What is etiquette? Festive etiquette: how not to spoil the celebration? Dessert table setting

Etiquette at the festive table- an important part of the feast! We have collected the main table etiquette rules. This is useful for everyone to know!

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A mandatory “item of the program” of almost any holiday is a feast. When we say this word, our imagination draws pictures of a hearty and rich “outing”, but in fact, a feast can be a very responsible affair: dinner with partners, corporate party, celebration in a restaurant. Here it’s important not only not to fall asleep in the salad, but also to know exactly how to eat this salad correctly, so let’s talk about etiquette.

Basic rules

First of all, let us remind you that that putting your elbows on the table is considered indecent, as is talking loudly with your mouth full, or reaching for dishes that are far away from you. In the latter case, you can ask a neighbor or waiter to serve the dish.

Remember that treats lying on the common It is customary to take with common utensils, namely tongs, forks, spoons. Individual utensils can only be used when food is on your plate. If you need bread or cookies, fruits, cakes, feel free to take them with your hands - this is the custom. At the same time, if you accidentally get dirty, wipe your hands or mouth with a paper napkin, not a linen one, which is placed on your lap. You can use it only at the end of the evening, touching your lips and wiping your fingertips.

"Bread Etiquette"

Since we already mentioned bread, let’s give it Special attention, because there is a special “bread etiquette”. For example, you should not bite off a whole piece of bread. The right thing to do is to break off small pieces over your plate and then eat them. It is also not customary to spread a whole piece with butter - again, we break off small pieces, spread each one in turn with butter and put it in the mouth. Often each guest is given a pie plate, in which they need to put their piece of bread.

Like bread, sandwiches are taken with hands. If they act as a snack, they are eaten using a knife and fork. In general, all hot snacks served in a cocotte maker are eaten with a special cocotte fork or teaspoon.

How to eat soup?


Usually soup is served first. It should be eaten quietly, without rushing. If the soup is too hot, wait until it cools slightly, but do not stir it with a spoon. You need to scoop the contents of the plate away from yourself with a spoon. Also, when you finish the soup, you need to lift the plate slightly away from you with your left hand. The spoon is left in for the soup. The broth is brought in special broth cups. If the cup has one handle, the broth is drunk like tea, and if it has two, it is eaten with a spoon.

Main course: fish, meat, salads

Fish, which serves as a snack, must be eaten with a snack fork. For hot fish, use a fish appliance. Boiled fish and hot smoked fish are also eaten with a fork.

Using a knife and fork, they eat not only any hot main meat dishes, but also cold meat appetizers.

Salads are also eaten with a fork. If there are large vegetables or lettuce in it, they are cut into a plate with a knife. Salads - “cocktails”, served in bowls on a stem, are usually eaten with a teaspoon.

Remember that if you need a knife to eat (for example, steak, chop, ham), it is customary to cut off a piece of the treat on your own plate and put it in your mouth. Cutting a dish into many pieces at once is considered unaesthetic. Exactly the same rules apply if poultry or game is served at the table. The only exception is tobacco chicken, which is usually eaten with your hands.

If crayfish, lobsters or lobsters are served at the table, there are special utensils for them, namely a short fork and a spatula.

Deciphering the position of the cutlery on the plate

If you are still continuing... Often, before starting dessert, guests take a break and want to take a little break from the gastronomic abundance. In order for the waiter to understand you correctly and not take away your cutlery, you need to place the knife and fork on the plate the way you held it, that is, the fork with the handle to the left, and the knife with the handle to the right.

If you've already finished... When you have completely finished dinner, the knife and fork should be placed on the plate side by side, parallel to each other. In this case, the handles of both the knife and fork should point to the right. The cutlery that is served with dessert is left in a dessert dish or on a plate-stand. In any case, no cutlery should be left on the tablecloth.


Let’s say right away that if some cutlery fell, no need to crawl under the table for it. Not only is it unsightly, but it will also disturb the neighbors. In such a situation, you need to apologize and politely ask the waiter to bring other cutlery.

Dessert cutlery

When it comes to dessert, they serve special dishes and cutlery. Biscuits, ice cream, creams and puddings are usually eaten with a dessert spoon. The same goes for fruit salads and compotes. If the dessert is solid treats or those that crumble (cookies, waffles), they are eaten while holding them with the hand.

How to eat fruit correctly?

Sometimes as a dessert, and sometimes after it, fruit is served at the table. There are a number of rules for how they should be eaten. For example, apples and pears need to be cut into 4 or 8 slices with a fruit knife.

Peaches and apricots are cut into two halves and the pit is removed, after which they are eaten. Any berries are eaten with a teaspoon, be it, for example, raspberries or strawberries. If there is a watermelon on the table, you need to take a slice, place it on your plate, skin side down, and gradually cut thin slices from the piece. Pineapple is eaten using a knife and fork, cutting the slice on your plate. Oranges and tangerines are peeled and eaten in slices.

