can be replaced with 1.5 tablespoons of tomato paste)
Parsley - 1 large bunch
Garlic ─ 3-4 cloves
Apple ─ 3 pcs.
Mayonnaise ─ 150 g
Sour cream ─ 100 g
Beer ─ 0.5 l
Vegetable oil ─ for frying
Flour ─ 120 g
Sugar ─ 120 g (for dough) + 1-3 tbsp. spoons (for stuffing)
Cinnamon - to taste
Salt - to taste
Ginger ─ 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Curry ─ 1.5 teaspoons
Black pepper - to taste
Hot pepper ─ 1.5 tsp
Cumin ─ 1.5 teaspoons
Coriander ─ 1.5 teaspoons
Bread
Beverages

Menu for a youth company

If young people are invited, then you can experiment a little - cook unusual, maybe even exotic dishes. Our menu features interesting combinations - chicken and grapes, meat and sweet sauce.

Snack:
Hot:
Garnish:
Dessert:

Action plan:

A few days before the meeting, or you can make chocolate truffles in a week. They keep well for quite a long time.

On the eve of the meeting cooking meat in Chinese style and baking chicken breast for salad.

On the day of the meeting in the morning, we soak the raisins for the salad. When it's ready, make a salad. Boil rice for a side dish, heat up the meat, set the table and wait for the guests.

Grocery list:

Pork ─ 600g
Chicken breast (fried or baked) ─ 240 g
Egg ─ 1 pc.
Salad (mix) ─ 3 large handfuls
Red onion ─ 45 g
Bell pepper - 2 small peppers
Grapes (seedless) ─ 240 g
Pineapple (canned) ─ 375 g
Rice - 2 cups
Raisins - 3 handfuls
Vegetable oil ─ 900 g
Butter ─ 50 g
Cream (33%) ─ 0.5 cup
Rum ─ 3 tbsp. spoons
Cognac ─ 30 ml
Dark chocolate (40-50% cocoa) ─ 200 g
Dark chocolate (70-75% cocoa) ─ 100 g
Cocoa powder ─ 1/3 cup
Soy sauce ─ 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Tarragon (leaves) ─ 3 tbsp. spoons
Grape vinegar ─ 4.5 teaspoons
Ketchup ─ 3 tbsp. spoons
Table vinegar ─ 2 tbsp. spoons
Sugar ─ about 50 g
Spices (for example, Provence) ─ to taste
Salt - to taste
Ginger root ─ 1 piece (approximately 3 cm)
Cinnamon (ground) ─ 0.5 tsp
Starch ─ 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Chili pepper (ground) ─ ¼ teaspoon
Bread
Beverages

Menu for guests with children

In cases where guests plan to come with children, it is necessary to take care of the children's table. It also includes an appetizer, a hot dish with a side dish and a dessert, but the requirements for dishes are much higher.

Snack:
Hot:
Garnish:
Dessert:

Action plan:

Apart from children's table a table for adults will be set, so the preparation of children's dishes should be optimized a bit so as not to cook everything in one day, falling down from fatigue. However, we take into account that food for children should be the freshest. Undoubtedly, this is also true for adults, but this rule is especially important for baby food.

2 days before meeting let's make ice cream. The mixture itself is prepared quickly, but it will harden for about 12 hours. In the freezer, this ice cream can be stored for about a week.

On the eve of the meeting in the evening we cook the pate and hide it in the refrigerator.

On the day of the meeting, we make hot and garnish. We put the potatoes on the fire. While it is cooking, we make meatballs.

Grocery list:

Turkey ─ 600 g
Chicken liver ─ 450 g
Eggs ─ 4 pcs.
Milk ─ about 300 g
Curdled milk ─ 0.5 l
Cream ─ 375 g
Carrot ─ 1 pc.
Onion - 3 bulbs
Parsley - 1 bunch
Spinach ─ 150 g
Garlic - 2 small cloves
Lemon ─ 1 pc.
Potatoes ─ 10 pcs.
Vegetable oil ─ 30 g
Butter ─ 200 g
Powdered sugar ─ 250 g
Nutmeg ─ 0.5 tsp
Salt - to taste
Pepper - to taste
Baton ─ 6 small pieces
Bread
Beverages

Menu for a festive feast

If the reason for the meeting was a big holiday or significant event, then the menu must be special. An interesting appetizer, hearty and solemn hot, a tasty cake sure to impress your guests.

