How to set the table? There are no hard and fast rules in this regard. Of course, there are basic table setting recommendations, but the personal taste of the one who sets the table plays a big role in the placement of accents and especially in the choice of decor.

A beautifully set table creates a pleasant atmosphere of comfort, care, celebration. There are so many nuances and possibilities in this matter that the correct table setting is considered a real art.

Table setting rules

There are a few basic rules, following which, you can set the table beautifully. The price of cutlery and accessories does not matter much. The main thing is that the dishes, cutlery and everything around them harmoniously combine with each other and create a complete composition. Including - the interior of the room where the table is to be served. Without napkins, tablecloths, colors or other items for decoration, it will not work. So, we paint the algorithm in steps.

• The table is covered with a tablecloth - clean and ironed. Its edges should fall from the edge by twenty-five to thirty centimeters.

• Corners - located opposite the legs.

• We arrange the plates, previously washed and wiped dry, even better - polished so that they shine.

• A plate for snacks is placed exactly opposite the chairs, and about two centimeters separate it from the edge of the countertop.

• A pie plate is placed 5-15 centimeters to the left (bread is placed in it).

• If you need more than two plates, then a small dining room is located under the diner.

• When a two-course dinner is supposed, you can first put one deep plate, and then bring a dessert one.

• The knife and fork are located at the main plate: the knife is on the right, next to it is a spoon, the fork is on the left.

• There can be several knives: they follow in descending order of magnitude - from left to right.

• When butter is served, for it you need to put a small knife on a bread (patty) plate.

• If you need to use several forks, they are placed on the left side of the plate - as they decrease: dining room, for fish and for snacks.

• Dessert spoon - behind the main plate (which is opposite the chair) parallel to the edge of the table, its handle is turned to the right.

• For wine, the glass is placed on the right side, immediately behind the knife.

• Other glasses or glasses are placed next to it.

• When only water is on the menu of drinks, then glasses or glasses for it are located directly behind the main plate.

• For kvass or fruit drink, you need a glass or crystal mug that has a handle.

• If the table is served completely, then the dishes where drinks are poured stand in two rows.

• All items on the table should be at least half to one centimeter apart.

There are subtleties of table setting for different dishes. So, it is customary to eat spaghetti with a spoon and fork, because there is no knife in the composition. In Italian cuisine, there is always water on the table - a glass with it is closer than others to the main plate.

Mandatory accessories

Napkins- it is necessary. As soon as the glassware is arranged, cloth napkins are placed on the snack plates, which are best folded beautifully. Sometimes you can use paper napkins.

And the final chord - utensils for spices, flowers in vases, other table decorations. Salt, so that it does not quickly moisten, is better to be used in a mixture - ordinary table salt with dry salt. And only half of the pepper is put in the pepper box.

Flowers they are very in harmony with the festive serving, however, the everyday table will only benefit from them. It is important that the vases for them are low. It is worth considering that pollen does not fall from the flowers and the petals do not fall off.

Serving a table for a celebration

A festive feast requires special preparation. This will help create an atmosphere of celebration, lunch or dinner will be great, guests will be satisfied.

In addition to dishes, you will need tablecloth: ideal - flawless white. You can choose a tablecloth with patterns, but soft. Let the tablecloth be elegant and the napkins the same style. If you fold them in an intricate way, it will be even more interesting.

There is one pattern here. Table setting experts believe that crystal tableware requires only a white tablecloth, but porcelain can be combined with colors.

It is worth setting the table and decorating it in one style. This means that all utensils, cutlery, spice utensils and decorations should all be combined with each other. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the room where the table is laid is also in harmony with what is on it. If all these rules are observed, the effect is amazing!

For example, if the table is being prepared for, New Year-themed accessories are appropriate. A wedding celebration involves its own table decoration, and a birthday allows for any options. The main thing is that the table does not overshadow the birthday man himself.

Crockery and cutlery are arranged according to the general rules, everything is as described above - point by point. Then everything will lie as it should. There are enough plates for different dishes. Guests will be comfortable, the food will be even tastier, and the overall atmosphere of the holiday will be on top.