Remember that leaving uneaten food on a plate is considered indecent, because it makes you doubt the taste of the dish. The best compliment to the hostess is an empty plate. Also, if guests gathered not in a restaurant, but at home, good tone- mention the wonderful table in your toast and thank the hostess. If the celebration is organized by you, you should not deny it and assure that “everything is not difficult at all,” as they like to do in our country. It is enough to thank you for the compliment on your own culinary art. Also, don’t forget to make a toast of gratitude to the guests who have gathered at your table.

Etiquette is the standards of behavior accepted in society that help a modern person make a good impression on others.Knowledge of the basics of etiquette allows us to determine almost unmistakably the degree of their upbringing, maturity and social status in society by certain actions of people.

General rules of modern etiquette

  • greeting when meeting: the younger ones greet first, then the older ones, men greet women first. An exception to this rule: any person entering the room, be it a man or a woman, is the first to greet those present;
  • respecting the boundaries of personal space: do not stand too close; touching, patting, kissing and hugging a person is possible only after his permission;
  • neatness of appearance: clothes should not only be fashionable, but also clean and appropriate to the situation;
  • use of polite words (thank you, please, excuse me).

Etiquette is when you behave a little better than is absolutely necessary.
Will Cappy.

Rules of good manners for men

A man’s appearance, clothing and demeanor will tell people a lot about him even before they come into personal contact with him, so you should not neglect the basic rules of etiquette:

  • pleasant, fresh aroma. Modern cosmetics companies offer men the use of perfume lines, which include both hygiene and aromatic products that are combined with each other;
  • a man’s wardrobe should be just as carefully selected;
  • basic rule: shoes should ALWAYS be clean;
  • watches: either good or not at all (obvious fakes are unacceptable);
  • before shaking hands, a man must take off his glove; hands are not shaken in the toilet;
  • headwear is removed indoors;
  • It is a sign of good manners for a man to open and hold the door for his companion, help her put on or take off her coat;
  • small handbag men do not wear them, but a real gentleman will not allow a lady to drag a heavy suitcase in his presence;
  • do not respond to rudeness and rudeness in the same way, find acceptable ways out of conflict situations.

Etiquette for women

Well maintained appearance, rich and cultured speech, goodwill, good manners, elegance and style, sophisticated manners, the ability to restrain excessive emotionality, posture, gait, charm and intelligence - these are the main distinctive features a real lady. In order to develop these qualities in yourself, you need to know the basics of etiquette for women:

  • skillfully emphasize the advantages and hide the flaws of your figure with the help of clothes, do not blindly chase fashion;
  • When choosing a wardrobe, we always take into account the format of the event; clothing must match the situation;
  • makeup can be used for daytime or evening, you shouldn’t try on the “smoky eye” look for morning lectures - it looks vulgar;
  • the aroma of your perfume enchants those around you, and does not suffocate you;
  • You can fix your makeup and comb your hair only in the restroom;
  • loud laughter, excessive gesticulation, strongly expressed facial expressions do not make a girl beautiful;
  • swear words and curses should never escape the lips of representatives of the fair sex;
  • punctuality is a rare gift for women; remember, being late for a meeting by more than 15 minutes is bad manners;
  • the ability to conduct a conversation, maintain a conversation on various topics, and be open to communication;
  • gait and posture are an important contribution to the overall image of a woman.

Standards of conduct for children

The child receives the basics of etiquette, of course, in the family, and only then does he undergo socialization in kindergarten and school, where he continues to get acquainted with the culture of behavior in society. Good manners and politeness, respectful attitude towards people, friendliness - these are the qualities that a child will definitely need for a further successful and comfortable life in society.

So, the basic rules of behavior for children:

  • when meeting a familiar person, do not hesitate to be the first to greet;
  • do not interrupt the speaker during conversation;
  • pointing a finger is rude;
  • you should eat with your mouth closed and not talk with your mouth full;
  • you can sit at the table only after an invitation;
  • don’t forget to say the magic words: “thank you”, “please”, “sorry”;
  • treat older people with respect.

Types of etiquette

Rules of politeness include mandatory ones, observed in the interests of society, and optional ones, in which everyone can act at their own discretion, sense of tact and taste. The following types of etiquette are distinguished:

Speech e ticket

Speech etiquette is the culture of speech, all those words and phrases that we use when communicating with each other. A complete picture of our perception of a person emerges only after a conversation with him. By vocabulary, manner of communication and compliance with speech etiquette, we can judge intellectual level development of the interlocutor.

There are certain communication formulas:

  • greeting, for example, it is indecent to say “Hello”, you must say “Hello”;
  • introduction and acquaintance - do not address a stranger as “you”;
  • conversation - do not interrupt the interlocutor;
  • request - in in this case always use the word “please”;
  • advice - tact is important here, because it is so easy to lose your interlocutor by giving unsolicited advice;
  • refusal and consent - it is important to be able to correctly, clearly and diplomatically convey your arguments in case of refusal;
  • congratulations should be appropriate to age, status and gender;
  • compliment – ​​never confuse compliments with flattery, a true compliment comes from the soul and heart;
  • farewell - you can say the word “Bye” to your friends, buddies, and others only “Goodbye”

Business etiquette

Some conventions of behavior that help create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at meetings, negotiations, and receptions. A participant in business communication must comply with certain rules of behavior. Otherwise, the businessman risks his business reputation and a decrease in the desired results.

