Beautiful table setting for the holiday: features, ideas and rules

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Everyone knows that table decoration for various holidays is subject to certain rules. In addition, a beautiful table will definitely emphasize the respect for the guests and the delicate taste of the hostess.

Design of the table depends on the occasion, time of day and served dishes and is designed to provide those present with a pleasant and comfortable pastime. Next, consider how the table setting for the holiday should be done, what accessories are needed for this.

Historical facts

The history of the table setting process begins about two and a half thousand years ago. In those ancient times, the Romans and Greeks often held solemn meals, distinguished by pomp and luxury. Tables were decorated with garlands and bouquets of fresh flowers, and dishes were served on trays. We althy people used ceramic or glassware decorated with paintings, poor people used earthenware. Spoons were rarely used - they ate, dipping into liquidslices of bread.

In Europe, the development of the art of table setting is associated with the reign of Charlemagne, who lived from 744 to 814. He loved to arrange luxurious receptions - the halls were magnificently decorated with expensive carpets, and the table setting for the holiday included gold and silver utensils for dishes. During the feast, the guests and the king were entertained by dancers, musicians and readers.

In the 17th century, the art of table setting received a new impetus, after which cutlery, glass and porcelain dishes, and sets were widely used.

Basic serving requirements

Feast table setting is used to make the table look beautiful, attract attention and be comfortable.

To do this, you must adhere to a few simple requirements:

1. A perfectly ironed tablecloth must be present on the table. If the table is rectangular, then the coating should be taken half a meter longer than the tabletop, if with rounded edges - a meter more than its diameter. In any case, the edges should hang down by 30-50 cm. For especially solemn occasions, white is chosen, and in the rest, any pastel colors are suitable. Ideal - the shade and texture of the coating is combined with the style of the room.
2. Cutlery and crockery must be from the same set, perfectly washed and polished to a shine with a special cloth, streaks, turbidity and stains are unacceptable.
3. Serving a festive table at home provides forindependent table decoration. Therefore, you need to take care of the napkins - they must be clean, ironed and consistent with the general style. Napkins folded in a certain way give a special charm to the table - various design methods are tried in advance.
4. To give the table and the general atmosphere of coziness, decoration with various objects is used - candles or souvenir little things.
5. Bottles with alcoholic beverages are put on the table already uncorked.

Basic design rules

After the table is set and the tablecloth is laid, they start serving. It must be remembered that the sequence of actions is as follows: the dishes from which they eat are placed on the table first, then cutlery, containers for drinks - last.

The table setting rules dictate the following arrangement of cutlery and crockery:

• a napkin is spread over the location of the plates;
• first put a small dinner plate on the napkin (if you plan to change dishes) so that there is a distance of three centimeters from the edge of the table;
• then a slightly smaller snack plate is placed on top;
• a plate for bread - a pie - is placed to the left ten centimeters from the diner;
• cutlery is laid out as follows: on the right - knives with the cutting side to the plate and spoons with the convex part down, on the left - forks with the prongs up, on top - a dessert spoon with the handle to the right;
• then should be put in one line:on the right - a glass of wine, on the left - a glass of water;
• if there are several drinks, two rows of dishes for them are allowed.

Objects are arranged so that there is a distance of one centimeter between them.

When choosing a dinner plate, take into account the type of dish served - for cream soup or broth they put bowls, for thick soup or borscht - a deep plate.

Napkins for the table

In addition to the fact that napkins are an essential attribute of the design and table setting for the holiday, they can also serve as its original decoration - for this they are beautifully folded. The main rule is that the accessory should be quickly deployed and located in an accessible place. Traditionally, before the start of the feast, a napkin is placed on top of the plates.

For solemn events, textile napkins are used, decorated with embroidery, braid, lace and fastened with special accessories in the form of figures or flowers. They are used to protect against debris, held on your knees. Hands and mouth are wiped with paper napkins, which are placed on the table in glasses, stands or holders.

The easiest way to fold is the cutlery pocket. More complex methods involve decoration in the form of a Christmas tree, a flower, a complex figure.

But the main thing to consider is that cloth napkins must be starched, so they better hold their shape and wash off dirt.

Table setting for breakfast

The rules for table setting at home for various meals that do not provide for a solemn atmosphere dictate simpler conditions.

For breakfast, you can arrange a table as follows:

• arrange snack plates;
• put glasses and cups at some distance;
• put a teaspoon on a small saucer;
• put a deep plate for porridge on the snack plate;
• then place a stand for eggs on top, and next to it - a special spoon for eating them;
• in the middle of the table there is a kettle or coffee pot with a drink and sandwiches on a flat dish;
• if honey or jam is served, then a saucer is prepared for them.

Table setting for lunch and dinner

The rules for setting the table for dinner provide for several ways, depending on the number of dishes served.

In general, the table is arranged like this:

• cover the tablecloth;
• small plate goes first;
• top - deep, intended for the first course;
• to the previous one - a snack plate for salads;
• a fork is placed to the left of the plates, and a knife is placed to the right - closer to the plates, a soup spoon is next to it;
• a napkin is placed on top of the plates;
• in availability they put containers with seasonings - s alt, pepper, spices;
• left and right, respectively, have a water glass and a wine glass;
• table setting can be supplemented with fresh flowers;
• specialcapacity;
• a hot first course is served in a covered tureen.

