Etiquette rules for setting the table for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and holidays

Proper table setting, corresponding to the event, occasion and time of day of the feast, will allow guests to feel satisfaction from both the event and the meal itself.

Proper table setting not only emphasizes the hostess’s delicate taste, but also shows her respect for guests and household members.

The table is set taking into account the occasion, menu, theme and time of day. At the same time, the purpose of any serving is to provide guests with a comfortable and pleasant pastime and convenient access to all the dishes presented.

Proper table setting emphasizes the good taste of the housewife

Basic rules for setting the table with cutlery at home

The first step is to choose and lay the tablecloth. For a rectangular table, take a tablecloth 50–60 cm longer than the tabletop. If the table is round or oval - 100 - 110 cm wider than the diameter of the tabletop.

Calculate the length of the tablecloth so that its edges are 30–50 cm below the bottom surface of the table.

For a home dinner, you'll need a plain white tablecloth, but other soothing pastel colors will work as well.

IMPORTANT: It’s good if the color and texture of the tablecloth is in harmony with the color and texture of the curtains, upholstery of sofas and armchairs in the room. In any case, the tablecloth should be ironed flawlessly.

Setting the table with cutlery at home

When the table is set, arrange the cutlery. First of all – glass and porcelain plates and dishes. Behind them are knives, spoons, forks and other necessary utensils.

Tableware and cutlery

Glass and crystal glasses, shot glasses, glasses are placed last.

Scheme of correct sorting of the festive table

Arrange the devices in this way:

Place any knives on the right, so that the cutting part faces the plate
Place the tablespoon also on the right, so that its convex part is at the bottom
After serving the table, the forks should be on the left, with their tines pointing upward
the dessert spoon should be behind the plate, its handle turned to the right

IMPORTANT: When serving with cutlery, you must take into account that they will be used from the outer edge and the items will be changed depending on the serving of new dishes. For convenience, you should place objects at a distance of about 1 cm from each other.

Correct placement of cutlery when setting the table

What is it for?

There is a wide variety of serving items. Most of them are not used at home every day, but they may well be needed for organizing a banquet or festive dinner.

Dishes

About 35 of their species are known. However, the most commonly used are:

Soup. A deep plate in which not only soups are served, but also muesli, milk with cereal or oatmeal. But broths, according to the rules, are not served in such dishes - special bowls are provided for them.
Table plates. They are shallow and deep. The shallow ones are used for serving main courses, and the deep ones are used to put pasta and other pasta dishes.

Pirozhkovaya. Bread, croutons or butter are served on it. Place it on top and slightly to the left of the main set. Place a small butter knife on top of it.
Chill. Externally it resembles a mollusk shell. Designed for salad appetizers or oysters.
Fish. Slightly extended for easier handling of fish dishes.

In addition, there are caviar plates, egg plates, dessert plates, salad bowls and many others. In addition, there is also such a type of plate as a serving plate. It is placed under a plate for appetizers, soups or main courses.

Glasses

The most commonly used glassware for drinks is glasses and wine glasses. They can be different in shape, volume and have different purposes, which should also be taken into account when preparing to welcome guests:

Classic elongated glasses with a volume of 120-200 ml are intended for champagne sparkling wines. served for refined champagnes. It must be cooled before filling.
The glass, slightly different from the classic one with an increased volume and a slightly narrowed neck, is served for sophisticated champagne wines. It must be cooled before filling. And fill it no more than 2/3.
For white wine, use glasses with an elongated bowl on a narrow stem, with a volume of 180-260 ml.
Red wine is poured into wider and more open glasses.
Cognac glasses can have a classic shape (snifters) or a tulip shape.

Liqueur glasses, vodka glasses, beer glasses are also used - everything here will depend on the preferences of the guests and the suggestions of the hosts.

Cutlery

Over the years of evolution of the art of cooking and serving, no less than plates, cutlery has also appeared. All of them are usually divided into main and auxiliary (they are also called serving utensils).

The first ones are intended for individual use. The second is used by all participants in the meal. They are used to separate and cut dishes into portions and place them on individual plates.

