Table Setting for Dinner: 225+ (Photos) Beautiful Designs

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If you need an original table setting, technology and imagination will help organize any feast. Everything will be discussed in more detail later in the article. Proper table setting is the final stage of preparation for the upcoming feast. It allows you to highlight the originality of the dishes served, emphasize artistic taste and helps create a festive or homely atmosphere. Serving is necessary for breakfast with the family, for a gala dinner for an anniversary, and for a buffet in honor of an engagement.

Criteria for selecting options

Creating a festive atmosphere

The reason for the feast is the main factor determining the number of invited guests and the format of the meeting. The choice of dishes served, textiles, dishes and cutlery depends on it. For example, for a Sunday family lunch, you can choose a simpler design than for a birthday or wedding anniversary.

We decorate it in the theme of the feast

When looking for serving options, you need to consider:

Time of day When preparing for breakfast, use light-colored dishes and bright cotton or linen textiles. For a festive dinner, a tablecloth and napkins made of thick fabrics in noble shades - burgundy, dark blue or gold - are appropriate.

Season of the year To decorate the table in spring or summer, choose light and sunny shades, and in winter or autumn - more saturated colors. Depending on the season, you can choose flowers and other accessories for decoration.

It is better to use white dishes for breakfast

White color is universal when decorating. White dishes can be used for everyday and holiday serving. A white tablecloth looks solemn in combination with the same fabric napkins, and with colored paper ones it looks fresh and relaxed.

Casual white color

VIDEO: Table setting

Table setting

How to do it quickly and beautifully

Children's table

Setting a children's table has its own characteristics. The main thing you need to focus on is safety, reasonable approach and, of course, beauty.

First of all, decide on the theme of the holiday. Create a beautiful and fabulous atmosphere. Give preference to bright colors, use balloons, party hats, corrugated stick figures, ribbons, confetti and other decorations for decoration.

An example of table setting for a children's birthday

The serving procedure is the same as for an adult table: you need to start with the tablecloth. It makes more sense to use a beautiful oilcloth rather than a tablecloth - it’s easier to put it in order after children’s pranks. The edges of the oilcloth should be higher than the seats.

Dishes and cutlery should be selected based on the age of the children: paper and plastic dishes are suitable for the youngest children, and impact-resistant glass for older children. Cutlery must be safe.

Don’t forget about disposable tableware: it’s convenient to use not only at children’s parties, but also at picnics and country gatherings

To ensure that children feel comfortable at the table, it should not be cluttered with dishes. 1-2 plates are enough: a snack bar and a deep bowl. Cutlery for children is placed to the right of the plate, but if they are old enough to use a knife, the table is set according to the standard pattern.

Instead of glasses, use wide, stable glasses; place them closer to the center of the table. Don't forget to stock up on napkins and paper towels

Since children cannot sit at the table for a long time and will “bite”, it is better to serve appetizers, cold cuts, canapés and tartlets. For main course, you can prepare baked potatoes, nuggets, spring rolls, mini sandwiches and other similar dishes. For serving, use multi-tiered stands, dishes and deep bowls.

Involve the whole family in setting the table and create a beautiful decoration together. This will make the holiday unforgettable and give you many vivid impressions.

Despite the complexity, setting the table at home can be a pleasant and creative process if you not only put effort and patience into this activity, but also show ingenuity and imagination.

Basic Rules

Serving is performed in a certain sequence. Following technology will allow you to quickly and competently place everything you need for the upcoming feast. Select the list of items used in accordance with the occasion, time of the celebration or reception.

Serving items depends on the occasion

During the serving process you must perform the following steps:

1 Lay out a tablecloth , which should hang down about 20-30 cm. You can use long cloths that reach the floor when preparing gala dinners. In this case, it is better to complement them with a small tablecloth of a contrasting shade, which is spread on top of the main one.

2 Arrange the plates. Their combination and quantity depend on the number of guests, the scale of the holiday and the planned menu. The standard set includes serving, appetizer and dessert plates, and when serving liquid dishes you will need a deep one.

Approximate layout diagram

3 Lay out the cutlery. They are placed on the tablecloth: to the left of the plate are forks, and to the right are spoons and knives. The devices are placed with the concave side up.

4 Place drinkware. It is placed slightly to the right of the plates, from larger glasses to smaller items. The choice of quantity and type of dishes is influenced by the list of drinks served at the feast.

5 Place napkins. Depending on the occasion of serving, they can be fabric or paper. For especially special occasions, you can decorate napkins with ribbons, special rings, or fold them in the form of an envelope, bow, fan, or other shapes.

Fold a napkin beautifully

At the end of serving, they decorate using various materials. For the New Year and Christmas holidays, pine and spruce branches, balls, and candles would be an appropriate addition. At a feast in honor of a wedding anniversary or anniversary, use flowers and fruit compositions for decoration.

We use fresh flowers

In order for serving to evoke only positive emotions, cutlery, dishes, and textiles must be spotlessly clean. Objects made of glass or crystal are polished before serving with a napkin or towel made of linen or other moisture-absorbing fabric.

The glass must be polished before serving.

VIDEO: Learning to set the table

Learning to serve

Basic concepts everyone should know

Dinner

Table setting for dinner involves a plain tablecloth in muted colors or with a soft pattern.

It is wise to “have” several tablecloths in the house: a small one, for a large table, for a table in the open air (veranda), a “children’s” oilcloth tablecloth

The plates are placed on top of each other in the following order: serving plate, main plate, appetizer plate, soup plate (or bowl). Place a bread plate diagonally to the left.

Table setting at home. Dining option

To the right of the serving plate, place a knife for hot dishes (edge inward), followed by a tablespoon and a soup spoon (convex side down). On the left is a place for a fork (teeth up). If several dishes are served, put 2 or 3 pairs of cutlery. They are placed in accordance with the order of dishes: closer to the plate - cutlery for the main course, then for salads and appetizers, further from the plate - cutlery for dishes that will be served first (light snacks and soups).

The dessert spoon and fork are placed above the main plate, parallel to the edge of the table, with an interval of 1 cm - the spoon with the handle to the right, the fork to the left. The butter knife is placed on the bread plate, with the handle to the right, the tip towards the edge of the table. For all dishes that will be served on common plates, tongs are served, and spoons are used for sauces.