Snack:
Hot:
Garnish:
Dessert:

Action plan:

We start preparing for the big feast in advance.

5 days before the celebration you need to prepare the goose. We will gut it and put it in the cold for several days to cool it to the desired state.

2 days before the celebration we bake cake layers. Such cakes can be stored in the cold for several days.

On the eve of the celebration pickle the goose and send it for a day in the cold. Boil shrimp and potatoes for salad. We make cream and collect the cake. We put it in the refrigerator.

On the day of the celebration in the morning we cut the ingredients for the salad, collect the salad and send it to the cold so that it is well soaked (a couple of hours is enough). We stuff the goose and put it in the oven. Together with the bird we prepare a side dish.

Grocery list:

Goose ─ 1 pc.
Smoked salmon ─ 225 g
Eggs ─ 12 pcs.
Shrimp ─ 225 g
Avocado ─ 3 large pcs.
Tomato ─ 7 pcs.
Potatoes ─ 9 pcs.
Dill ─ 1.5 teaspoons
Parsley ─ for decoration
Lemon ─ 1 pc.
Lime ─ 3 pcs.
Pomegranate ─ 1 pc.
Apples ─ 5-7 pcs. (3-4 for stuffing and 2-3 for garnish)
Prunes ─ 150 g
Hazelnuts (ground unroasted) ─ ¾ cup
Mayonnaise ─ 3 tbsp. spoons
Ketchup ─ 3 tbsp. spoons
Apple juice ─ 3 l
Sour cream ─ 100 g
Honey ─ 50 g
Olive oil ─ 50 g
Butter ─ 680 g
Flour - ¼ cup
Chocolate ─ 250 g
Sugar ─ 735 g
Instant coffee ─ 2 tbsp. spoons
Salt ─ about 100 g
Coriander ─ 1 tbsp. a spoon
A mixture of peppers ─ 1 tbsp. a spoon
Vanillin ─ 1 teaspoon
Bread
Beverages

Menu for a bachelorette party

Our menu is selected based on the fact that for girls, dishes that are quick to prepare and easy on the stomach are suitable.

Snack:
Hot:
Garnish:
Dessert:

Action plan:

Bachelorette parties are interesting, when girls gather in a company to cook something tasty together, and then eat it all together with a bottle of light wine and heartfelt conversation. I suggest doing just that. In advance, you just need to buy food and drinks in the required quantity.

Grocery list:

Squid ─ 1.5 kg
Feta ─ 400 g
Parmesan (grated) ─ 4 tbsp. spoons
Sour cream ─ 1 kg
Milk ─ 600 g
Cream (33%) ─ 450 ml
Rice - 2 cups
Olive oil ─ 100 g
Crackers (ground) ─ 2 tbsp. spoons
Baguette ─ for serving
Garlic ─ 16 cloves
Oregano (fresh) ─ 2 tbsp. spoons
Thyme (fresh) ─ 2 tbsp. spoons
Basil - 2 large handfuls
Dill - to taste
Parsley - to taste
Salt - to taste
Dark chocolate ─ 300 g
Natural coffee (ground) ─ 45 g (6 teaspoons)
Cocoa powder ─ for decoration
Bread
Dessert:

Action plan:

You did not expect anyone, but the guests persistently ring the doorbell. In this case, it is useful to have some strategic stock in the kitchen - puff pastry, ice cream bar, etc.

While the guests take off their shoes, wash their hands and go into the room, quickly turn on the oven at 220 degrees, take out the puff pastry from the freezer and defrost it in the microwave on the “Defrost” mode. At this time, we rub cheese for crispy sticks. We twist the spirals from pre-cut dough, sprinkle with cheese and sesame seeds and put in the oven for 10 minutes.