Children's holiday

Children do not need excessive "strictness". It is important that young guests are as comfortable as possible. And so that the mood of joy and mischief is reflected in the serving.

Which one will dishes, it doesn’t matter for children: let it be comfortable and relatively inexpensive - exquisite porcelain or glass is not the best option here, because children can easily break it, which will spoil the mood. You can even use disposable tableware, but good quality, with bright patterns.

It doesn’t matter for children whether there are delicacies on the table or ordinary, but interesting and favorite snacks. But they will appreciate if the food will be put on plates and there will be no need to impose and cut anything using a knife. Still, these are children who are not up to ceremonies.

It is good if there are as few items of dishes on the table as possible. The simpler the better. The main thing is that everything is comfortable.

But decor is almost the main condition for a successful serving of a festive feast for children. Different balloons, decorative paper decoration, bright tablecloth, caps, - all this will delight young guests. It is worth paying maximum attention to this. After all, children love to play.

The theme in which the holiday is held continues in the design of the table. When young “fairies” came to the girl, and everything around resembles a castle from a fairy tale, the table, of course, should be decorated in the same way. A holiday for boys, where there are a lot of robots and an appropriate animator and other decor, will be brighter if the table is also “robotic”.

Beautiful - every day

To enjoy a wonderful table setting, it is not necessary to wait for a holiday. It is only worth spending a little more time setting the table for a regular breakfast or dinner.

It will be easy if there are beautiful napkins and dishes in stock - albeit inexpensive, but in the same stylistic and color scheme.

The tablecloth in this case is completely optional. On the contrary, the modern trend is to do without it in home serving. And replace with wicker bamboo napkins, wooden coasters or cloth napkins. You can link them yourself. Beautiful hard paper napkins are also suitable.

A beautifully folded napkin tied with a ribbon, a flower in a vase will help add sophistication. It’s not worth complicating serving: a minimum of dishes, but as much imagination as possible.

How to set the table: video

It takes ~3 minutes to read

Have you ever wondered what is the main sign of the attention of the hostess of the house to her guests? Of course, this is the correct table setting. Unfortunately, not all housewives know how to do this. Many people think that a beautiful table setting takes a lot of time. However, this opinion is erroneous. Knowing and observing certain rules, you can create a festive mood not only for the holidays, but also on weekdays.
To create an unusual table decoration, you can attract household members. Most likely, they will like this activity, and you will save time and effort.

It is wrong to think that in ordinary life you can not bother, and all the complexity of decoration is used exclusively for holidays. Psychologists say that the mood and taste perception of food depends on the appearance of the dish and the table as a whole.
Table setting at home differs from the solemn one in a smaller number of appliances and decor details.

1. Take into service that coaster plates are a must. Using them, you will avoid staining the tablecloth. Agree that sometimes it is very difficult to remove borscht stains from it.
2. It is not recommended to replace the tablecloth with oilcloth. To make the table look "smart", sometimes it is enough to lay a checkered cloth on it. Of course, everything should look harmonious and the tablecloth should be combined with the overall interior of the kitchen.
3. If your menu includes a first course, then the presence of deep plates is a must. It is much easier to walk around with a pot and pour the broth for everyone than to rush around with plates.
4. Under a deep plate should be a container for a side dish.
5. In order not to constantly run for forks and spoons, provide them in the right amount in advance.

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Why is table setting necessary?

Everyone will agree that it is much more pleasant to eat at a chicly served table. If everything is properly organized, then the daily meal turns into a holiday.
It is not necessary to cook gourmet dishes, you can use ordinary inexpensive products. The very idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdecorating a dining table is important.
Serving planning for specific meals
Introduce new traditions into your family. Due to the lack of time in the modern world, not every family can afford joint meals. In this case, you can limit yourself to one common meal, which will take place in the evening.
Not only for a festive meal, but also for a simple dinner, you can arrange the serving in an original way. Children will be happy to help you with this, as a rule, they are very fond of arranging plates and laying out napkins.
At this table you can chat with all family members. The atmosphere of comfort is conducive to confidential conversations, everyone can talk about their problems or achievements. Such a tradition will bring a piece of joy into everyday life. After everyone gets used to gathering at home for dinner, you can start introducing gatherings on weekends into family traditions.