A serving plate is optional for a casual table. Some serving styles allow for its absence (in the photo the serving plate is the bottom one, pink)

Glasses for wine and water are placed diagonally to the right of the main plate (behind the cutlery) in accordance with the order in which drinks are served: closer to the plate - a glass for water, then for an aperitif, for the main drink, and at the end - for strong alcohol. Place a cup for a hot drink just below.

Bread bins and gravy boats are placed along the edges of the table. A tureen, hot dishes, salad bowls and snacks are placed in the center. Wines are served in bottles (pre-opened), other drinks are served in jugs or decanters.

Classic serving

Finish off the dinner setting with napkins and floral arrangements in the center of the table.

Table setting at home depends entirely on the menu and the order in which dishes are served. Everyday lunch does not require compliance with all the subtleties; 1 set of cutlery, a snack bar and a soup plate and 1-2 glasses are enough.

If you will be serving foods that need to be eaten with your hands, be sure to provide bowls of water for hand washing and plenty of tissues.

It is not necessary to set the table according to the requirements of Michelin-starred restaurants. Follow the arrangement, choose beautiful dishes, do it the way you like

Decoration for children's parties

Serving for children on a birthday or for another event has its own characteristics and rules. To give your child and his guests a fun, bright holiday, take care to create a solemn, friendly atmosphere. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the invited children and check with their parents about undesirable products for consumption.

Let's arrange a bright holiday

Decoration begins with choosing a theme for the feast. It determines the color scheme of dishes, textiles, accessories, as well as the list and decor of dishes. Come up with the theme of the event together with the hero of the occasion or taking into account his preferences.

We decorate the table according to the theme of the holiday

Popular options include:

1Holidays based on your favorite cartoons, films or books. You can choose such classic works as “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, or modern ones: “Frozen”, “Cars”, “Toy Story”, etc. To decorate the table, use figurines of your favorite characters and the colors of their surroundings.

We use our favorite characters for decoration

2Feasts with an emphasis on an unusual profession or field of activity. Exactly what topic depends on your child’s interests and passions. His hobbies can be played up with accessories and jewelry in a suitable style.

3Celebrations in which the atmosphere of different eras or cultures. A holiday surrounded by medieval knights or pirates, magical fairies, princesses will be remembered for a long time, you will enjoy it more than an ordinary lunch or dinner. You can emphasize the theme by decorating the room with a strictly consistent color scheme.

pirate Party

When serving for teenagers, you can focus on your favorite colors or decorate the feast in the style of the country whose culinary delights are especially liked by the hero of the occasion. For a Japanese dinner, it's sushi, an Italian evening is unthinkable without pasta and pizza, and to create the atmosphere of a sultry Mexico at a holiday, you will need tacos with burritos.

Devices

The forks are placed to the left of the plate, strictly with their tines facing up. How many there will be and what type they will be depends on the dishes. The principle of laying out forks is simple: from right to left, in the order of use. For example, the fork for the second one will be closest to the plate (it is eaten first), next to it there will be snack bars, and then dessert ones.
Knives and spoons are laid out according to the same principle as forks, but to the right of the plates. It is important that all knives “look” in one direction - towards the plate. Knives are laid out closer to the plate, followed by spoons.

Forks are placed to the left of the plate

There are also separate rules for serving cutlery with spices. The salt shaker should be 1/3 full and the pepper shaker ½ full, the container with mustard can be filled to the brim, and a spoon must be served with it. All liquid spices, olive oil, vinegar and others, are served in small sized bottles (usually 100-150 ml).

Don't forget about the spices on the table

Sauce bowls can be of different shapes and volumes; when serving them, it is important to make sure that the sauce is easy to scoop, and at the same time it does not stand open so as not to dry out. Both spice utensils and gravy boats should be located in the center. They should be in such quantity that everyone can reach the desired item.

Serve the sauce to the table

Serving for birthdays and anniversaries

Birthday is an important holiday. In order for its atmosphere to evoke positive emotions among the guests, the hero of the occasion, and to be remembered for a long time, it is necessary to carefully prepare for the feast. A beautiful, stylishly served holiday table will leave a pleasant impression and will be another reason for a good mood and fun.

A stylishly served festive table will leave a pleasant impression

When choosing the design of a feast, consider the season of the celebration. You can highlight the colors of fall or summer outside your window, or create a contrasting atmosphere with spring decor in winter. For this purpose, textiles, dishes of certain shades, compositions of flowers, fruits, and other accessories are used.

Brighten up the table with bright colors

For a spring holiday in a narrow circle at a dacha or in a country house, you can set a table in lilac tones on the veranda. The delicate painting of the dishes is emphasized by transparent vases and fragile flowers. The composition is set off by a snow-white table and the same linen napkins with lace edges.

Delicate painting in a classic style

When organizing a feast for those born in the hot summer, use bright colors in the table setting. A tablecloth and napkins in rich yellow, orange, green or red shades are combined with snow-white dishes and transparent glasses. Flowers in matching tones will highlight the holiday atmosphere.

Harmony with rich warm shades

You can decorate the table for an autumn celebration with bouquets of fallen leaves and rowan branches. The color scheme of the textiles used is suggested by nature itself. To create an autumn atmosphere, terracotta and golden shades are suitable. Tableware with decor and glasses in bronze or gold color will complement the table setting.

We complement the table with exquisite decor

For winter birthday parties, when setting the table, choose textiles and tableware in cool shades. A dark blue tablecloth goes perfectly with silver cutlery, snow-white china and crystal glasses. As an addition, you can use openwork napkins in the shape of snowflakes and candles that match the color.

Candles are often used for decoration

The theme of organizing the feast can be selected in accordance with the preferences of the hero of the occasion. For sea lovers, set the table with dishes in blue and white tones, and use decorations in the form of starfish and shells as decoration.

Table setting in blue and white

An anniversary is somewhat different from a regular birthday, so think about serving it especially carefully. The choice of table decoration idea depends on the wishes of the birthday person, age and number of invited guests.

We take into account the tastes and wishes of the guests

Dinner

Dinner is served according to the same principle. The table is covered with a well-ironed tablecloth: for a formal dinner, choose a plain one; for a family or friendly dinner, choose a tablecloth with a pattern or border around the edges.