We use the baking time for the sticks to peel and cut the potatoes. We put it in a pan and send it to the stove. And now the snack is ready. While the spouse entertains the guests and treats them with cheese sticks, we quickly fry the fish in batter. The whole process takes 20 minutes. During this time, the potatoes are ready. We lay the table and invite friends. Bon Appetit!

When everyone has eaten and talked, offer an ice cream dessert that takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Grocery list:

Eggs ─ 2 pcs.
Fish fillet ─ 6 pcs.
Hard cheese (grated) ─ 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Ice cream ─ 600 g
Potatoes ─ about 2 kg
Lemon ─ 1 pc.
Kiwi ─ 6 pcs.
Sesame - 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Seasoning "For fish" ─ to taste
Mint - for decoration
Puff pastry ─ 375 g (1.5 sheets)
Flour ─ 300 g
Vegetable oil ─ about 200 g
Soda ─ 2/3 tsp
Salt - to taste
Chocolate ─ 1 bar
Bread
Beverages

Take advantage of the proposed menus and, no matter what the guests are - young or old, planned or unexpected, they will definitely leave you full and satisfied.

Table setting according to all existing rules is always a sign of attention from the owner of the house to his guests. Unfortunately, a properly laid table is not so often seen today, especially at home. However, table setting is a true art, once mastered, you bring beauty into your life. That is why it is so important to know the rules of table setting - in order to be able to create a festive atmosphere in your home every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in holidays Surprise your guests with fantasy decorations, intricately folded napkins and sumptuous crockery.

Table setting sequence

The table should be served according to the following plan: tablecloth; plates; cutlery; glasses, wine glasses, glasses; napkins; table decoration. At first, table setting may seem like a really complicated science to someone, but after some time, when table setting according to the rules becomes a habit, it will seem to you that this task is easier than ever!

Table setting begins with spreading tablecloths on the table. It would seem, what could be easier? Threw the tablecloth over the table - and it's ready. In fact, there are certain rules in this regard.

First, the tablecloth must be perfectly ironed and presentable. There is nothing good in setting the table with a crumpled tablecloth or oilcloth. The smoothed tablecloth, or rather its corners, should fall opposite the table legs, covering them evenly. There are also requirements for lowering the tablecloth from all sides - at least 25 cm and, in no case, not lower than the seat of the chair.

Such requirements were not introduced by chance, since too small a tablecloth descent on the table looks ugly, and too large - it causes inconvenience to guests. After you have covered the table with a tablecloth, it's time to start arranging the plates.

Types of plates

The purpose of most of the plates from the table above can be easily guessed by their name, however, there are also dishes that are not entirely obvious. The patty plate is used to serve croutons, patties or bread. The chill plate is used to serve various appetizer dishes such as oysters, salads or stews. The bowl plate, as you can easily guess from its shape, is used to serve several types of salads or side dishes at once. It is also used to serve fondue. Fried eggs are served in an egg plate, jam, jam or honey is placed in a socket, and a bowl is intended for serving fresh berries, jelly and fruit salads.

What kind of plates you put on the table on a festive or weekday evening depends on the number of dishes served. Serving for a two-course dinner involves one plate, for a four-course dinner - another.

Naturally, the plates on your table should be perfectly clean and dry. It is advisable to polish them to a shine before serving.

According to the rules, a snack plate (see the table above) is located in front of each chair. Do not put it on the very edge of the table, it does not look very presentable! The patty plate is placed to the left of the diner, as you can see in the photo above.

If you set a table with several dishes, in this case you place small canteens under the snack plates, etc.