Table setting rules

1. You need to use the same devices.
2. Each dish should have its own serving.
3. When arranging objects, it must be taken into account that about 80 cm of space must be allocated for each person. This condition will make guests feel comfortable.
4. Plates are placed in the middle of the allocated place, at a distance of two cm from the edge.
5. When planning the serving of several dishes, deep dishes are placed on a flat surface.
6. At a distance of 10 cm to the left of the person, plates for sweets or bread are placed.
7. Spoons, forks and knives are placed with the tip up, on the right - knives, on the left - forks. If dessert is to be served, the soup spoon is placed above the plate.
8. Glasses and glasses should be placed on the right. If alcohol and water are served at the same time, then the container that should be combined with the first course is placed closer.
9. All utensils must be clean and free of stains and streaks. Before serving, it must be wiped with a dry towel.

How to choose the right tablecloth

A mandatory attribute is a tablecloth. It can be both for everyday use and for solemn. What recommendations do experts give when choosing a tablecloth?

• for a banquet, a tablecloth made of natural fabrics, preferably white, is used;
• for everyday dinner or lunch, you can use an acrylic attribute, it should fit the shape of the table;
• it is important that the tablecloth is of suitable length, it should cover the entire surface, and the edges should hang down by 20-25 cm.

Required condition!!! Any tablecloth must be clean. Therefore, you need to have several options available.

Plate arrangement

So, the tablecloth is laid. Now you need to arrange the plates. The scheme is very simple. There should be a decorative plate in the very center, it should not be too close to the edge. A plate for snacks is placed on it. If there are liquid dishes on the menu, then a deep container is also placed on a decorative plate. It is important to note that when serving puree soup, a soup bowl is served, and when serving broth, a cup must be served. The bread plate is placed to the left of the decorative one.

Location of devices

Serving provides a certain location of all appliances. Everything must comply with the rules of etiquette:

• appliances should be placed on the sides of the plates, in some cases they are placed on top;
• there should be forks to the left of the main plate;
• knives are placed on the right, their blades should be directed towards the plate;
• on top of the plate should be a spoon for soup;
• a dessert spoon is placed on the right side, it should enclose a row of knives.

Important!!! The utensils that will be used first should be closest to the plate. Appliances for first courses should be the most distant. It should be borne in mind that all devices must be freely available for use.

How to choose glasses

For serving a festive table, it is very important to choose the right glasses. For each drink, a certain type of wine glasses or glasses is provided.
For red wines, cognac and brandy, "pot-bellied" glasses are used. And for wines from white varieties, small glasses are used. The tallest or narrowest glasses are for champagne. For juices and water, glasses are served that are intended for cocktails.

Use of napkins

How beautiful to set the table? One of the most important elements of decoration in the design of any holiday or banquet are napkins. A lot of techniques have been invented, following which you can create an exquisite and unusual composition from them. When choosing napkins, you need to pay attention to the color. You can buy napkins of the same color with holiday candles.
Napkins need to be folded so that after unfolding they do not look too wrinkled. This decoration is placed on a plate for snacks. Using napkin figurines, you can make your table very stylish.

Table setting for dinner

1. Festive dinner with the family. Beautiful candles and plates are placed on the table, wine and light snacks are in store. Later, you can serve a hot dish, dessert and fruit. Remove the glasses and replace them with cups and saucers.
2. How beautiful to set the table for a romantic dinner? A small table is laid, at which two people sit opposite each other. Candles and flowers are a must. A dark-colored tablecloth will add a special flair to the romantic mood.
3. For a themed dinner. You can serve dishes prepared from products that are grown in your country house. The table is decorated with compositions of vegetables. All dishes are simple, prepared from natural products.
4. For dinner with a friend. No extra details. Delicate tablecloth, the minimum number of appliances, light meals. Perhaps cold cuts or seafood.
5. Dinner for friends. Friends come to visit for simple informal communication. So forget about solemnity, everything should be simple. But of course cook some delicious meals

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Table setting for a children's event

Organizing a children's event is always a special concern for parents. It is necessary to take care not only about the deliciousness of the food and the beauty of the presentation, but also about the safety of the children.
How to set the table for a children's holiday?