You can replace the serving plate with a round mat, which will serve a decorative function

You can turn the glasses upside down if you are setting the table in advance or outdoors. This is what restaurants located on the street do.

The main dish, appetizer and fish plate are placed on the serving plate. On the left diagonally there is space for a bread and dessert plate (it is served directly with dessert and fruit). For a home dinner in a narrow circle, 1-2 plates are enough, for example, a main plate and a snack plate.

Serving a light dinner

The number of utensils is determined by the number of dishes. The order is the same: on the right is a table knife for hot dishes, followed by fish and snack knives. A tablespoon is placed above the main plate (if there is dessert, the spoon is moved to the right knife, and dessert utensils are placed above the plate). Forks are placed on the left: closer to the plate there is a fork for hot food, then a fork for fish and then a fork. All dishes and snacks that are not served individually are served with tongs and spoons.

Classic dinner setting

In most countries, the following order of dishes is accepted at official dinners: appetizers, soup (broth), fish dish, meat dish, dessert, fruit, coffee. Dishes are changed every 15-20 minutes.

Table setting at home. Scheme for dinner

Glasses and glasses for drinks are placed to the right of the main plate in the order in which drinks are served: for water, for aperitifs, for wines, for spirits. The glass for the main drink remains on the table throughout the meal, the rest can be removed when changing dishes.

For an everyday dinner and meeting with friends, 1-3 glasses are enough: for water, for wine or beer, for strong alcohol. The beer glass is placed on a stand to protect the tablecloth from beer foam.

For dinner with friends or a party at the dacha, the table can be set in a more democratic home style

Dishes with hot dishes, salads and snacks are placed in the center of the table, and closer to the edge of the table - a bread box, sauce boats, jugs and bottles of drinks.

Napkins for dinner can be decorated with special rings or folded into shapes.

The table setting for dinner is completed with a flower arrangement and candles. Candles should be placed in special candlesticks or on stands

You don’t have to limit yourself to candles, figurines and flowers - make nameplates for each invited guest

Table decor for a romantic meeting

A romantic meeting requires an unusual atmosphere and privacy, which can be emphasized with the right table setting. When choosing a design style, take into account the preferences and color preferences of your chosen one. You don’t need to wait for Valentine’s Day for this kind of decor: lovingly selected dishes and accessories will transform the most ordinary lunch or dinner.

We design with love

As a rule, a romantic meeting involves dinner together. To serve it, use red textiles or dishes and candles that will create twilight in the room. Romantic types will love heart-shaped accessories and rose arrangements.

Various accessories will not be superfluous

If you like unconventional solutions and are cool with red shades and an abundance of hearts, set the table for a romantic breakfast. Candles and flowers are a must, and the color scheme is selected taking into account your preferences and the taste of the guest. In addition, hearts can be made from napkins, fruits and even toast.

Flowers are a must

What’s special is serving breakfast on a special tray, with which you will surprise and delight your other half in the morning. To do this, you will need a little imagination to create an attractive still life from a cup of tea or coffee, juice, fruit and fresh scones with jam.

Attractive still life as breakfast in bed

Tablecloth

The tablecloth on the dining table should not be oilcloth; the option is fabric, preferably cotton. The oilcloth is intended for the kitchen; it is well suited for cooking, because you can easily wipe off dirt and water from it. Using it to serve the dinner table is not aesthetically pleasing.

It is better to choose tablecloths made of fabric

As for the colors, the tablecloth should in no case be splattered, look sloppy and attract undue attention. The main attributes of any table that immediately catch the guests’ eyes are the prepared dishes. It is best to choose a tablecloth in light, neutral tones, such as beige, but you also need to consider the color of the dishes.

Choose a tablecloth in neutral colors

It is important to pay attention to the preparation of the tablecloth: it must be washed and ironed so that there are no folds or creases in any place. It should also be true to size, the edges can hang down only to the level of the seats of the chairs, no lower. In the corners it should go down along the legs, evenly on each side.

She should go down the corners

If there is even a small stain on the tablecloth that cannot be washed or a hole, under no circumstances should you lay it on the table. Such a small thing can ruin the overall dining experience for guests.

Organizing a feast for a wedding anniversary

A wedding anniversary is an important stage in the life of every family. Some celebrate it noisily and cheerfully, inviting family and friends to the feast. Others consider this day a personal occasion and celebrate with family.

Serving for a wedding anniversary

No matter how you decide to celebrate your wedding anniversary, you will need a more formal table setting than a casual lunch or dinner. The format of the event depends on the number of invited guests and the location of the celebration. In accordance with this, the menu, type of dishes, textiles and list of accessories are determined.

Decoration for a linen wedding

You can choose the color scheme and decor concept taking into account the name of the wedding anniversary, which depends on the number of years lived. Eg:

Calico It is celebrated a year after the wedding. To celebrate this event, you can cover the table with a tablecloth made of brightly colored fabrics, use paper or fabric napkins with a floral pattern and original decorative dishes.

Wooden The reason for a feast arises after five years of marriage. For table setting, you can choose a linen tablecloth and napkins in pastel colors, wooden dishes or accessories.

Pink Ten years have passed since the wedding, and those guests who were present when the family was created are usually invited to the celebration. For table setting, use textiles or dishes in pink shades, and for decoration - bouquets or arrangements of roses.

Pink wedding

Ruby Forty years is a worthy date, which is usually celebrated in a festive atmosphere in a restaurant or cafe. If you are organizing a feast at home, use glasses of a noble ruby hue or burgundy-colored textiles for serving, complementing them with snow-white plates.

Noble ruby shades

The menu is usually selected in accordance with the occasion of the feast. However, with competent and original serving for a wedding anniversary, even the simplest dishes will look decent on the table.

Types of serving

Any dish, even the simplest one, is much more pleasant to eat from beautiful dishes with the right cutlery. Table setting is very important, it affects appetite, reflects awareness of the rules of etiquette, and increases the status of any event. The number of plates, spoons, glasses depends on the purpose of the feast. It is not at all necessary to turn an everyday meal into a magnificent celebration. The presence of a starched tablecloth, napkins, crystal, flowers on the table is an indispensable requirement only for some types of table settings.

For breakfast

Morning mealtime is a traditional process for many families. You can make it more enjoyable if you set the table according to all the rules. There are many ways to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. In a pleasant, elegant atmosphere, even non-breakfast lovers in the morning will not be able to refuse a cup of coffee and the usual scrambled eggs.

