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Proper table setting: instructions for use
New Year’s holidays are coming, and with them-it’s time for noisy fun feasts. To make the celebrations memorable for a long time, it is important to think through everything to the last detail, including the correct table setting.
Smart placement
How to make a table setting according to all the canons? Just a few basic rules will help you create a cozy and inviting environment. For a festive dinner, the table is covered with a clean and immaculately ironed tablecloth, preferably white. The rules of table setting according to etiquette oblige each guest to put a large serving plate that serves as a stand. Plates with snacks, soups and hot dishes are placed in it. For a solemn type of table setting, a pie plate for bakery products is indispensable, which is placed to the left of the serving plate. A knife is placed on top of the plate, if various fillings and butter are provided. Sometimes you can see a cup of warm water and mint leaves for wetting your fingers. Full classic table setting involves the presence of cutlery and glasses, selected in accordance with the dishes and drinks from the menu. For an original table setting, you can even set a basket with fresh flowers in the center.
Set of ladies and gentlemen
The rules for the arrangement of cutlery are not as complicated as they are thought of. Traditionally, they are laid out on the edges of the serving plate: knives-on the right, forks-on the left. If the menu promises dessert, the soup spoon is placed over the serving plate. If there is no dessert, the spoon is moved to the first knife. At the same time, there is a simple rule of serving cutlery: the most extreme ones are intended for dishes served in the first place, then the appliances are taken in order of priority. According to the existing rules, the cutlery set includes a small snack fork and knife, served with cold and some hot snacks. The larger cutlery is designed for the first and second courses. Devices for fish are easily recognized by a fork with 3-4 teeth and a recess for bones, as well as a knife in the form of a spatula. And the cutlery on the etiquette includes a dessert set consisting of a knife, fork and spoon.
Table Arsenal
Skilful handling of lobsters and oysters is an undisputed talent. But do not forget, for ordinary dishes, too, there is etiquette. The rules for the use of cutlery in relation to soups are simple. If they contain meatballs, pasta or large vegetables, they should be carefully broken with a spoon. If the soup is served in a cup, the broth should be intelligently drunk. Chicken is allowed to eat with your hands only in the family circle. At a dinner party, you will have to wield a fork and a knife.
Meat dishes like chops or escalope are eaten with them, cut into pieces. According to the rules of etiquette, the cutlery for schnitzel, goulash and chopped cutlets is a fork and no knife. Garnish, vegetables, pasta, omelets and puddings will also do without it. But sandwiches, pies and pies require both a fork and a knife. Separate cutlery and rules exist for caviar, pate, and mustard. They are collected with a small spoon and spread on a slice of bread.
Secret Signs
The rules for using cutlery in a restaurant imply some nuances. If you have paused, but are going to return to the dish, the rules of etiquette with cutlery recommend placing the fork and knife with the handles on the table, and the tips on the plate, turning them slightly away from you. If you need to leave the table, but you have not yet finished dinner, cross the dishes on the plate so that the tines of the fork are directed to the left, and the point of the knife is directed to the right. The rules of etiquette of cutlery after eating say that they should be placed parallel to each other. Imagine that the plate is a dial, and place them on the number 5 or 7. If you have just finished the soup, leave the spoon in the plate. By the way, the dilemma about which way to tilt the plate with the remains of the soup — from yourself or to yourself — the rules of etiquette of cutlery solve simply. Let the last drops of soup remain in the plate, this will not offend anyone.
Keep it forever
Knowing how to store cutlery in the kitchen is just as important. Standard trays or trendy organizers with sections are equally practical. In any case, always separate the knives, forks, and spoons. Moreover, keep clean silver cutlery separately. After use, wash them in a hot soda solution (50 g of soda per 1 liter of water) and wipe them well with a velvety cloth. From excessive moisture, silverware fades. A paste of ammonia, tooth powder, soda and water in equal proportions will help to restore the former shine.
Taking care of everyday cutlery is even easier. Ordinary detergents will be enough. Treat heavy dirt with lemon juice and rub with a woolen cloth with tooth powder. Corrosive odors will go away if you rub the appliances with vegetable oil or vinegar. And to make spoons, knives and forks sparkle like new, dip them for a few seconds in the potato broth, then wipe dry.
As you can see, there is nothing wrong with the rules for using cutlery. Having mastered them without difficulty, you will look like a true aristocrat even at a royal dinner party.