1. In order for the children to feel like adults, set a separate table for them.
2. It is necessary to withstand the design in one scale. It is better if you pick up any cartoon theme. It must be present in everything.
3. Disposable tableware is a real find for parents who need to organize a children's party. Just do not think that we are talking about simple disposable plates. In stores you can buy very beautiful dishes made of durable plastic or special cardboard. Such dishes are very practical, because they do not break. She is very beautiful, so the kids will be delighted with her.
4. Do not cook a variety of salads and meat dishes. After all, this is a children's holiday, and children do not like to eat this at a party. Surprise them with beautiful buffet appetizers, this is exactly what they will like.

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Benefits of proper table setting

If your family gets used to eating in a cozy and beautiful environment, then food will be a real pleasure. Children will grow up cultured, knowing the place for each item on the table. Evening gatherings at a beautifully laid table will unite your family. And this family tradition will be passed down from generation to generation.

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

Table setting sequence

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

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

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

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

Types of plates

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

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

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

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

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

Types of cutlery

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

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

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

Table setting: glasses, wine glasses, glasses

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

Table setting: napkins

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

Table decor

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

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

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

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

A photo of the table setting is presented below:

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

Table setting for a birthday and a lot of photos

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

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

Table setting for a birthday is not complete without tableware such as wicker fruit baskets, crystal vases for sweets and salads, china plates and elegant glasses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For children, the festive table is served in the same way as for adults, but now many parents prefer to use plastic dishes in order to prevent possible injuries and breakage of expensive sets. In addition, today plastic glasses and plates delight with their bright and original appearance, which makes it possible to make a children's table elegant and colorful.

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

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

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Do-it-yourself festive table setting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Home table setting

As a rule, home table setting falls on weekends, when the family has the opportunity to gather at the dinner table in full force. For such an occasion, delicious dishes are prepared, loved by family members, leisurely conversations are held, the time at such a dinner passes very pleasantly and sincerely.

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

Table setting for breakfast

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

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

Table setting for dinner

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

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

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

Table setting for dinner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In order to make it easier to seat a large number of guests in their places, you can make cards with the names of all those present in advance and place them near the glasses.

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

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

Before the onset of this significant date, the heart invariably stops with joy in anticipation of gifts, fun, friendly meetings. But some people don't like their birthdays for various reasons. Someone due to the fact that they are at least a year, but they are getting older. And some, especially economical subjects, are busy calculating how much it will cost them, and from the announcement of the estimate, their mood deteriorates. Life so develops that everyone is periodically forced to save. But this is not a reason to deprive yourself of the holidays. Therefore, we will try to answer the question: how to inexpensively set the table for a birthday?

Where is the tradition from?

When did people start celebrating birthdays? There are two versions. According to the first, the tradition was based on Roman rites in honor of the gods. The pagans laid plentiful tables, congratulations sounded, various gifts were given. This hypothesis is more modern. And the second version says that the roots of the tradition go back to ancient times, when there were beliefs about the special vulnerability of a person on his birthday. It was believed that any wishes or curses have a double effect on such dates. Therefore, with offerings, ancient people tried to appease the spirits so that they would not harm the newborn.

Name day of Mukha-Tsokotukha

Gradually they switched to personalities, but for a long time no one paid attention to the date of the birth of children and women. The first woman whose birthday was celebrated on a grand scale was the beautiful Cleopatra. It was not customary for the common people to record and celebrate women's birthdays.

The Greeks and Egyptians often and pathetically celebrated the birth dates of the gods, as well as the pharaohs and kings. Sometimes, on the occasion of the birth of the pharaoh, prisoners were released from prisons. In ordinary families, it was practiced to celebrate only the birthday of the head of the family.