Incorrectly seated guests at a reception, negotiators dressed inappropriately - each of these and many other “little things” can slow down, cool, and sometimes worsen relations between partners and hinder the further successful development of business cooperation. Conversely, a well-observed ceremony allows the well-functioning mechanism of business relations to operate normally.

Elements of business etiquette:

  • image of a businessman;
  • business card, invitations;
  • business gifts;
  • negotiations, receptions;
  • business letter;
  • phone conversation;
  • correspondence by email;
  • summary;
  • interviews.

Everyday etiquette

The type of etiquette that we use every day, one principle of it is maintaining good relations between people and reducing the number of conflicts and misunderstandings. In any everyday situation, politeness, delicacy, mutual respect, modesty, and most importantly, sincere friendliness towards people will help you out.

Festive etiquette

We all love holidays and enjoy visiting friends and celebrating events in restaurants and cafes. When celebrating a holiday, certain rules of etiquette are also used:

  • people visit you only by invitation (the exception is only very close friends or relatives, however, it is better to coordinate the time of your visit with them);
  • making yourself wait, being late is bad manners, but you shouldn’t arrive earlier than the agreed upon date;
  • don't forget about gifts;

Wedding etiquette

There is no more solemn and important event in a person's life than a wedding! Often, preparation for this event lasts more than one month and every detail is thought through. Here, of course, one cannot do without knowledge of the intricacies of wedding etiquette, both on the part of the guests and the newlyweds.

  • It is advisable to arrange a wedding invitation in a stylish manner and send it out at least three weeks in advance;
  • if there is a uniform dress code for guests, then this wish of the newlyweds is mandatory;
  • an envelope with money as a wedding gift is quite appropriate;
  • The seating plan for guests at the wedding table is also important and predetermined. As a rule, the newlyweds sit at the head of the table, the bride's guests are on the left side, and the groom's guests are on the right. The closest people to the young are witnesses and parents.
  • At a wedding there is no place for quarrels, conflicts and blues, only positive emotions, dancing, songs, fun and laughter!

Dining room etiquette

These are the rules of behavior at the table, knowledge of the art of serving and the peculiarities of conducting table conversation.

  • a beautifully decorated table should be covered with a tablecloth (immaculately clean and ironed, hanging 20-30 cm, it is advisable to place a thick cloth under the tablecloth to prevent the tablecloth from sliding and the knocking of cutlery);
  • the napkins are unrolled and placed on the lap;
  • It is customary to place the knife and spoon to the right of the plate, the spoon with the curved surface up, and the knife with the blade towards the plate, the fork on the left, with the teeth up.
  • to the right of the plate are glasses and wine glasses. Their size and shape depend on the types of drinks (the stronger the drink, the smaller the glass);
  • It is not customary to place your elbows on the table; only your hands are held on it;
  • the fish is eaten with two forks, the bones are separated from one, and the other is put into the mouth;
  • poultry is eaten using a knife and fork, carefully cutting off pieces of meat; taking the remains of poultry or game with your hands is only permissible if a rinse with water is served on the table to wash the fingers. Otherwise, it is unacceptable.

Military etiquette

Includes rules of conduct for officers and military personnel military service and in civil society. Special meaning has the concept of military honor, which has been cultivated for hundreds of years. The image of a man in a uniform combines masculinity, discipline, responsibility, endurance and a special military bearing. Officers are required to always be impeccably dressed and have clean, correct speech. It is important to be in good athletic shape and have unquestioned authority among juniors.

Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation

Ministry of Education of the Irkutsk Region

District Department of Education of Kazachinsko-Lensky District

Municipal educational institution

"Ulkan secondary school No. 2"

Lesson notes.

"Holiday Etiquette"

(etiquette for younger schoolchildren)

Compiled by an afterschool teacher

Neustupalova Anna Viktorovna

Ulkan 2013

Preliminary work cchildren: making caps, paraphernalia for decorating the table and the holiday itself, an exhibition of bouquets of sweets, handmade gifts.

Homework for groups:

    Prepare one interesting game or competition that can be held on your birthday.

    Group 1 - think over the decoration and setting of the festive table;

2nd group - create a holiday menu;

Group 3 – set up an exhibition “Do-It-Yourself Gifts”

4th group - compose and issue a birthday invitation.

Holiday etiquette.

Lesson topic : “Favorite holiday – Birthday!”

Lesson type: Workshop on etiquette.

Purpose of the lesson: consolidate knowledge of the rules of receiving guests, behavior at the table, accepting gifts, how to entertain guests; show students that a holiday is interesting when people participate in its preparation.