Types of cutlery

  • 1,2,3,4,6,31 - spoons: coffee, tea, dessert, table, for making coffee, for ice cream;
  • 5, 7, 8, 9 - tongs: large confectionery, for asparagus, for ice, small confectionery;
  • 10 - a device for trimming cigars;
  • 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 - forks: for lemon, lemon, cocotte, fish, dessert, dessert, snack bar, snack bar, dinner fork for second courses;
  • 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25 - knives: for second fish dishes, dessert, dessert, snack, snack, table knife for second courses;
  • 24 - ladle;
  • 27, 28, 29, 30 - blades: confectionery, for pate, for fish, caviar;

After arranging the plates, you should immediately lay out all the necessary cutlery. Knives are placed to the right of the plates, forks to the left. A tablespoon is placed near the knife. For a festive dinner of several dishes, the cutlery should be laid out as follows, starting to the right of the plate: a table knife, a fish knife and a snack knife. You put a butter knife on a patty plate. If it is supposed to serve first courses, a soup spoon is placed between the snack and fish knives. If fish is not provided on the festive table, a tablespoon is placed instead of a fish one. To the left of the plates are forks corresponding to the knives in the same order in which the knives are laid out: canteen, fish, diner.

Also, do not pile cutlery one on top of the other, the distance between forks and spoons should be about 1 cm.

Table setting: glasses, wine glasses, glasses

To the right, behind the plates, we put the glasses from largest to smallest. Depending on what drinks will be served on the table, glasses for water, white / red wine, champagne, a glass for juice, a glass for spirits and glasses are sequentially set. When placing glasses, hold them by the stem so as not to leave fingerprints on the glasses themselves.

Table setting: napkins

What is a festive table without napkins? Napkins are not only lovely decoration table, but also very practical thing. Napkins are linen and paper. Cloth napkins are not intended for wiping hands or face, there are disposable paper napkins for this purpose. Cloth napkins good housewives usually beautifully decorated so that guests can put them on their laps.

Table decor

Regardless of whether you have a festive dinner or a daily breakfast, a properly served table involves decorating it with flower arrangements, fruit vases, the same cloth napkins, dishes with colorful vegetables etc.

A beautifully decorated table is the visiting card of the hostess. The first thing to consider when decorating a festive table is, of course, the theme, the purpose of the holiday. Festive table on children's holiday will be somewhat different than at an adult holiday; New Year's table decoration will be different from decoration Easter table etc.

How to decorate and arrange a table for a holiday?

Decor and table setting

In order for your holiday to become the best and most interesting, it is not enough just to have delicious and varied dishes. You will also need to properly decorate the room, table, dishes, utensils, then dress up yourself ... And the most important thing is to convey a sense of celebration to your guests. And therefore, when they come to visit you, they should see the best, most beautiful and uniquely decorated table. Is it really possible to do without a snow-white tablecloth, without intricately folded napkins, name cards, menus, candles, etc. when decorating a table?

❧ Each hostess will decorate the festive standing, trying to make it as good as possible. The main thing is not to overdo it: great amount various trinkets on the table will only annoy.

Before setting the table, decide in what style you want to do it. The choice of style depends only on the availability of dishes and tablecloths of this style. And the dominant role still belongs to the dishes, since it is easier to pick up a tablecloth for dishes than vice versa. For example, if you are a happy owner of a crystal service, then you should set the table with a “ceremonial” white starched tablecloth, starched napkins and beautiful sophisticated bouquets in crystal vases. And if you have porcelain dishes, then you can fantasize endlessly with it, since you can choose tablecloths of any shape and color, as well as a variety of accessories for it.

Table setting. Rules

Festive tablecloths and napkins

Interesting napkins, colored or snow-white, folded into original figures, will give the table a special solemnity. Therefore, when choosing accessories for the festive table, you must determine what color they will be: the same color as the tablecloth, or shade and complement it. The main thing - do not forget that the tablecloth and dishes should go well with each other. If you have not yet purchased a suitable tablecloth for your dining room or tea set, then take your time - it can be made from an ordinary plain canvas. Such a tablecloth will go well with any tableware, even plain colored ones. A bright “floral” service looks especially good on a plain tablecloth if the color of the tablecloth resonates in its design. If desired, you can decorate a plain tablecloth with a silk ribbon. This will give originality to your table, especially if the color of the ribbon matches the color scheme of the service. But for a coffee service, made with special elegance, a tablecloth and napkins decorated with simple lace are suitable. Also you can give new life old tablecloth, putting a beautiful tulle or transparent fabric with lurex on top.