The position of Christianity on this issue at first was extremely tough: life is given to a person to atone for sins, so he is not up to fun. Later, the church softened somewhat and allowed baptisms with name days. But the Soviet system was against name days and, figuratively speaking, trampled on the tradition with its iron boot. Even the famous birthday fly was ordered to be removed from the works of old Korney.

By the way, name days were very popular in Rus': they baked a loaf, brewed delicious beer, cooked pies and sang songs. Of course, the peasant holidays were much more modest than the royal ones: sometimes the amount spent on the name day of the crowned person could be used to build several luxurious palaces.

Surprise cake

It is clear that ordinary people have always dreamed of deliciously and inexpensively setting the table for a birthday. But what's a holiday without cake? Few people know where this indispensable attribute of birthdays came from. If you dig deeper, it is believed that the idea itself came again from the times of paganism, when sacred altars were lit in pitch darkness in honor of the ancient gods.

But the Germans introduced the tradition. They created a common ritual for celebrating a child's birthday. To do this, they prepared a delicious cake, in which various iconic objects were hidden, candles were placed on top according to the number of years of the hero of the occasion, and, having woken up the child with the dawn, they sang healthy songs to him. It is noteworthy that the cake was not eaten until evening, until the whole family gathered at the table. The child had to think of something cherished and blow out the candles at a time. Familiar, right?

Jam Day: their manners

In different countries, such holidays are treated differently. The most reverent attitude of the majority of the inhabitants of the planet to anniversaries. But some nationalities celebrate just odd or non-circular dates. Traditions are also different: in Italy, spaghetti will be an indispensable dish on the table of the birthday boy (so that he lives long), and in Latin America they always break a piñata with gifts loaded into it.

The British, who have lived to be 80 years old or more, are personally congratulated by Her Royal Majesty. But the most unlucky birthday people live in Japan: instead of children, their parents are congratulated, and it is generally customary to give gifts only after the age of 60.

Economy table rules

If the hostess-birthday girl nevertheless decided to gather loved ones under her hospitable roof, but wants to measure needs with opportunities, then there is a way out.

Setting a table for a birthday at home is inexpensive, very tasty, and even so that it looks presentable - an absolutely doable task. To do this, you must follow the simplest rules:

1. The menu must be thought out in advance. It's good to delve into cookbooks, look through magazines. It is necessary to pay attention to the ingredients: it is cheaper to buy seasonal products, so the menu is selected accordingly. If the hostess wants to set the table for her birthday at home inexpensively, recipes with photos are especially welcome, because you can immediately see how the dishes will look on the table.
2. Accurately calculate the number of invitees (considering, of course, a few uninvited guests). You can cook hot portions, but in this case, the birthday girl will not have peace. It’s better to make a common dish with a margin.
3. The first courses in the birthday menu, as a rule, are not included. The exception is exotic gourmet soups.
4. If a traditional celebration is planned, then it is quite possible to set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively. Recipes for budget meals can be found in any source to your taste. But cold and hot appetizers, main course (meat or fish), salads and dessert must be included.

Alcoholic drinks are also an important attribute of the festive table, as they increase the degree of mood, pardon the pun.

Modest cut and luxurious roll

Many families adhere to classic long-term traditions and set the table with favorite dishes that guests know by heart. But this approach has its own benefit: people will never leave hungry and are guaranteed to be satisfied.

Meat, cheese and vegetable cuts belong to the standard cold appetizers. This classic approach has never let anyone down. The main thing is the variety of varieties in the composition of the cut. Everyone knows that it is with cold appetizers that any feast should begin. This is the so-called organizational moment: after all, it is useless to hope that no one will be late. And while waiting, the rest of the guests will be able to eat well so as not to drink on an empty stomach.

For those who want to set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively, Korean snacks are perfect: get a little bit of everything (pre-tasting the dishes) and put them on the table in small plates. Homemade pickles and marinades are also in great demand among guests.