You will definitely get an excellent serving if you adhere to the following rules:

We put a tablecloth on the table. A clean, ironed linen will create comfort and a leisurely homely atmosphere. It can be complemented with a modern runner (a fabric strip in the center of the table). You can also use oilcloth coverings, but be sure to be intact and with a beautiful pattern;
We mark the center of the table. This could be a large flat dish with bread, a fruit stand, a vase with natural flowers;
Main dish. Depending on the type of food, a deep or flat plate is chosen for it. You can place it on a plate or a special napkin;
Lay out the cutlery. On the right is a knife with the blade facing the plate, followed by a tablespoon, then a teaspoon. There is a fork on the left;
Cups and glasses. To the left, diagonally from the main plate, place a glass of water, and to the right, a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of juice;
Additional elements. A sugar bowl with tongs or a spoon is placed in the center of the table, a saucer for cookies, sandwiches, and a jam outlet to the left of each plate.

For lunch and dinner

Shared dinners bring family members closer together and lift their spirits, so they should definitely take place at a beautifully decorated table. If guests come to the house, not only the dinner menu and its presentation change, but also the serving. Depending on the type, number of dishes, age, and status of the guests, this procedure can be carried out in several ways.

You should start decorating the table with the tablecloth. The classic arrangement sequence provides for a standard set of dishes. First, round wide plates are placed, with deep ones for first courses. If snacks will be served, the set should be supplemented with snack saucers decorated with a napkin. Place a fork to the left of the plates, a tablespoon and a knife to the right. For spices, seasonings, salt shakers, butter dishes, allocate a place in the center of the table. There are also stands for bottles and decanters. Glasses and glasses are placed at the top of the plates.

Lunch and evening meals after a working day should be calm and less intense than breakfast and lunch. A couple of plates, placed sparingly, will be enough - small regular plates and a salad bowl. The knife and fork can be placed to the right of the main items or in the usual way. Cold cuts, bread, sauces are placed in the center. Depending on the selected drinks and their sequence, glasses, glasses, and cups are placed.

For banquets

This type of serving is appropriate for large-scale family celebrations and corporate events. In this case, the table is set with a variety of dishes. The arrangement of the devices will depend entirely on the menu, the order of serving, and the variety of drinks.

A banquet requires the presence of a large number of people. To accommodate all guests comfortably, use one rectangular table or several round ones. Cover them with plain tablecloths according to size. The design begins with a visual division of the surface at the rate of 1 meter for each guest.

Each seat at the banquet table is marked with an appetizer or deep plate and a beautifully folded napkin. It should be located 2 cm from the edge. On the left are dishes for pies and bread. The variety of dishes at a banquet may require the presence of several types of spoons and forks. They are placed in the classic way, placing everything at once on both sides of the plates. Snackware can be placed on a plate and covered with a napkin. The most convenient distance from each other is 0.5 cm.

The arrangement of glasses depends on the type and sequence of drinks. Behind the plate, a little to the right, there is a place for a glass for soft drinks. If the drink is in a mug (fruit drink, beer), the handle is turned to the right. For alcoholic banquets, a special serving of glasses is schematically provided. They are placed in two rows. The first row from the plate is a vodka glass, a modern glass, a wine glass. The second row is a Rhine wine glass, a Lafite glass, a glass for sparkling wines.

Buffet room

A special feature of a buffet reception is the absence of chairs. Guests serve themselves and choose the dishes they like. Eating is also required while standing at a full oval table. Buffets are often used at mini holidays, business receptions, youth parties, and in hotels. Do-it-yourself serving can be of several types, each of which has its own rules. The dishes are arranged in a certain sequence as follows:

Glass containers for drinks. You can display glasses, wine glasses, and stacks in two rows, in a snake pattern, in groups, or in a herringbone pattern;
Snack bars, dessert plates. There must be a minimum of 2 pieces per guest. Place them in stacks on both sides of the table;
Devices. Forks are placed on edge, 6-10 pieces to the left of each stack of plates, knives to the right, 3 pieces each;
Equipment for spices. Must be open type. Place them in the center of the table.

Tea or coffee shop

Colorful tablecloths with rich embroidery are suitable for a coffee table. You can complement them with a fabric runner or individual napkins. Modern table setting is impossible without a special set. If it includes only cups and saucers, then additional utensils (sugar bowl, milk jug) can be taken from another set. It is better to follow the rule of material compatibility - porcelain with porcelain, ceramics with ceramics.

The table for tea drinking should be set by arranging dessert plates. To the right of them, a saucer and a cup are placed diagonally (the handle is turned to the right, parallel to the table). The tea spoon is placed in the saucer, also with the handle facing to the right. The dessert spoon is placed to the right of the plate. In the center of the table there is a place for the milk jug and sugar bowl.

New Year's table setting

Decorating a table for a feast on New Year's Eve has certain traditions. This type of table setting is characterized by the use of red, green and golden shades. You can emphasize the holiday atmosphere with candles, compositions of fir branches and balls and other accessories.

Using New Year's accessories

When setting a table, the combination of two main colors of textiles for New Year's feasts - red napkins and a green tablecloth - looks stylish. They are complemented by green glasses, snow-white dishes and stylized deer figurines as decoration.

How could it be without New Year's paraphernalia?

No less popular is the design of the table in silver-blue shades. For this type of serving, use white plates and clear glasses with exquisite carvings. The sophistication of the decor will be set off by blue and white napkins and silver figurines of fir trees.

Silver-blue shades for the holiday theme

VIDEO: How can you decorate a table beautifully?

New Year's table

Setting a festive table (+280 Photos) at home: Technology and rules for organizing beautiful feasts

Festive table setting

For the festive table, a classic full table setting is used.

Select an elegant tablecloth, combine several options in contrasting colors, or complement the table setting with fabric runners.

Table setting. Photos of autumn decor

For ceremonial table setting at home, a festive service is used. The main plate, the appetizer plate, then the fish plate and the soup plate are placed on the serving plate. For cream soup, serve a deep soup plate, for broth - a bowl. A bread plate and a dessert plate are placed diagonally on the left (it is served directly with dessert and fruit).