Piquancy to your table can give paper napkins, designed in a special way. There are several interesting ways folding paper napkins. Now on sale there are a wide variety of napkins of various colors and with any pattern, so you can easily pick up napkins on the theme of the celebration. There are special holders for paper napkins, which are usually included in large sets. If you found only white (or colored plain) napkins, then they can be arranged as follows: for example, roll shapes from them: rolls, triangles, “fans”, etc. For napkins designed in this way, if there are no special holders , use a glass or crystal goblet.

Options for using napkins in table setting

More complex options folding napkins ( step by step diagrams folding napkins)

Simple but no less original variants use of wipes.

In this case, napkin rings are used, as well as flowers (live, artificial), ribbons, ribbons, snowflakes and other accessories.

Candles and candlesticks in the festive table setting

Burning candles on your table will add a special, romantic note to the holiday atmosphere and decorate any event. By the way, do not replace full-fledged lighting with candles: the festive table should be well and brightly lit. At poor lighting your guests may get bored, in which case the holiday will be ruined.

The color of the candles must necessarily match the rest of the table accessories (in the same range as napkins, plates or wine glasses). White candles will add special solemnity to your holiday, and red candlesticks decorated with spruce branches will decorate the New Year's or Christmas table. At the same time, you can arrange candles in different ways: put them in a flower arrangement, or place them in candlesticks between bouquets, arrange candles in small groups, and also screw them to flower holders so that the candles rise above the bouquets.

And you can arrange candles in various candlesticks, which can be made of a wide variety of materials: metal, glass, porcelain, ceramics, wood, etc.

❧ At the same time, remember: the candlestick must be combined with the dishes: do not put a ceramic candlestick served with crystal on a standing position.

If you don't like how the candlesticks look on your table, put the candles in short glasses where you can even pour water - it will look especially impressive. If you want to enhance this effect, then “serve” to the table a deep tray filled with water, on which a whole “sea” of candles can fit.

Candlesticks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They also come in various heights. According to etiquette, it is customary to put long candles in low candlesticks, and low candles in high ones.

And in order for the candles to stand evenly in the candlestick, they must be burned from the ends or placed in hot water, and then, when the ends of the candles become soft, put in the nest of the candlestick or prick on its metal needle.

You can also make beautiful compositions from candles. For example, fixing two, three or four candles in a clay bowl different size, water is poured into the container, and the space around the candles is decorated with various fresh or dried flowers - and in front of you is an original “floating” flower arrangement, which is enlivened by the fire of candles reflected in the water.

If you want to somehow decorate the table in a special way, then place small candles in low candlesticks near each guest’s device, as well as boutonnieres and name cards that will fit well into the overall composition.

Usually candles are lit before the arrival of guests and left to burn throughout the evening. However, you should not turn off the general light at the same time (this can only be done at the end of the evening in order to pacify the guests after a fun celebration).

And finally the owl t: in order for the candles to burn longer, before the holiday they should be placed in the refrigerator for several hours.

Options for using candles in the decor of the festive table

Decorating with fantasy

Create a special holiday atmosphere additional elements table decorations, they will also give a topic for conversation and make the feast original. As such elements, you can use all kinds of things and objects. For example, you can beautifully lay out large lettuce leaves on the table and sprinkle spices on them - this decor method will refresh the table and eliminate the need to put salt and pepper shakers. The coffee table can be decorated with scattered coffee beans and chocolates laid out on carved paper saucers.

Interesting, touching and cute silk ribbons look on the table. They are selected depending on the color of the dishes or flower arrangements. Given the space on the table, the ends of the tapes can be made freely falling or fastened with wire. Ribbons can be put from bouquets to devices, creating intricate lines, rings, but they should not touch the water in vases with flowers.

At parties, the festive table can be decorated various figurines from silver: as a rule, these are figurines in the form of birds, flowers, etc. Large figurines are placed next to flower bouquets or along the edges of the table, small ones near each device.