There are express recipes for the dedicated on how tasty and inexpensive to set the table for a birthday: a cold roll and an appetizer with the romantic name "Raffaello". The first is prepared as follows:

• a sheet of thin pita bread is smeared with a mixture that includes: mayonnaise, garlic, dill and grated cheese;
• top with thinly sliced ​​ham;
• then the steps are repeated;
• roll pita bread in the form of a roll;
• wrap the product in cling film and put it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Serve such an inexpensive, but original dish by cutting it with a very sharp knife into portioned pieces.

Appetizer "Raffaello" will require the following ingredients:

• crab sticks;
• garlic;
• hard cheese;
• mayonnaise;
• cashews (but you can use walnuts to save money).

A walnut kernel is rolled into a mixture of cheese, fat mayonnaise and garlic. Next, the frozen crab stick is rubbed on a fine grater. In grated crab meat it crumbles with a surprise: the dish is ready. Including with the help of this recipe, you can reveal the secret of how to quickly and inexpensively set the table for a birthday. To make such balls look festive, they are laid out on fresh lettuce leaves.

You can also use seasonal dishes. The budget version of the menu is compiled in the summer. For example, eggplant tongues or fingers. The second option is more expensive, since it has very little, but meat is included.

Delicious hot appetizers

The hostess, asking herself the question of how tasty and inexpensive to set the table for her birthday, should not forget about hot snacks. They follow the cold when everyone has gathered at the table and it's time for the first toasts. They should not be many, and they are prepared shortly before serving. This is a light meal with small portion sizes. An example of such a snack can be easy-to-cook meat balls:

• traditional, minced meat is made, with the addition of a raw egg;
• the finished layer of dough is rolled out and cut into strips;
• meat balls are wrapped with threads of dough like a ball;
• the dish is baked in the oven until cooked.

This appetizer looks very presentable.

Now it is not a problem for the hostess to set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively, the recipes just jump out of magazines, cookbooks, and Internet portals. Here, for example, is a dish similar to julienne, which is prepared ridiculously quickly, but tastes simply charming. We present to the attention of the housewives champignons in sour cream sauce.

The dish is prepared like this:

• peeled mushrooms are added to carefully sautéed onions and carrots and stewed for about 10 minutes;
• later sour cream, seasonings are laid and everything is stewed until tender.

The simplest dish can be made beautiful if you sprinkle it with grated cheese and herbs on top, and serve it in ceramic pots.

Salads for a date

If you set out to set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively, then you can’t do without salads. For a traditional approach, Olivier, herring under a fur coat, Mimosa or Caesar are suitable. You can use the simplest option, which will require products such as:

• green pea;
• ham;
• pickled champignons;
• mayonnaise.

This salad is suitable when guests are literally on the doorstep or come unexpectedly. After all, nothing needs to be prepared in advance, all the components are simply mixed.

Salads with seafood can look original, they especially appeal to the female half of the guests.

Main meal serving

A very important moment when, after an artistic exclamation: “Fedya! Game!" on the table appears, for example, a baked appetizing duck stuffed with dried apricots and apples. But the question was how inexpensively to set the table for a birthday, what does the game have to do with it? So it is not necessary to bake the duck, the same can be done with chicken. You can use not the whole bird, but its legs or wings. If you marinate them well, and even roll them in honey, you get an excellent dish with a delicious crispy crust.

In general, before planning the main serving, you need to ask yourself what your guests like more: meat or fish? Only then can you prepare the coveted main course. Of course, fish is several times more troublesome than meat, but either pike will become truly festive and will be remembered by guests for a long time. It is not bad to serve medallions or steaks to the festive table. One thing can be said with certainty - meat must be present on the table.

As a side dish for main dishes, you should choose potatoes in any form: mashed potatoes, french fries, fried, boiled with herbs.

What about compote?

To set the table for a birthday inexpensively, recipes are not all that a hostess needs. Drinks are also important. Of course, you can not do without compotes, juices, carbonated drinks, maybe even crocks. And what about alcohol? It is important to take into account here that not everyone drinks strong alcohol, therefore champagne, as well as other wines, is an obligatory attribute on the festive table.