The main devices, in turn, are divided into:

Dining rooms. They are used to eat soups and main courses. The set includes a knife 20–24 cm long, a fork and a spoon, which are 5-6 cm shorter than the knife.
Snack bars. Designed for appetizers and cold dishes. Consists of a knife and fork.
Fishy. Set of slightly modified fork and knife. The fish knife is dull, in the form of a spatula. The fish fork has shortened tines.
Dessert. A trident fork 18-19 cm long, a small spoon and a knife with a narrow blade. Served with pies, mousses, puddings and other desserts. The dessert spoon can also be served with fried eggs and creamed berries.
Fruity. These include a two-pronged fork and a knife. They are used for fruit salads, melons, watermelons and unpeeled fruit desserts.

In addition, special utensils designed for specific dishes can be served (for example, a fork for oysters, sprat or lobster).

Basic rules for setting the table with dishes at home

Plates are placed on the table first, and glasses, shot glasses, glasses - last.

Arrange the plates in this order:

Place the middle plate (snack bar) so that there is 2.5 - 3 cm left to the edge of the table.
Place the pie (bread) plate on the left, leaving about 10 cm.
If you plan to change dishes, place a small dinner plate under the snack bar, after placing a napkin under it.

IMPORTANT: Depending on the type of first dish, choose a plate for it. If cream soup or broth will be served, take a bowl; if thick soup or borscht, take a large deep plate.

Place the wine glass on the right, the water glass on the left, but they must be in one line. Two rows of drinkware are allowed if a grand event is being prepared with a large variety of dishes and drinks.

IMPORTANT: Dishes for table setting must be prepared in advance. To do this, wash it, dry it, and wipe it thoroughly with a towel. The main thing is that the dishes look perfect before serving. Stains, drips, cloudy or opaque appearance are unacceptable.

Beautiful homemade table setting

Original ideas

Modern table setting, especially for an informal evening, does not involve following strict rules. Therefore, you can switch your attention to the decor and decorate the table, as well as the room, so that it is pleasant for both you and your guests to be in it.

Lay out a beautiful tablecloth, lay out a bright runner, choose matching napkins, place flowers.

Advice! To get a more aesthetic result, try to combine the shades of dishes and decor. Example: setting a white table with blue glasses is complemented by blue napkins or a tablecloth with a blue print.

A beautiful table setting is a great way to set the mood for the evening before dinner even starts! They say that presentation can improve the taste of a dish: why not take advantage of this bonus, because as it turns out, serving is not that difficult.

Folding napkins for table setting

Napkins are an essential attribute of any feast. No matter how beautifully folded paper or linen napkins are, do not forget that they, first of all, serve for the convenience of guests.

Therefore, any napkin should be located in the most accessible place, and even the most intricate napkin shape should be easy to unfold.

Folding a napkin into a Christmas tree shape

The pictures and videos show how to quickly and beautifully make a flat or three-dimensional figure from a napkin.

Volumetric folding of a linen napkin

Beautiful folding of a napkin for table setting

Folding a paper napkin into a heart shape for table setting

IMPORTANT: Volumetric figures made from fabric napkins will keep their shape well, and the napkins themselves can be easily washed off if they are starched.

To starch a linen napkin:

Add 1.5 tbsp to 0.5 liters of cold water. starch and stir until you get a homogeneous cloudy white solution that does not contain lumps.
Boil 1 liter of water, pour into the prepared solution and stir.
Cool and strain through cheesecloth.
Dip clean, dry wipes into the solution and wring out a little.
Hang the napkins to dry without using clothespins.
Start ironing between two towels as soon as all the water has drained from the napkins.

IMPORTANT: According to the rules of etiquette, beautifully folded napkins should be used at formal feasts. For other events, the napkins can simply be placed neatly in a glass or coaster.