The number of devices depends on the menu. Festive, as a rule, includes a complete set: a hot knife, a fish knife, a tablespoon, an appetizer knife, a soup spoon and an oyster fork (this is the only type of fork that can be placed on the right). Forks are laid out on the left: for hot dishes, for fish and for appetizers.

Serving scheme for a gala lunch or dinner. The point of the knives should be directed towards the plate, forks should be with their teeth up, spoons with their convex side down

Cutlery is arranged according to the following principle: the cutlery furthest from the plate is for the first course, the one closest to the plate is for the last course

No more than 3 pairs of cutlery for main courses and appetizers are placed near the plate. The devices are placed at a distance of 0.5-1 cm from each other. If it is necessary to serve the 4th pair, wrap it in a napkin and place it on the edge of the serving plate.

When arranging cutlery, consider the menu. For example, if there is no fish on the table, there is no need to put a knife for it

Glasses are placed to the right of the main plate in the order in which the dishes are served. They can be placed in 2 rows, in a semicircle or diagonally in a row. The distance between the glasses is approximately 1 cm. As a rule, a glass for water is placed first, then for champagne, wine, then glasses for cognac and glasses for other strong alcohol.

You can use a variety of colors, including bright ones, for table decor.

Setting the table at home requires the correct arrangement of hot dishes and snacks.

Hot food is served in appropriate dishes (duckpot, etc.) and placed in the center of the table. Festive table setting must include a tureen - it is placed to the right of the hostess. The utensils for serving hot dishes are placed on a saucer nearby, wrapped in a cloth napkin.

Then appetizers are placed: meat is served on round dishes, fish - on oval ones. Next they place salad bowls, meat bowls, herring bowls and gravy boats. Bread bins and condiments should be on the edges. If the table is large, place several pepper shakers, gravy boats, etc. Drinks in jugs and decanters are placed along the edges of the table. Alcohol is served in pre-opened bottles. Champagne and some wines are placed in buckets of ice.

Example of New Year's table decor

When serving desserts, large dishes with cakes and pastries, vases of fruit are placed in the center of the table, and sugar bowls, milk jugs, bowls and sockets are placed closer to the edges.

Finally, lay out napkins and decorate the table with festive decor. These can be flowers, candles, figurines and themed decorations. Seasonal flowers, leaves, fruits, wreaths, Christmas tree decorations, pine cones, ribbons, all kinds of figurines and other decorations are used. On special occasions, the backs of chairs and the chandelier above the table are decorated. It all depends on your imagination.

When preparing floral arrangements for table decoration, avoid flowers with a strong scent - some guests may be sensitive to scents

Cutlery can be decorated with satin ribbons and other themed decor

Scheme and sequence

There is no single correct option for setting the table, because each country has different traditions regarding this issue. Much also depends on the menu, the number of dishes and their focus. Do not forget that depending on the time of day, the design of the kitchen or dining room can vary greatly.

It is customary to set the table according to the following order: tablecloth, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, glasses, glasses, napkins, decor.

Let's start with the tablecloth - it should be perfectly ironed and match the nature of the event. So, for a dinner party, models in neutral shades are suitable, and for a Sunday tomorrow with the family, there is nothing better than a bright tablecloth and napkins with unusual designs. The average length of this product is 25 cm. This figure is far from accidental - an excessively large descent of the tablecloth will look sloppy, and a small one will look awkward.

The smoothed fabric should cover the entire surface, and the corners should fall against the table legs, covering them evenly.

Choose a tablecloth that is suitable in size.
Next comes the arrangement of dishes and cutlery. In a number of European countries, and in Russia too, it is customary to first display porcelain and glass plates, saucers, wine glasses and glasses. When setting the table, it is important to consider that all items will change depending on how the dishes are served. That is why it is better to place dishes and cutlery at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the edge of the table.

Related article: Style and color are the main components of a beautiful table setting

Selection and placement of tablecloths and runners

Every housewife keeps an elegant white tablecloth in her closet. However, you should not limit yourself to just one model; now stores offer a wide selection of products of various sizes, colors and styles. For rectangular tables, tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval tables - 100 cm wider than the diameter of the table.

Designers insist that the color of the tablecloth be combined with the shade of the curtains and the overall style of the room. The main thing is to iron the fabric well, and the choice of colors depends only on the preferences of the residents of the house. You can choose a traditional beige or white bed, or choose a more custom option.

Another new way to decorate a table is to use plain table runners and placemats. You can see examples of such decoration in the photo below.

Plates placement

First, deep, wooden or salad plates are placed on napkins or special tracks. Not far from them are tea utensils and dishes for desserts. The distance from the edge of the table to the dishes should be about 1.5-2 cm. It is also recommended to place a paper napkin under the appetizer plate so that it does not slide on the tablecloth.

Placement of cutlery

Next in order is the layout of the cutlery. According to the rules of etiquette, they are laid out according to the number of courses and placed with the back side facing the table. On the right are spoons and knives, on the left are forks. In most cases, there is one set of cutlery for each person.

If you want to amaze your guests, you can additionally set the table with bright glasses, glasses, special forks, tea and dessert spoons.

Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses

The plates are followed by glasses - they are arranged from largest to smallest. The choice of items depends on the guests' preferences regarding certain drinks. These can be glasses for water, glasses for white or red wine, glasses for juice, as well as glasses for strong drinks.

Glasses are placed on the right, glasses on the left, forming an even line. It is allowed to arrange dishes and cutlery in two rows if there are a large number of participants in the event.

Before serving glasses on the table, make sure the dishes are clean. All items must be thoroughly washed, wiped with a towel and made sure there are no chips or other defects.

Selecting and serving napkins

Classic table setting involves the use of plain napkins in neutral shades. As with the arrangement of cutlery, there are no clear rules for the placement of napkins. They can be beautifully stacked next to a snack plate (designed for bread, tarts and salads) or placed in a water glass, decorated with decorative rings and ribbons.

If you're setting the table for dinner, simply place napkins on the side of each plate, as shown below.

On video: how to properly set the table.

Table decor (finishing)

An excellent option for table decor is a tablecloth made of synthetic material. This solution is suitable for both home gatherings and a festive dinner, the main thing is to choose the right color. It is easy to care for such a tablecloth - it does not wrinkle, does not wear out and retains its original appearance for a long time. As an addition, fabric napkins, plates, and lace runners are used.