Interdisciplinary connections:

    technology, literary reading, music.

Resources:

    multimedia equipment;

Planned learning outcome:

    comprehension

    developing the skills to listen to an interlocutor, work in a group and in pairs;

    mastering forms of etiquette when preparing and holding a holiday.

Preparatory work: Students practice skills in a circle

Form of delivery: lesson - workshop; group, frontal work.

The teacher divides the class into 4 groups, taking into account the wishes of the students.

Characters: presenter, Pluntochka.

Progress of the lesson.

    Self-determination for activity. (1 min).

Good afternoon, dear guys!

Everyone stood up at their desks beautifully,

We greeted each other politely.

They sat down quietly, with their backs straight.

I see our class anywhere.

Let's start the lesson, friends.

    Setting a learning task. (8-10 min.)

Cosmic music sounds. Pluntochka appears (a hero from the planet Plutonia)

Pluntochka:- Well, the light has finally appeared!

And here are some arts!

Leading: Wait, where is the art here? These are 3rd grade boys. This is not art!

Pluntochka:- Why not art? Look how skinny they are!

Leading: Excuse me, but who are you?

Pluntochka:- Don’t be afraid, I won’t offend you. I am Pluntochka from the planet Pluntonia.

Leading:- What are you doing here? How did you get here?

Pluntochka: I? I travel to different planets and galaxies to get acquainted with the life, culture, customs and rules of behavior of their inhabitants! I set my devices to a place where I could learn some manners, and somehow I ended up here!? There must have been a glitch in the program?!

Leading: Pluntochka, you shouldn't be upset. You just landed very precisely and went straight to an etiquette lesson.

Pluntochka: Is it true? What is your ETIQUETTE?

Now, dear guest, we will tell you what ETIQUETTE is!

1st student:

What is etiquette -

We should know from childhood.

These are the norms of behavior:

How to go to a birthday party?

How to meet?

As it is?

How to call?

How to get up?

How to sit down?

How to greet an adult?

There are many different questions.

And it gives the answer

This very ETIQUETTE.

Leading: Tell me, Pluntochka, are there holidays on your planet?

Pluntochka: Holidays?! How they happen! We especially love the day of fun, when all the little kids, both adults and kids, pick up umbrellas Have a good mood and go out for a walk. On this day, everyone smiles at each other, merrily jumps up and down, pushes each other, exchanges funny jokes and sticks various funny little things on each other’s antennas. And on this day we love to play pranks in the park: flounder in air holes, ride on rail cars, treat ourselves to funny cakes and fly on jet mattresses.

Do you have any favorite holidays?

Leading: What holidays do you and I love? (list).

Pluntochka: Hmm... birthday!? What is your birthday like? A???

Leading:- Guys, let’s devote today’s lesson to the topic: “Holiday Etiquette” and tell and show Pluntochka what kind of holiday this is and how we prepare for it. To begin with, let’s all sing the song “Birthday” together.

Children perform a song to the tune of “Chunga-Chango”. (while the loss is playing, the children put on their caps and decorate the central wall (garland, balls).

We love birthdays since childhood.
On birthdays, flowers are given.
On your birthday, we drive “Loaf”.
On your birthday, sing along with us.

Chorus: Children are having fun together.
Everyone in the world knows the holiday -
There is a birthday only once a year.
Congratulations and gifts,
And the outfits are very bright -
We always look forward to birthdays.

Birthday - songs, dances, laughter.
Birthday is the brightest holiday of all.
Birthday - friends celebrate.
Birthday - you can’t live without it.

We will celebrate your birthday.
Birthday - there is no time to be bored.
Birthday - fairy tales and dreams.
Birthday, how wonderful you are!

Chorus.

Leading: Guys, do you think everything became clear to Pluntochka right away? We see that she knows nothing about it at all.

    Consolidation of knowledge. Discovery of new knowledge. Work in groups. (7 min.)

    Practical work.

Leading: A let's show Pluntochka how we are preparing for this holiday. You and I divided into groups.

And I invite the groups to take their places in the following order:

Table No. 1"Invitation etiquette"

Table No. 2"Gift Etiquette"

Table No. 3"Table etiquette"

Table No. 4 Holiday menu

There is a card on the table with a task that you now need to complete.

But first, let's remember the rules of working in a group! (MEMO) We read the rules in a chain.

Group work rules:

    Know how to listen to your comrade;

    Everyone should express their opinion;

    When you finish the job, help a friend;

    Work quietly so as not to disturb others;

    Keep your work place in order.

Work in groups (5-7 min.)

1st group “Table etiquette”

- think over the design and setting of the festive table (d/z)

Set the festive table for tea; (practical)

2nd group “Holiday menu”

Create a holiday menu; (d/z)

Prepare a cocktail and decorate the glass. (practical work)

3rd group “Gift etiquette”

Wrap a gift (show different packaging methods)

Set up an exhibition “Do-it-yourself gifts”.