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

Rules for setting the table for dinner according to etiquette

There are several options for setting the table for lunch, since lunch itself can consist of a different number of dishes:

Place a small plate on a table covered with a tablecloth.
Place a deep one on a shallow plate for the first course.
Add a snack plate if you will be serving dishes that cannot be eaten from shared dishes.
Place a fork to the left of the plates, a soup spoon and a knife to the right, the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon closer to the edge of the table.
Decorate your snack plate with beautifully folded napkins.
Place a salt shaker and containers with the necessary spices and seasonings in the center of the table.
Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
Place a bottle of alcoholic drink on the table previously uncorked.
Fresh flowers in the center of the table will decorate and complement even an imperfect table setting.
Serve the oil in a butter dish.
Serve the first one hot in a tureen.

Table setting for dinner

Rules for setting the table for dinner according to etiquette

There are several options for setting the table for lunch, since lunch itself can consist of a different number of dishes.

Place a small plate on the table covered with a tablecloth.
Place a deep one on a shallow plate for the first course.
Add a snack plate if you will be serving dishes that cannot be eaten from common dishes.
Place a fork to the left of the plates, a soup spoon and a knife to the right, and the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon should be closer to the edge of the table.
Decorate the snack plate with beautifully folded napkins.
Place a salt shaker and bowls with the necessary spices and seasonings in the center of the table.
Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
Place a bottle of alcoholic drink on the table, uncorked in advance.
Fresh flowers in the center of the table will decorate and complement even imperfect table settings.
Serve the oil in a butter dish.
Serve the first one hot in a tureen.

Rules for setting the table for dinner according to etiquette

Dinner, whether invited or a quiet family dinner, is always associated with warmth and comfort. Therefore, it is important for the hostess not only to set the table correctly, but also to complement the table setting with appropriate details.

Choose a tablecloth (suitable with a small pattern).
Place two small plates one inside the other, and to the left of them place a plate for bread.
To the left of the plates, place the forks with their tines up, and to the right, place the knives with the blades facing the plate.
Place dishes for alcoholic drinks to the right of the plates, for water - to the left.

IMPORTANT: Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, but differs in the absence of a deep plate and spoon for the first course. This dish has no place on the table in the evening.

Table setting for dinner is distinguished by the absence of a deep plate

Beautiful festive table setting: rules

The festive table is usually set not only for family members, but also for invited guests.

A festive feast will be considered a success if the table is beautifully and correctly set, and the guests at the table are comfortable and comfortable.

There are several rules for setting a festive table, following which any hostess will be able to show her ability to welcome guests at the highest level:

The tablecloth for the festive table should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to spread a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will prevent the dishes from clanking if they accidentally fall, and will also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover the table with expensive wood at all.
Dishes and cutlery used for serving must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve the holiday table with dishes of different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and shine of dishes must be impeccable.
Both plates and cutlery should be laid out only in the order in which the hostess plans to serve the dishes.
There should be no unnecessary dishes and cutlery on the table. Items “just in case” are not needed, but will only spoil the appearance of the table.
All alcoholic drinks are served in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
One cloth and several paper napkins should be prepared for each guest.
The hostess pours the first course into plates from the tureen for the guests. One of the guests or household members can help her serve filled plates. This must be done by approaching everyone present at the table from the right side.
Guests put the second dish on their own plate from the common dish.

IMPORTANT: The generally accepted order of serving dishes at the festive table is: appetizer, first course, fish dish, meat dish, sweet dessert and fruit, tea or coffee.

The presence of thematic decor in the center of the festive table will emphasize the efforts of the hostess and give the feast coziness and warmth.

Beautiful festive table setting

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.

Banquet table setting rules

Banquets are held in honor of a major holiday, such as an anniversary or a wedding. The very concept of a “banquet table” implies that the event will take place in a specially rented banquet hall, and waiters will serve the guests.