To make your living room interior elegant, cozy and unforgettable, place a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, an antique sugar bowl and crystal glasses on the table.

Related article: How to beautifully fold napkins for a festive table: a variety of options [master classes]

Cutlery in a modern style is distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and its own unique functional features.

Decorating the festive table in different styles

When serving, a variety of decorative details complete the festive table. They should not create a feeling of chaos, being located in strict accordance with the overall composition and a certain style.

Shabby chic

The main features of shabby chic are cream, white, pink, beige, and powdery shades. Antique dishes with scuffs are used. The table setting includes candelabra with candles, flowers, and decorative ornaments, designed in a single decor. There is a small floral pattern, as if faded, on the textiles and dishes.

The overall ambience is complemented by wooden furniture with forged details, vintage lace or natural linen napkins with a striped print. Additional decor is provided by photo frames, openwork flowerpots and original flowerpots.

Gilded candlesticks and candelabra are an invariable attribute of the shabby chic style

Discreet and sophisticated decor in soft colors

Glamor

The main differences of the sophisticated glamor style are luxurious materials, rhinestones, graceful shapes of vases and wine glasses, and fur. An abundance of feathers, mirrors and crystal is welcomed when decorating a table with your own hands in this popular style. Silk fabrics, silver cutlery, and glossy surfaces are used.

To decorate the table, install small sculptures, crystal candlesticks, complemented by pendants. Snow-white lace is shaded with notes of black.

Fashionable chairs and a spectacularly decorated table for a glamorous party

Black and white tablecloth is a trend that is gaining great popularity this season.

Techno

The modern dynamic techno style when decorating the table amazes with its fantasy effects. The integration of mirrored bright surfaces with lighting creates a feeling of being in an unusual world. The abundance of metal and glass that refracts light rays complements the originality of the created atmosphere.

In the techno style, constructivism should be felt in everything

Beautiful table decoration in techno style

Minimalism

When serving using elements of the minimalist style, they give preference to the strict geometry of the tabletop without a tablecloth. You can put square plain linen napkins under the plates.

Important! Only the necessary cutlery and utensils should be present on the table. The main criteria are simplicity of form, functionality, elegance.

Intelligence and subtle taste of minimalism style in black and white

An artfully and immaculately decorated table with a Scandinavian touch of minimalism

Country

The character of the country style with rustic notes is emphasized by small stripes or checkered patterns on the tablecloth and neutral linen napkins.

Wicker openwork baskets for sweets and pastries, wooden cutlery, clay vases with wildflowers, decorations made of branches, birch bark or ornate driftwood fit seamlessly into the mix.

Wood and metal dominate on a country style table

Fashionable and non-standard table setting without a tablecloth

Rustic

A wooden table without frills suits a naturalistic rustic style. It is not covered with a tablecloth or lace napkins. Among the serving elements, glass jars decorated with lace ribbons with burlap, used as candlesticks or flower vases, and mats under the cutlery are noted.

Advice! Wood cuts and even stacks of books are used for stands and flowerpots. Cones are required as decoration, and moss is also used.

To add idleness and sophistication, a white veil will be indispensable

The list of fabrics for table setting includes cotton, voile, linen, muslin

Eco style

The popular eco-style assumes naturalness and organic simplicity in table design. They use clay or wooden dishes and vases, painted in accordance with Russian traditions.

Table decoration for the holiday in eco style

Eco style decor usually contains a lot of green.

Provence

A white tablecloth, pastel napkins, light dishes, delicate lavender in a bucket allow you to feel the gentle charm of the French province. Decor in the Provence style is created with ribbons, linen lace or embroidery on the tablecloth, and candles in elegant candlesticks. The main shades are olive, yellow, lavender. There is a blue, terracotta, gray tone.

Slightly shabby wooden furniture with paintings or carvings, and flowerpots woven from straw complement the overall impression.

Table setting in Provence style

Vintage

Elegant items with a touch of antiquity, lush floral patterns with bright shades on the dishes, a carved tray next to a white teapot allow you to decorate the table with elements of a charming vintage style.

The dominant shades in such a solution are white, pink, purple, delicate green, noble ash, and blue. Their palette is extensive, from pastel sounds to rich rich tones.

Antique vases, porcelain figurines, forged candlesticks, silverware, and carved frames are welcome. Lace napkins and embroidered tablecloths made from natural fibers will fit in seamlessly.

Vintage style should be surrounded by an abundance of white, pink and cream colors

English style

The luxurious and discreet English style is supported by emerald, rich red or gold colors.

Expensive gold-plated dishes, crystal glasses and drinking glasses are used for serving. Metal cutlery complements the composition.

Table decor for the holiday with a touch of English style

boho

Free from conventions, boho style easily combines a variety of tableware, exotic and everyday life. The bright shade of flowers is repeated on napkins and glasses, creating an amazing overall color scheme. Ethnic ornaments, unusual plants, and various materials look organically in a single composition.

An abundance of textile napkins, fringe on the tablecloth, candles in original candlesticks, voluminous vases with lush bouquets, and small frames are welcome.

Flowers on the table will help guests immerse themselves in the atmosphere of real celebration and fun.

Fusion

Fusion kitchen style ignores strict serving rules. Any plates or cups left over from memorable sets will find use here.

Fusion combines expensive exclusive items with cheap everyday items on the table. Plastic and glass, outdated shabby vases and trendy appliances will look charming nearby. It is important to observe moderation, creating an overall harmonious atmosphere.

It’s a pleasure to celebrate a special event in such an environment.

Loft

The freedom-loving loft style requires a lot of space and a bold combination of shabby and scuffed items with modern gloss.

Massive metal stands and glassware are placed on a table with a rough wooden surface. Perfectly polished cutlery is placed nearby. Tablecloths are not appropriate in this design.

A table made of burnt wood looks stylish and unusual

Eclecticism

Popular and romantic eclecticism in serving does not deny styles. This direction assumes their organic integration.

The eclectic style table manages to create a modern harmony of Bohemian crystal, modest tableware and oriental patterns. It is necessary to carefully think through every detail, creating a single composition including elegant vases and original candlesticks.