Dinner table setting is no different from dinner preparation, with the only difference being that they do not put a deep plate on the table and do not put a spoon for first courses.

Children's table decoration

Table setting for a children's party has its own characteristics: the atmosphere should be interesting, fun and attractive. And most importantly, safe.

Therefore, some rules must be observed:

• you can not use fragile or breakable dishes, it is better to use special children's accessories;
• cutlery should not be sharp;
• all meals must be served in separate containers;
• menu needs to be calculated so that food does not need to be cut;
• dishes should be colorful and attractive;
• the tablecloth is selected bright and not very long so that it cannot be pulled off the table, or it is fixed;
• one-time coverage would be ideal;
• paper napkins are suitable, folded into funny figures;
• candy, fruits, balloons can be used to decorate the table.

Table setting for a banquet

In people's lives solemn events happen from time to time - weddings, anniversaries, appointments to responsible positions. In these situations, banquets or receptions are held in specially designated halls. Table setting for the holiday, napkins and other accessories are prepared by the attendants, and the dishes are served by the waiters.

The attributes of the festive banquet are:

• decorations in the form of compositions of balls or flowers, bows and original textile drapery);
• entertainment elements for guests (performances by artists, live music - modern or classical, host of the holiday);
• a lavishly furnished table and large chairs.

The main requirements for table setting are:

• long or free-standing tables covered with crisp white starched tablecloths and large matching napkins;
• first place small plates at a distance of sixty centimeters from each other according to the number of guests, put snack bars on top, patties on the left;
• to the right of the plates there are table, fish and snack knives and a tablespoon, and to the left - forks: a canteen, fish and two snack bars;
• dessert utensils - a knife, a spoon and a fork - are placed on top of the plate;
• to the right - glasses, wine glasses and glasses;
• nicely folded napkins on top of plates;
• along the table in the middle - vases with flowers and fruits, containers with spices.

Table setting for tea

Tea drinking is a special ceremony that should take place in the comfort of home. The basic requirements for serving are the same as above, but a few recommendations will help make the atmosphere more comfortable.

They are:

• the style and color of the tea set should match the shade and texture of the tablecloth;
• on the tablepreferably the presence of a small bouquet of fresh flowers;
• for traditional tea drinking, a samovar is placed on a separate table;
• in the milk jug put milk or cream on the table on a small plate;
• a cake or pie cut into portions is served on a dish, sweets and fruits are served in candy bowls, berries are served in bowls;
• a tea cup is placed on a saucer, a teaspoon is placed there as well;
• a sugar bowl with special tongs is placed in the middle of the table.

Buffet table setting

Buffet is an official event held at receptions, presentations, meetings. As a rule, there are a lot of people on it and they do not sit at the tables. The event lasts no more than two hours and provides for active communication of those present. Table setting for the holiday with a buffet table has its own characteristics.

They are:

• tables are arranged so as not to interfere with the free movement of people, and are covered with white tablecloths;
• menu includes light snacks, salads, sandwiches and sandwiches;
• alcoholic drinks - wines and champagnes;
• sets of dishes and cutlery are placed on special stands;
• glasses and wine glasses are placed at the end of the table, napkins in holders - evenly along the entire length;
• tables are decorated with fruits, the hall is decorated with flowers;
• bottles with alcohol are uncorked and put on the table, and juices and water are poured into glasses or goblets.

Using Candlesticks

Candles can become a decoration of the table setting for the holiday at home - theyburning will create an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and romance. It must be remembered that the main lighting of the table must also be present.

White candles are traditionally chosen for installation in candlesticks, but if it is decided to take colored ones, then their shade should match the design of the table. Candlesticks can be decorated with flowers, boutonnieres or ribbons, and in the New Year or Christmas - with spruce branches. The material of their manufacture - metal, ceramics, porcelain or glass - must also correspond to the general style and utensils.

It is believed that if you keep candles in the refrigerator for several hours before the holiday, they will burn longer.

Beautiful table setting ideas

A festively decorated table will make any event enjoyable. But some little things can be added to the traditional serving - they can bring a special charm and originality to the atmosphere.

Designers offer the following ideas:

• The tabletop can be decorated by laying another, smaller, or fabric strip in a contrasting color over the tablecloth;
• fresh flowers or herbs can serve as table decoration and napkins;
• in the spring you can attach decorations in the form of ladybugs, dragonflies or other insects to utensils;
• if the table is being prepared for a romantic dinner, small candles are placed in containers with a small amount of water, the space around is decorated with rose petals and large rhinestones.

The theory and practice of table setting provide for the correspondence of the design to the occasion or theme of the celebration.

In special cases on eachplace a card with the initials of the guest, decorated with a boutonniere.

At Christmas or New Year's feasts, napkins can be decorated with snowflakes, cones, and on the table there are figures of snowmen or Santa Claus, spruce twigs and Christmas toys. The aroma of pine needles will help to provide special sprays.

Skillfully approaching the preparation of the celebration, you can not only feed the guests with deliciously prepared dishes, but also make the holiday amazing and memorable.