4th group Invitation etiquette"

Make an invitation card (practical work)

Prepare small message(d/z)

Leading: Well done, everyone completed the practical part, I ask everyone to take their seats.

Group report(10 min.)

Invitation etiquette.

Leading: We need to invite friends in advance to our holiday.

Children: And a lot depends on how we invite them, in what mood they come to us.

You can invite someone to visit in writing or orally. For example: Dasha is my close friend, we often visit each other: “Dasha, I invite you to my birthday. On Sunday at 12 o’clock” (play the situation of an oral invitation.)

Slide: “Did I write the invitation correctly?” (find the error)

Leading: So, the invitation has been received, now you need to think about the gift.

Gift etiquette

Among the many gifts, we must choose the one that we would like to give to our friend or girlfriend.

Pluntochka: What kind of gifts are there? Children's answers.

(SLIDE) Types of gifts:

Alive;

Literary;

Musical;

Sweet;

Toys.

Children: You can make a gift yourself.

The chosen gift must be beautifully packaged. We offer different types and packaging forms.

2nd student: Guys, I want you to listen to my story and help me figure out where I was wrong.

Monologue. Excerpt from the story “Chocolate Cake” (props: book, board game, markers).

When my birthday came, I invited guests, and my mother bought a chocolate cake for the treat. Guests arrived. And all with gifts. Kolya, a neighbor, brought me a board game called “Football”.

“Thank you,” I said. interesting game. Uncle Gleb gave me exactly the same one.

Vadik, with whom we were in the same camp, presented the book “The Adventures of Dunno.”

- Thank you, I say. The book is wonderful. It's okay that it's not new. It is obvious that all your relatives have re-read it.

Lilya, a classmate, gave me a set of markers.

“That’s good,” I say. I just need markers. It's just a pity that there are only six colors here. You won't be particularly drawn out. I saw a set in the store - eighteen colors!

I put the gifts and invited the guests to the table. I started dividing the cake and pouring the tea. I see that my guests are sitting there looking kind of boring. I’ve already turned on some happy music, but they still aren’t having fun. They pick at the cake with a spoon and look at the plate. Then one by one they said goodbye and left. And why didn’t I please them? Maybe you didn't like the cake?

Children's answers.

Physical exercise. Dance with Pluntochka. Group "Barbariki" KINDNESS.

Leading: Pluntochka, pay attention how beautiful and smart the guys are!

Pluntochka: Come on, come on, I want to take a closer look at you. Everyone come out in a circle.

You put on beautiful clothes

And your life immediately changed

You've become prettier before everyone's eyes

And, looking in the mirror, he exclaimed:

“That’s how I am!”

Leading: Guys, do festive clothes have to be very expensive? And what kind of character should she be? That's right - clean and tidy!

Be careful in your clothes

Avoid both holes and stains!

(Open proverbs and sayings on the board)

“They meet you by their clothes, they see you off by their minds”

“You owe it to yourself to be clean, not just for yourself.”

“Everything in a person should be beautiful: face, clothes, soul, and thoughts!”

Pluntochka: Let's dance my favorite dance, I will show the movements, and you will repeat after me.

Leading: Well, you can go on a visit in these outfits.

Table etiquette.

Leading: A beautiful table is already waiting for us.

3rd student: Setting the tea table has its own characteristics: A cup is placed on the table opposite the chair, with a saucer under it. The handle of the cup points to the right. There is a teaspoon underneath on the saucer. A pie plate is placed on the left with a napkin on it. Various sweets, a sugar bowl, and chopped lemon are placed on the tea table.

Leading: Our table is set and right now we need to remember the rules of behavior at the table. We invite you to take a short test: “Do you know how to behave at the table?” (slides). Children answer questions.

Holiday menu.

Leading: The guys from this group compiled a Holiday menu for us.

Children read out the menu, list what they have completed, and show them a decorated cocktail, jelly, and fruit on skewers. They hand out recipes for preparing the holiday menu to the children.

Leading: And also, guys, what can’t a birthday be without? Right. Pluntochka, on a birthday they bake a beautiful, festive cake for the birthday person.

Summing up: (1 min)

Pluntochka: Oh, how many interesting things I learned! (questions from Pluntochka)

Reflection of activity.

- Cake decorations with candles:

Red candle - invitation

Yellow candle - choosing and wrapping a gift

Blue candle – table setting

Green candle - cooking.

What stage of preparation for the holiday did you like most? (choose a candle and decorate the cake with it)

Guys, can you tell your family and friends how to prepare for your birthday?

I'm very glad that you remembered everything. I really liked the way you prepared and worked during the lesson, especially....

The main task of the guests is not to eat as much as possible, but of the owner - to fatten the guests. The main purpose of a friendly meeting is the atmosphere - friendly gestures, glances, smiles. Games, songs, and dances help a lot here.

We invite you to play and have fun with Pluntochka.

Part 2: “Fun Etiquette.” (games, competitions, dancing, tea drinking.)