Fashionable colors in an eclectic style with carefully selected tableware

Freestyle

The fashionable, expressive freestyle style prefers minimalism in overall serving and asymmetrical dishes. On the table, the edges of various salad bowls, vases, cups, and plates have different heights, creating an unusual atmosphere. The stems of the wine glasses can have a creative curved shape.

Minimalist and budget option for table design in freestyle style

The ability to set the table in an original way demonstrates the refined, noble taste of the hostess. Knowledge of the features of various design styles allows you to harmoniously combine a variety of decorative items and dishes, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Fresh ideas for serving

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Variations in different styles are possible in table setting, which will be appropriate for different occasions. Surely, in the listed options you will find the style that will best reflect your character and the atmosphere of the feast. So, the most popular are: Provence, Scandinavian, Art Deco, Eco-style, Rustic. Of course, you may well come up with your own style that is most close to you - in this case, simply base it on the general rules of table setting, supplementing them with your imagination.

For lunch or dinner

Eco-style
is perfect for setting the table at home before lunch or dinner. It is closest to the theme of “nature”. When setting the table at home, in this case, they usually use natural colors that are close to natural colors: sand, khaki, gray, brown, cream. Preferred materials: ceramics, natural stone, bamboo, cane, pebbles or wood.
Rustic
can be translated as “rustic” or “uncouth,” and from these words one can already get an approximate idea of such table setting. Tablecloths and napkins are characterized by natural fabrics and pale colors. Wooden boards, pottery, and vintage cutlery are used to serve dishes when setting the table. The table is usually decorated with herbs or wildflowers.
Scandinavian style
will be no less appropriate for home table setting . Perhaps his motto can be called “Less is more,” which means: “Less is more.” Despite the fact that this style is usually thought out to the smallest detail, it does not contain anything superfluous. This style is characterized by minimalism and simplicity: round, rectangular or oval dishes without pronounced decor. Materials are chosen from clay, stone or wood. With this table setting, dishes and tablecloths in beige, creamy gray or white colors are appropriate.

Festive table

Many people prefer to serve their holiday table in Art Deco

. So, it is known because it came from France in the 20s and is associated with chic and luxury. We are talking about a rather pretentious and lush style, which is perfect for gala evenings. When setting the table at home, use dishes with gold or mother-of-pearl. Art Deco is characterized by a range of different colors, clear lines, symmetry, clear lines. Choose tablecloths with stripes and patterns, and gilded cutlery.

Provence

no less appropriate and popular style. Since it is named after an Italian village, the dishes and decor should be appropriate. The colors must include lavender and other light colors. With this table setting you should use lavender, olives, old-fashioned items - they can be in the form of patterns or as decoration. A soft purple color should be predominant, reminiscent of lavender. In home table settings and others, Provence implies some details. These include worn wooden trays, candlesticks, and small teapots.

Sweet table setting

For this occasion, you can choose any of the table setting styles suggested above. However, we advise you to adhere to a few unspoken rules.

Cutlery should be laid out in accordance with normal etiquette. Place a dessert plate, as well as a dessert spoon and fork in front of the guest. By the way, when setting the table at home, you can easily place the fork and spoon directly on the plate without crossing them.

Tea can be served in a stylized samovar, or in special teapots. When preparing to set the table, do not forget about coffee pots and small cups in which you will serve black coffee. You'll also probably need a cappuccino or latte.

If, having started setting the table, you notice that all the drinks may not fit, then it is better to organize a separate table or some other place for sparkling water and juices. Leave a few bottles of plain water, with or without sparkling water, on the table.

When setting a table at home, you should place the main dessert (cake, your signature pastries, etc.) in the center, and place plates with other sweets nearby.

General rules

The best way to make a bad dining impression is to use untidy dishes. Therefore, it is important to check each device several times to eliminate any stains and other dirt that may remain even from ordinary water.

Be sure to check all the dishes before serving.

It is best to use sets of dishes, rather than individual items that differ in appearance. If this is not possible, you can take several different sets, but choose them in such a way that they are harmoniously combined with each other.
Chairs should be pulled out slightly to make it easy for guests to sit on them. The optimal distance is 40-50 cm from the edge. If appropriate, the chairs can be decorated with a fabric that matches the tablecloth. If it is made to order, you can take care of it right away.

Decorate chairs with fabric

If tea or coffee is expected at the end of lunch, it is important to prepare dishes for them in advance, but do not put them out right away. It should be nearby so that, as soon as needed, the hostess can quickly put them out.
Drinks should be located at different ends, and if they are in single quantities, then in the middle. Water, juice and compote are served in jugs. Wine and champagne are placed uncorked in advance, but this must be done at the very end of preparation, before guests arrive, so that the drinks do not go away.

Beautiful serving of alcoholic drinks

When creating a menu and setting the dinner table, it is important to take care of the guests, because the hostess’s task is to organize everything so that everyone is comfortable. To do this, all those present must be warned in advance about the nature of the event, the theme, which will even affect the choice of their clothing. There are no small details when serving, so you shouldn’t save time on it.

Napkins

Using paper napkins when serving dinner is a sign of bad taste. They look appropriate when eating street food or when you are eating without guests, for example, herring. When a beautiful, or even more so festive, table is laid, cloth napkins must be present.

It is better to use cloth napkins

The main thing that napkins should be combined with is a tablecloth. There are many ways to lay them out in an original way, so simple envelopes or rolls are considered classic options. It is important to count them so that not a single guest is left without a napkin.

Variety of choices how to serve

An important role is played by stands, which can have different shapes and decor, which looks beautiful and rich. Never place napkins in a transparent glass, and it is also not recommended to use ordinary plastic coasters.

We arrange it in the form of an envelope

We pay special attention to the cleanliness of the napkins: they must be clean and ironed. If they have been used for a long time, it is quite possible that abrasions may occur; such items must be replaced. It is expected that guests will use cloth napkins to cover their laps, which means they must look decent enough to be safely applied to their clothes.

Cleanliness of presentation is very important

It is best to arrange cloth napkins so that there is one on each plate. Thanks to this, it will be easy not to miscalculate and guests will immediately see that they don’t have to think about the risk of getting their clothes dirty.

Table setting rules for children in pictures

From childhood, you need to teach your child the basics of etiquette. In adult life, this knowledge will come in handy more than once. To ensure that your child doesn’t have any difficulties when learning table manners and the basics of table setting, you can conduct classes in a playful way and use special pictures.