The attributes of the banquet are:

Various decorations (balloons, bows, special drapery)
Entertainment for guests (live music, performances, toastmaster or host of the event)

Banquet table setting

The banquet table should match the setting, occasion and general mood. The main rules for serving it:

Folding tables are used, which are arranged depending on the number of guests, the features of the hall, and the type of service.
The tables are covered with white banquet tablecloths, leaving about 25 cm from the edges.
Small plates are placed first. They are placed in such a way that the distance between adjacent plates is at least 60 cm, but not more than 80 cm, and the distance to the edge of the table does not exceed 1 - 2 cm. Snack plates are placed on top, and pie plates on the left.
Knives are placed on the right, with their blades facing the plates. All utensils located on the right: table knife, fish knife, table spoon, snack knife.
To the left of the plate: a table fork, a fish fork, two snack forks.
The dessert fork and knife are placed behind the plate.
There is also a wine glass behind the plate, and to the right of the wine glass there are glasses for stronger drinks.
Cloth napkins are placed on plates, after giving them a beautiful appearance.
Low flowerpots with fresh or artificial flowers are placed evenly in the center of the table.
Vases with fruits and grapes can also serve as table decoration.

IMPORTANT: Every little detail is important for a banquet table, so setting it takes a lot of time.

Banquet table setting option

Rules for table setting in a restaurant

There are two serving options in the restaurant:

Banquet room
Preliminary (corresponding to the order from the menu) with additional serving

The name of the “preliminary” serving speaks for itself - the serving will require additions after guests choose dishes and place an order.

Items that must be present on the guest’s table according to the rules for pre-serving:

table knife, plate, fork
wine glass
fabric napkin
additional accessories (spices, folding menu cards, table number in the form of a sign, ashtray, etc.)

Table setting in a restaurant

Beautiful festive table setting: rules

The festive table is usually set not only for family members, but also for invited guests.

The festive feast will be considered a success if the table is beautiful and properly set, and the guests at the table feel comfortable and comfortable.

There are several rules for setting a festive table, following which any hostess will be able to show her ability to welcome guests at the highest level:

The tablecloth for the festive table should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to lay a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will prevent the dishes from clinking in case they accidentally fall, and will also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover the table at all with expensive wood.
Dishes and cutlery used for serving must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve the festive table with dishes of different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and shine of the dishes must be impeccable.
Both plates and cutlery should be laid out only in the order in which the hostess plans to serve the dishes.
There should be no unnecessary dishes and cutlery on the table. Items “just in case” will not be needed, but will only spoil the look of the table.
All alcoholic drinks are served to the table in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
One cloth and several paper napkins should be prepared for each guest.
The hostess pours the first dish into plates from the tureen for the guests. One of the guests or household members can help her serve filled plates. This must be done by approaching each person present at the table from the right side.
Guests put the second dish on their own plate from a common dish.

IMPORTANT: The following order of serving dishes at the festive table is generally accepted: appetizer, first course, fish dish, meat, sweet dessert and fruit, tea or coffee.

The presence of a themed decor in the center of the festive table will emphasize the efforts of the hostess and add comfort and warmth to the table.

Rules for serving a sweet table

Serving a sweet table has no fundamental differences. They put a plate and cutlery in front of it. Place a deep plate on top of a flat plate for liquid sweets.

On the right side of the plates there are wine glasses and glasses. You can display fruits or various cakes on the shelves.

Before inviting guests to the table, it is covered with a tablecloth, preferably in soft colors.

A tea cup larger than a coffee cup is placed on a saucer. The spoon is placed on the saucer. A dessert plate is placed to the left of the cup. For sugar, use special tongs.

Setting a festive children's sweet table

Rules for serving the tea table

The main rules for serving a tea table coincide with the basic rules for serving described earlier, however, several recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to tea:

The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
It is advisable to have a composition of fresh flowers on the table.
If classic Russian tea drinking is expected, it would be appropriate and at the same time original to serve tea directly from the samovar, which is placed to the left of the hostess of the house or placed on a separate table.
Milk is served in a milk jug for tea. It is advisable to place the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
The cake, roll or pie is cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets in candy bowls. The berries are laid out in bowls or plates.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time for relaxed intimate conversations. Even if the tea table setting is not ideal, the positive attitude of the guests and a kind, cozy atmosphere will brighten up the evening and make small shortcomings invisible.