Guests have come to you Coming to visit before the specified time and being late is tactless and is regarded as disrespect for the hostess and guests. You should not offer your slippers to invitees. First of all, it's not hygienic. Secondly, you should think about what kind of slippers can go with festive clothes and how guests will look in slippers from someone else’s feet while dancing. After the guests have taken off outerwear, straightened their hair, they need to be familiarized with the location of the rooms in the apartment, if they came for the first time, then offer to rinse their hands. Not all guests may know each other.

The introduction procedure should take place in the room where the guests gather. You need to introduce a man to a woman, but if two men and two women meet, then introduce the younger ones to the older ones. When visiting, a man can introduce himself to a woman. At the same time, he fully states his full name and surname. A woman, when introducing herself and saying goodbye, is the first to offer her hand to a man, but does not shake it. A firm masculine handshake is appropriate between men.

Table etiquette

When all the guests are gathered, the hostess and host invite everyone to the table. They recommend each of the guests to take one or another place, but do not insist on their own option. Guests must be seated in such a way that there are no “female” and “male” sections of the feast. It is customary for husband and wife to be seated. The only exception is the owner and mistress of the house, who sit side by side in the center of the table. Moreover, the hostess sits down first, setting an example for the guests, and the host is the last, when everyone is already seated.
Men should help women take their seats: pull out a chair and push it when a woman sits down. At the same time, they grasp the backrest with both hands so that the chair does not knock.
If someone is late and arrives when they have already sat down at the table, he must apologize to the hosts and greet the guests with a general bow, and then take his place at the table. If you need to leave the celebration earlier, be sure to approach the host or hostess, explain the reason for leaving, but do not say goodbye to other guests and generally try not to draw attention to your disappearance.

How to behave at the table

The rules of table etiquette do not allow coercion to eat. When placing any snack on a guest's plate, the hosts can talk about the merits or originality of the dish, but do not insist, and especially not put food on the plate, if the invitee does not want to try it. And guests will not act tactfully if they criticize the dish or snack served on the table. It shouldn’t even be said that once upon a time, somewhere, there was a delicious dish, an extraordinary pie, etc. Napkins are laid out on your lap, and when you finish eating, you wipe your lips with the napkin and place it on the table to the left of the plate, without folding it.
The festive table can be served with several knives and forks - for appetizers, meat, fish. They are used in the order in which the dishes are served: first, the outermost ones from the plates. You can take bread, cookies, fruits with your hands. In other cases, use a fork with a knife or a spatula, depending on the type of dish. For a dish that is far away, do not reach across the table, but ask someone to serve it closer. Thank you for your services.

How to behave at morning tea

You should not blow too noisily into the cup, pour tea into the saucer and slurp. You are supposed to eat everything that is served on the plate. You can't leave pieces of bread. If you drink sweet tea, put the sugar into the cup carefully, do not dip the edge of the spoon. The sugar should be stirred thoroughly so that it does not remain in the cup. If you do not drink tea with a spoon, be sure to place it on a saucer. Do not leave it in the cup under any circumstances, because... there is a danger of knocking over the tea. It is not recommended to leave dirty dishes until the evening.
Morning breakfast can be hearty, filling or minimal. In the morning it is enough to drink a glass of tea without sugar and eat a sandwich with cheese. Or drink a glass of tea with milk and eat a sandwich with cheese. After all, breakfast can only consist of a cup of tea and fruit. Sausages, smoked meats and canned food stimulate appetite and thirst, as a result of which body weight increases, and for most people it is already higher than normal. We advise those who have a sweet tooth to drink tea not with sugar, but with jam. It is better to give children a second brew, because... it contains significantly less caffeine.

What they talk about at the table
Topics of table conversations should be common to all or most of those present. One person should not talk for too long. In any conversation you need to adhere to simple rules: to speak modestly and in few words about oneself, or not to speak at all about those who are absent, or only good things, to stop speaking if there is nothing more to say. Being able to listen is just as important as being able to speak. You cannot bombard your interlocutor with questions or ask the next question without hearing the answer to the previous one. You need to express your disagreement with something correctly or remain silent altogether if tactful expressions for solving problems are not found. In such situations, a person’s culture manifests itself in order not to overshadow the general fun with its unaesthetic behavior or too violent reaction. Table conversation should be an equal exchange of views. The hosts should not often and for a long time leave the kitchen, but provide constant attention to all guests: offer to try this or that dish, maintain a general conversation, help guests who came to the house for the first time, overcome awkwardness.

Table etiquette
Don’t “expose” someone who is trying not to drink another glass or sip it just for show. Do not require “penalty” glasses for latecomers. Even the hosts of the table should not do this. Anyone who insists on drinking at the festive table risks showing his bad manners and complete ignorance of table customs. No one should be offended by a refusal to drink again. Don't ask for an explanation for the refusal. And if you don’t drink, you don’t have to disclose the reasons for this. Some, out of fear of offending their owners with their refusal, engage in lengthy discussions about indigestion, ulcers, bloating and other diseases. It's tactless. Refuse alcohol without explanation or only touch the glass with your lips when other guests raise their glasses. You cannot insist at the table, offering not only alcoholic drinks, but also food. A person who constantly offers guests the snacks or dishes he likes looks ridiculous.