Teaching children how to set the table

Knowing and putting into practice the rules and features of table setting, you can feel confident when inviting guests or setting the table for a family celebration.

Joint feasts at a cozy, beautifully decorated table will bring positive emotions to the owners and their guests and, perhaps, such feasts will turn into a good family tradition.

How to properly set the table at home

Before you start setting the table, pay attention to a few important details.

Do I need a tablecloth?

The tablecloth is the background for serving. If you are planning a celebration, then before setting the table, lay out a plain tablecloth, ideally with decorative elements. If you are planning a tea party or home gatherings, then give preference to a multi-colored tablecloth.

Despite the fact that oilcloth is quite practical, it is better to abandon it. Moreover, there is no need to cover the tablecloth with it. Are you worried that guests will get it dirty? In this case, place a large cloth or plastic napkin under the plate. You can opt for bamboo or straw mats.

Note that the edges of the tablecloth should hang down by 20-50 cm, but no more and no less. In this case, the corners should cover the table legs. A border that is too long is likely to be uncomfortable for those sitting, while a border that is short will likely look sloppy.

Arranging the plates

In the middle of each seating place, you should first place a serving plate, which will correct the situation in the form of a dropped side dish or spilled soup. Next, it’s worth placing a regular plate directly. A little higher on the left is a pie plate. This position is due to the fact that more often we take bread with our left hand.

A serving (substitute) plate is usually placed under appetizers or deep plates. A pie plate, a tea pair or an egg bowl can also be placed in this place.

When setting a table at home, plates should be placed approximately 2 cm from the edge of the table, with the same distance between them. To prevent the snack plate from sliding on the stand, place a cloth or paper napkin between them.

Placement of cutlery

Usually, when setting a table, no more than three pairs of cutlery are placed on the sides of the plate. Please note that knives and spoons should be placed on the right, but forks should be placed on the left. Etiquette suggests that the knife should be placed with the blade facing the plate, and the tines of the fork with the tip up.

Important nuance:

the oyster fork can be placed on the right, in the following sequence, starting from the plate: appetizer knife, table knife, fish knife, teaspoon, tablespoon, oyster fork.

The cutlery to the right of the plate should be laid out in the following order: appetizer fork, dinner fork, fish fork.

The butter knife should be left directly on the pie plate. When setting the table, place a dessert fork and spoon on top of the plate.

We put glasses, wine glasses, glasses

When starting to set the table, it is worth considering the order in which glasses and glasses are arranged. Note that they are placed on the right. As a rule, they are ranked in descending order, starting with the largest capacity. Don’t forget about this rule: the stronger the drink, the smaller the glass (glass) it requires. It would be great if all the glasses and glasses would be in harmony with each other and belong to the same set.

Table decor

There are many options for decorating a table, and this depends primarily on the choice and taste of the hostess. You can decorate with napkins, candles, flowers, fir cones, and so on. In autumn it can be bouquets of autumn leaves, pumpkins; in winter - cones, New Year's candles; in spring and summer - bouquets of flowers. When setting a table at home or any other, it is desirable that the chosen decor is in harmony with the surroundings, tablecloth, and dishes.

If you decide that flowers will be the main decoration of the table, pay attention to exactly how they should be placed so that they are an excellent addition and not a hindrance. Initially, you should make sure that none of the guests are allergic to the types of flowers that you have chosen for table setting.

Do not place plants with a pronounced aroma, which can mix with the food and ultimately ruin someone’s appetite. The vase should be placed so that falling petals do not end up in the food.

For a feast, vases are appropriate that will not interfere with communication, blocking one guest from another. To avoid this, choose low containers for flowers or tall narrow ones.

Following the general rules of table setting, pay special attention to the choice of textiles. There are many table linens that can serve as wonderful decor. We are talking about buffet skirts, chair covers, table covers, and round tablecloths. When choosing textiles for table setting, you need to take into account what kind of event is expected and its format. It is also important that the textiles are harmoniously combined with the dishes.

Napkins

An important detail when setting the table is linen napkins. They are laid out in different ways, and it depends on the nature of the meal. Please note that the guest should not have to worry about how to unfold the folded napkin, so simplicity is an important element in this matter.

If, when setting the table at home, you decide not to place a snack plate, then instead put a starched linen napkin folded in four. Please note that it must certainly be linen - not paper. For a regular or festive dinner, napkins are often folded in the shape of conical caps or tubes, tied with a ribbon or tied with a special ring. You can also fold it in the form of an envelope, fan, boat, and so on.

For special occasions, creatively fold the napkins onto a plate. For other cases, there are no strict rules for their placement. When setting the table at home, they can be placed in a water glass, slipped into rings, or, as mentioned, placed under a snack plate.

Stages of everyday serving

So, the first thing you should do is cover the table with a tablecloth and place the plates on it at the same distance from each other. In the middle of the table you should put a bread box with bread and a bowl of seasonings - if you don’t need any of this for lunch, then exclude the product.
Place a cloth napkin to the right of the plate, near the knife and fork. You can also tuck napkins into special rings.
All utensils should be located at hand, and closer to the plate are those that will be needed later.
The devices are placed at a distance of 1 centimeter from each other. The soup and dessert spoons located behind the plate usually lie with their handles to the right, parallel to the edge of the table.

Table setting: tablecloth

A correctly selected beautiful tablecloth is the basis of table setting. Any culinary delights seem tastier on it. When choosing a tablecloth for the table, you need to take into account the nature of the feast:

A universal option would be a linen or lace tablecloth. It is better to give preference to light shades or just white
if you are hosting close relatives or friends, a tablecloth of any color will do, perhaps even with some unusual pattern

Rules for setting the table for breakfast according to etiquette

To properly set the table for breakfast, follow the following pattern:

Set out the appetizer plates.
Place cups and glasses.
Place a teaspoon on a saucer.
Place an egg rack on the appetizer plate, and don’t forget about a special spoon.
Also place a deep porridge bowl on the snack plate.
Place a coffee pot or tea with a hot drink in the middle of the table.
Serve sandwiches or croissants on a large flat platter.

IMPORTANT: On the table set for breakfast, a saucer for jam or honey, a butter dish, a salt shaker and a sugar bowl would be appropriate.

Table setting for breakfast