Desserts require tea or coffee. As a sweet, of course, in the classic version they serve a cake with candles, but how to set a festive table for a birthday inexpensively? After all, cakes are quite expensive. There is a way out: either bake a cake with your own hands, or purchase cakes, cookies or sweets. By the way, a confectionery product prepared personally is better than any purchased product, because the hostess puts her soul into the dish.

Mistress Secrets

To set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively, but at the same time make it unforgettable, you need to know the main secret: competent serving and decoration of dishes. This is not worth your time.

What you need for serving and decorating:

1. Tablecloth. The classic version is white, but other colors are allowed.
2. Dishes. Cutlery and glasses should be polished to a shine. For a solemn occasion, it will be useful to get your best service from the bins.
3. Do not forget about cloth napkins according to the number of guests. They can be laid out beautifully in waves or in the form of shapes.
4. Decorate dishes with herbs, bright berries, like cranberries, peas, olives. For curly and fruit there is a special knife, it would be nice to buy it. If you ask yourself the question: how to set the table for a birthday inexpensively, recipes can be very surprising. And not only with not too expensive and tasty dishes described in them, but also with a presentable appearance. This is due to the fact that the dish is decorated correctly, because when looking at food, appetite should come.
5. You should not conduct a lot of culinary experiments, let everything be familiar, with the exception of one or two dishes.

A festive table should not be complete without a variety of vegetables and fruits. If the alcohol is planned to be strong, then take care of a hearty and plentiful snack.

Little birthday boy

How to inexpensively set the table for a child's birthday so that he is delighted, probably many mothers think.

Actually, it's quite easy. There are several tips, using which you can make an unforgettable celebration for your child and his friends:

• paper dishes of bright colors - safe and beautiful, and you don’t need to wash anything;
• decoration of the room with balls, paper garlands;
• small dishes - mostly canapes, salads in bowls, lavash rolls with various fillings, chicken croquettes - children do not really like to overeat, unless, of course, these are sweets;
• water drinkers can be offered home-made lemonade, fruit drinks, juices, compotes and milk-fruit shakes;
• desserts are preferably from cottage cheese;
• salads are best seasoned with sour cream and yogurt.

Everything is suitable for canapes: ham, cheese stars, pepper slices, olives, corn, shrimp. The sweet version is done like this: bananas, grapes, kiwi are pricked on skewers.

From boiled chicken, tomatoes, sweet peppers and hard-boiled eggs, you can make a delicious salad by decorating it in the form of a hedgehog with fly agarics on its back. Lettuce is laid in layers: chopped chicken → tomatoes → grated eggs → chopped peppers. Each layer is smeared with sour cream and yogurt dressing. The hedgehog should be sprinkled with grated carrots, and the muzzle should be marked with egg white. The eyes and nose are made from olives and prunes, and fly agaric from eggs and tomatoes.

It is important to create a festive atmosphere and provide the opportunity for the kids to actively move.

Alternative Ideas

Finally, you can offer a few ideas when there is neither time nor desire to spend time in the kitchen, and the soul needs a holiday. You can set the table for a birthday at home inexpensively and tasty by purchasing prepared food from a cookery or restaurant. This option is especially suitable for a young advanced company. You can order pizza, grilled chicken and salads. Japanese dishes are a little more expensive.

There is also an interesting and modern option - a buffet table. But he is subject to certain rules:

• division into disposable portions;
• dishes should be mostly on skewers;
• you can lay out all kinds of goodies on one large table;
• the main dish should be in baskets or make pancakes, after cutting them;
• if chicken legs are served, then the bone is wrapped with a napkin.

Alcoholic drinks must be uncorked, and glasses and glasses must be provided to guests. But a huge plus will be that the birthday girl does not need to constantly change plates and appliances.

The most interesting option would be a birthday in nature. Happy people born in the summer months know what that means. Outdoor picnic, barbecue, barbecue, air and sun - what could be more tempting? But here there are nuances:

• salads with mayonnaise - not recommended picnic dishes;
• meat must be marinated in advance;
• take care of drinking water;
• sandwiches and side dishes can be taken from home.

And what a delicious pilaf on a fire or potatoes baked in ashes!

But whatever the birthday person chooses, the main thing is the loved ones nearby.