About toasts

Proclamation of a toast is that rare occasion. When a person can openly or somewhat veiledly show another person his emotional attitude, friendship, admiration. Best toast – short toast. Among some peoples, especially the Caucasians, through a toast, moralizing and useful tips, sometimes a person’s shortcomings, attitude towards family, friends, work are noticed. Usually such toasts sparkle with folk humor and, although they concern the negative, they only amuse those gathered without hurting anyone. At all times, table toasts were the privilege of men. Common decency dictates that women should not be forced to speak at the table. It is also not customary to demand answers to a toast. The one to whom kind words were spoken expresses gratitude only with a slight tilt of the head or a phrase like “Thank you for the kind words.” Having declared a toast or raised a glass after a toast, you should not raise your hand with the glass very high, reach across the table, or clink glasses through your neighbor at the table.

How imperceptibly a beautiful feast has become the norm! But not so long ago, dishes were collected from neighbors to the table, so that each guest had enough plates, shot glasses, and forks. Feasts were rarely held; napkins were used instead kitchen towels, and pouring soup into a porcelain tureen was considered nonsense.

Nowadays they teach how to use a knife and fork in kindergarten. Home sideboards are lined with dinnerware and glasses of all shapes and sizes. Every second person we know can tell the difference between a fish knife and a snack knife, and every third person knows how to eat. And everyone is the first to understand that a properly set table becomes part of not only restaurant banquets, but also family meals.

General rules for table setting

  1. For serving, we use the cleanest items without stains, water stains or fingerprints.
  2. First - the tablecloth, then - individual sets, and only then - everything else.

Serving items are divided into:

- individual (used by one guest);

- auxiliary (everyone uses);

- decorative (serve to decorate a meal).

1. One individual serving set is:

  • a plate called a large serving plate, or a large shallow plate, or a sub-plate, or a stand plate;
  • plates and cutlery in accordance with the menu;
  • glass/crystal for alcohol, mineral water, juices, etc.;
  • napkin.

Individual dessert set: a dish for sweets, a coffee or tea pair, dessert cutlery.

2. There are as many identical individual sets as there are guests invited.

3. For each guest - at least 80 cm of table space.

Tablecloth on the table

According to etiquette, serving begins with a clean, ironed tablecloth. The tablecloth covers the legs of the table by 30 centimeters and does not reach the seat of the chair. The average ironed fold of the tablecloth runs strictly in the middle of the tabletop. To protect it from accidental drops of wine or sauce, to muffle the sound of dishes, oilcloth, linen or thick paper is placed under the tablecloth.

We offer a variety of tablecloths made of cotton, linen, and mixed fabrics. The shape of the tablecloth is dictated by the shape of the table. In terms of color, the most ceremonial tablecloth is considered to be a white tablecloth, which is often used in restaurants when decorating banquets. Checkered fabric is suitable for home dinners. For daily use - fabric with a soft pattern in pastel colors. And on children's party On the contrary, cheerful bright tablecloths with painted toys would be appropriate. The main guideline when choosing a tablecloth is the style of the interior.

Serving plates

The tablecloth is on the table, there is a line of dishes.

1. First (exactly in the center of the guest place) a large small plate (also known as a sub-plate) is placed - the basis of any serving.

2. According to the rules of etiquette, they place on it during the feast:

  • snack plate;
  • soup bowl or broth cup;
  • table plate for main course (second course).

3. To the left of the plate, place a small pie plate for bread.

4. After arranging the individual sets, auxiliary serving utensils are placed in the free area:

  • salad bowls,
  • plates with cold cuts and cold appetizers,
  • herring fish,
  • trays with canned food,
  • bread baskets
  • and so on.

Cutlery - layout diagram

After the plates comes the turn of the “iron” or what is called cutlery. There are four main instruments. Their size and shape help to understand their purpose:

  • Table set - 3 pieces, the largest, with a long blade at the knife, with long teeth at the fork, with a deep spoon - intended for first and second courses.
  • Snack set - 2-3 items, almost like a table set, only a couple of centimeters shorter, served with salads, cold cuts, appetizers, and dishes with sauce.
  • Fish utensils – 2 items: a knife-spatula and a wide fork-spatula with small teeth and a hole for bones.
  • The dessert set is the smallest, with a small fork, spoon, and knife.

Specialized equipment (chill set for hot fish appetizers, lobster set, spaghetti fork, etc.):
with a large menu, served directly with your dish;
when served as a main course - served immediately.

Here are the rules for the arrangement of individual and auxiliary devices when serving them:

WITH right side from the plate-stand there are spoons and knives, on the left side there are forks. The exception is that the oyster fork also belongs to the company on the right.

The knives are laid out so that their blades face the plate. The tines of the forks point upward. The convex side of the spoon lies on the table.