Table setting for tea drinking

Decor and decorations

The simplest, yet at the same time, way to decorate a dining room is to place a bouquet of flowers in the center. It should not be a huge bouquet, because nothing should distract attention from the dishes, and the guests should see each other clearly. Therefore, it is better to use a small composition that looks stylish and aesthetically pleasing, and also fits into the overall design, especially in the color scheme.

Flowers will not be superfluous

A good rule for determining the acceptable height of a bouquet: it should not be higher than the tallest glass that is standing.

Themed decorations also look stylish; they are appropriate to use when lunch is dedicated to some holiday. For example, for Christmas, which in our area is considered a family holiday, you can arrange figurines of angels. It is important to ensure that no element interferes with the use and transfer of dishes.

Decorate according to the occasion

An excellent decoration is candles, which are used not so much for lighting, but to create a cozy atmosphere. Such a warm atmosphere will encourage guests to communicate, and it is not necessary to light them all; beautiful candles can simply be decorations.

Rules for serving a buffet table

Buffets are held at official receptions, corporate events, and presentations.

The peculiarity of its holding is that many people can attend the event, but neither a large hall nor special financial expenses will be required for this.

IMPORTANT: The buffet is held in the evening, it lasts a maximum of 2 hours. The purpose of the event is to socialize and make new acquaintances. It is considered bad form to be one of the first to eat and the last to leave the buffet table.

Features of table setting for a buffet table:

The tables are covered with white tablecloths and arranged in such a way that guests can move freely around the room. A separate table is prepared for dirty dishes.
There are no chairs, because during the buffet, guests themselves come to the tables and choose food.
Buffet menu - appetizers, light salads. Champagne and wine are acceptable drinks.
Wine glasses and stacks of plates are placed at the ends of the table, forks are placed in special stands next to the plates. Guests will bring their own dishes.
The main thing is to leave enough space at the edges of the tables.
Napkins are placed in holders and spaced evenly.
Be sure to decorate the tables and hall with flowers and fruit baskets.
Water and juice are poured into glasses, alcohol is left in bottles, having previously uncorked them.
The buffet menu consists of dishes that you can easily put on your plate: canapés, sandwiches and light snacks.

Buffet table setting

Rules for setting the table for a birthday

A birthday is a holiday that can be celebrated both in a narrow circle of relatives and closest people, and in a noisy company of friends, acquaintances and good acquaintances.

Depending on what kind of celebration the birthday person wants to have, you should choose the venue, menu, and type of service.

If a quiet family dinner is planned, then either a festive table or a table for dinner is served.
If the birthday takes place in a cafe or restaurant with a pre-agreed menu, a banquet table will be served.
Those who decided to visit a restaurant on their birthday, but did not pre-book a table and certain dishes, will receive a standard restaurant pre-service.

Beautiful table setting for a birthday

Rules for serving a sweet table

There are no fundamental differences in serving the sweet table. They place a plate and place cutlery in front of it. Place a deep one on top of a flat plate - for liquid sweets.

On the right side of the plates there are wine glasses and glasses. You can put fruits or various pastries on the shelves.

Before inviting guests to the table, it is covered with a tablecloth, preferably in soft tones.

A tea cup is larger than a coffee cup and is placed on a saucer. The spoon is placed on the saucer. A dessert plate is placed to the left of the cup. For sugar, use special tongs.

Rules for serving the tea table

The main rules for serving the tea table coincide with the basic rules for serving described earlier, however, several recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to tea party

The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
It is desirable that there be a composition of fresh flowers on the table.
If you plan to have a classic Russian tea party, it would be appropriate and at the same time original to serve tea directly from the samovar, which is placed to the left of the hostess of the house or placed on the o separate table.
Milk is served in the milk jug for tea. It is advisable to place the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
The cake, roll or pie is cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets in candy bowls. The berries are laid out in bowls or plates.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time for relaxed, intimate conversations. Even if the setting of the tea table is imperfect, the positive attitude of the guests and a kind, cozy atmosphere will brighten up the evening and make small flaws unnoticeable.

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.