Table decorating rules

During the holidays, you want everything to be perfect: cleanliness, delicious dishes, beautiful outfits and proper table decoration. In order for the decoration of the festive table to look impeccable, it is not necessary to be a professional chef or take special courses. It is enough to study this topic and find out some of the nuances and features.

Of course, strict rules do not apply to evening gatherings with friends over a cheese board set and a glass of wine. But for special occasions, you need to prepare.

How to serve a table

Let’s consider the basic rules for decorating individual elements of the festive table.

Features of choosing a tablecloth

The tablecloth is the basis of the table, it emphasizes the importance and significance of the moment. First of all, you need to pay attention to the fact that it is perfectly clean, without holes or scuffs.

For official receptions, only white cloth is used. It can be linen or cotton with slightly shiny patterns. It is preferable to choose damask fabric, as it is more in line with the theme of the event. When using this option, it is necessary to lay a gasket under the fabric so that the cutlery does not emit an unpleasant knock during the arrangement and the meal itself. Felt can act as such a gasket; For a celebration in the old noble style, you can use lace or embroidery. It is worth giving preference to muted tones and golden threads;

For an ordinary home feast, a soft light fabric is perfect, you can use bright embroidery; Colored tablecloths should match the dishes and napkins. Do not overdo it with colors, it is better to stop at two or three shades. You also need to rely on the purpose of the celebration: it will be good if the tablecloth is in tone; Children’s home holidays should be bright, so it will be appropriate to use a beautiful fabric with patterns and decorations.

When using bright fabrics, only modest and plain dishes should be used, napkins should also be plain, preferably white.

Before laying the tablecloth, you need to carefully iron it. Usually it is ironed so that it is divided into four parts, which will look symmetrical on the table. You need to lay it so that the corners of the canvas slightly cover the legs, the edge should go down about forty centimeters.

Which plates are suitable and how to arrange them correctly The second stage in the design of the festive table is the arrangement of plates. All dishes should be perfectly clean and dry, for this you need to thoroughly wash and wipe them first with a regular towel and then with a paper towel. This will help to avoid streaks and spools from the towel.

Rules for arranging plates depending on the purpose and size:

Flat. Its diameter is approximately 30-40 centimeters. She is placed first, usually made of silver or high-quality porcelain. It is used for dessert;

For soup. The diameter is approximately 25 centimeters, and the capacity is 0.25 liters. It is used for creamy soups. For ordinary soup, a plate with two handles on the sides is used;

For pies. The size is approximately 20 centimeters. Used for baked goods and butter;

A small plate measuring 30 centimeters. Used for second courses; Large for snacks. More than 30 centimeters, it serves snacks, meats and hot desserts; Small for snacks. Less than 20 centimeters, served with a cold appetizer; Deep for dessert, if sauce is provided; Small for dessert. They bring fruit.

It is not necessary to use all of the listed plates, only if it is provided for in the menu. They are placed exactly opposite the chairs of the guests, between adjacent plates there should be a distance of at least half a meter. It is recommended that all the dishes be from one set, so the serving will look more harmonious and attractive.

Rules for serving glasses and cutlery

You can’t do without glasses and glasses at any holiday, so you need to study their arrangement. The types of dishes will depend on the liquid that will be served in the process.

Rules:

A glass is needed for water or beer; Mugs are used for kvass and fruit drink; Long elongated champagne glass; Round with a large bottom for red wine; With a wide bottom and a slightly elongated throat for white wine; Small with a wide bottom for port; Small, as for wine, is used for liquor; Small glass of vodka.

A water glass is placed in the center of the plate, and other containers are lined up on the right. The first, after the glass, should be a champagne glass. The distance between them should be about two centimeters.

Napkins

They can be paper or fabric, the latter are used only for festive feasts. Napkins are used for a casual or formal reception. Before folding, they need to be starched.

Do not fold napkins too intricately, as this takes too much time, and it will be inconvenient for guests to spoil the beauty. You need to put them only to the right of the plate.

Options for decorating a festive table

There are many options for decorating a festive table with your own hands. Consider design options depending on the style decision.

Seasonal style

The table is decorated in accordance with any season of the year: autumn, winter, spring or summer. The main characterizing features are used.

For example, autumn leaves, snowflakes and so on;

Country. Rustic style will add zest: the presence of flowers and natural materials. Usually these are neutral colors, a little rough fabric;

Minimalism. Virtually no decorations, muted tones and lack of patterns;

Art Deco. The presence of gold and silver colors;

Emphasis on sustainability. Only environmentally friendly materials are used; Provence. Small bouquets of wild flowers, candles in exquisite shabby candlesticks, tablecloths with patterns embroidered with colored threads will look great;

Vintage. Bright colors, preferably red, pink. Bouquets of peonies or roses, fine porcelain.

In addition, the design depends on the purpose of the event and the number of people. So, the celebration of the New Year should be accompanied by appropriate decoration.