The dinner set is placed first on the plate, followed by the snack set. And they start using it according to the rules of table manners from the one that is farthest from the plate.

The dessert set is served above the plate, parallel to the seat of the chair. The first is a fork with its teeth to the right, behind it is a knife with its tip to the left, behind the knife, with its head to the left is a spoon.

Auxiliary utensils are served next to the dishes for which they are intended, or directly in them. With their help, the participants of the meal arrange their own food.

There can only be 3 utensils on each side of a large shallow plate. Less is possible, more is not possible.

Serving with napkins

90% of napkin beauty lies or stands on a plate. Less often - on the right hand behind the cutlery, very rarely - under the main plate. Most Popular - paper napkins. Cotton ones are considered the best. Napkins can be:

  • the same color as the tablecloth or contrasting;
  • folded into a square, triangle or in the form of a beautiful element;
  • inserted into a special napkin ring.

The richer the setting, the more elegant the napkins. However, no matter how beautiful individual napkins are, it is advisable to have a few more napkin holders with simple napkins on the table.

Spice utensils

Salt shakers are placed on the free space of the table as a serving point. They also add pepper shakers and mustard. You can arrange the spices separately, or you can arrange them in groups in containers or on stands. Bottles of vinegar olive oil, specific seasonings are added to the table when serving a dish, the taste of which they complement.

According to the rules of table setting according to etiquette, gravy boats with hot sauce appear simultaneously with the dish that requires sauce:

  • or several gravy boats next to a common plate,
  • or each eater has a separate gravy boat.

Drink glasses

“Glass” is placed after “iron,” that is, after forks, spoons, and knives. All glasses, glasses, wine glasses are placed along the right circular fragment or along the right diagonal line from and above the main large plate. If there are more than 3 glasses, they are served in two rows. In front is a glass or shot glass for strong alcohol, a glass for red wine and a glass for water. Behind is a white wine glass and a champagne glass.

Before the exhibition, all glasses are rubbed with a clean towel. To avoid fingerprints, glasses are taken by the stem or bottom.

How to serve breakfast correctly

To serve breakfast for each participant you will need:

  • a large shallow plate with an appetizer plate on top;
  • snack knife (right) and fork (left);
  • a pie plate with a knife for butter and cheese;
  • coffee or tea pair with spoons.

A basket of bread, a butter dish, and a block of cheese on a small board are placed on the table. If hot food is prepared for breakfast, it is served on the dinner plate after the appetizers.

How to serve lunch and dinner correctly

Table decoration for a home dinner refers to a large setting due to the abundance of dinner dishes, each of which requires its own plate and its own set of cutlery. Among the auxiliary items, a soup ladle is required, with which the hostess pours soup from the tureen onto the plates of each guest. The second course is served either individually to each diner, or on common plates (one or several), which are placed in the center of the table and everyone serves food for themselves.

Setting the table for dinner differs from lunch serving in the absence of a soup set; soup is rarely served for dinner. Elements such as a butter dish, a set of spices, and salad bowls are required for both lunch and dinner. And at least two glasses are placed on the right diagonal from the plate - a glass for alcoholic drinks and a wine glass for water. If space permits, a pair of tea or coffee is served on the right behind the spoon-knives. If there is not enough space, the cups are placed on the serving table, and again the hostess, when the eaters have eaten the main dishes, will pour the tea and hand the cup to each guest.

Festive table setting

Classic holiday banquet:

  1. Snow-white, immaculately ironed tablecloth.
  2. Sparkling serving items displayed in accordance with all the rules.
  3. Elegantly laid out napkins.
  4. The presence of decor on the table: flowers or symbols:

- Christmas trees for the New Year,

Doves and hearts at the wedding,

Balloons and surprises for children at children's parties, etc.

Decor should not interfere with communication. And the bouquets on festive table must correspond to three “no”:

no strong smell, no allergies among guests, no pollen and leaves on plates.

Festive etiquette allows you to set the sweet table after the main dishes have been eaten and the used dishes and cutlery have been removed.

Dessert table setting

A large serving plate is not needed for a dessert (sweet, tea) table. A snack plate or a small tray for sweets is placed on a lace napkin. The tea table is served according to the law of the “right hand”. The handle of tea and coffee cups standing on a saucer always faces to the right. There is a tea or coffee spoon on the right side of the saucer. On the right side there can be a cake spatula and a rolled-up napkin.

Required elements for serving a sweet table:

  • teapot,
  • sugar bowl with lump sugar and sugar tongs,
  • sliced ​​on a board with a fork,
  • milkman,
  • bowls with jam/honey (and each guest has personal sockets on the left side),
  • baskets with cookies, candies, oriental sweets, buns and pies (each guest is served with fruit cutlery);
  • cake stand.

A beautifully set table for a joint family lunch, meeting with friends, a romantic dinner, coffee with a partner is an affordable way to make communication memorable. A properly set table is an indicator of sophistication. The ability to use serving items is an indicator of good manners. And all together – good manners and a pleasant meal.