Mistakes of amateurs when serving the table

An exquisite dinner is one of the most enjoyable ways we can celebrate a special occasion, and the fine cutlery will perfectly accentuate its perfection. On the eve of the New Year holidays, you need to not only make a menu in advance, but also think about the table setting. After all, the holiday table is the face of the hostess. In the modern world, many of us see table-set In movies, not in their own homes.





So that it was pleasant to eat and not ashamed in front of the guests, the editors "Site" will share with you the authoritative opinion of the British specialist William Hanson about what should not be used in the table setting. The master of etiquette knows exactly how to turn an ordinary feast into an aristocratic dinner. His advice is listened to by Elizabeth II.

Table setting rules

1. Runners
   According to William, the use of runners for dinner-room It should be equated with treason. The exception may be a luxurious buffet during the reception in a fashionable mansion. In an ordinary house, you need to choose either a regular tablecloth or a table without covering. If the tabletop is made of high-quality wood, which is not ashamed to demonstrate to those present, then the tablecloth is not mandatory.
   
   
   
   
2. Black tablecloths
   The tablecloth can be white, creamy, in extreme cases more bright, if it is combined with the interior and other elements of the service. But black is taboo. When I saw the black tablecloths for the first time, I thought they were some kind of joke from an unfortunate episode of the popular British TV show “Dinner with Me.” But it turned out I was wrong. People actually buy them. Just white or cream. A little starch when washing will give tablecloths additional refinement
   
   , says William Hanson.
   
   
   
   
3. Stand plates
   This is a real surprise, because even in expensive restaurants they are used. For example, Americans always use them for decor, so that there is not a lot of empty space on the table. But according to the expert, stand plates do not bring any practical benefit, since you do not eat from them, and are a waste of money. They are not welcome in aristocratic circles.
   
   
   
   
4. Square plates.
   William states, “To find square plates in a private home is truly sad and tragic.” There are so many square things around us! But who decided that we need square plates? Round plates are the past, the present, and even the future of exquisite table setting. Also in our time, it is indecent to collect the remnants of sauce from a plate with a piece of bread.
   
   
   
   
5. Beer glasses and bottles
   Remember once and for all: beer is not a drink served at official receptions, respectively, beer glasses should not be present on the table. For serving the table for dinner, only glasses on legs can be used. No beer to warm up, let alone finish the banquet.
   
   
   
   
6. Big wine glasses.
   The smaller the glass, the better. The so-called aquarium glasses were relevant in the early 2000s. Now it is better to buy wine glasses of small size, especially if there are several wines on the table. A British expert says, “You only need big glasses if the wine is not good enough.”
   
   
   
   
7. Candles.
   Many people make the mistake of lighting candles on the table during daylight hours. It's a bad tone. Candles should only be used at dinner. They should be without flavor, put in candlesticks or chandeliers.
   
   
   
   
8. Paper wipes
   Serving a festive lunch or dinner involves the presence of tissue wipes. Ideally, linen, but cotton is also acceptable. It makes no sense to prepare exquisite dishes, choose beautiful dishes and a tablecloth, but at the same time serve the table with paper napkins or torn pieces from a roll of paper towels.
   
   
   
   
9. Fish appliances
   Nowadays, fish fillets are often eaten, but even if each guest is served half the body or whole, you can easily do with a fork and knife. If you put cutlery on the table for fish, it is only new, not inherited. After all, using them is not so easy, and in our time this skill is more academic.
   
   
   
   

Note that the opinion of William Hanson is purely advisory in nature, and are not rules that must be followed necessarily. After reading this, you may want to make some changes to your usual festive table setting to make you feel like an aristocratic Brit. Share expert advice with your friends!