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For those who like to receive guests at home and love to think about every detail to surprise friends and family, there is no denying that a beautifully decorated table makes all the difference in the reception.
Whether for special dates, events, or any other occasion, a set table creates an organized and charming atmosphere. To make it look good and be a good host, check out the essential items that can't be missing in a set table and learn how to set it up, as well as tips and inspirations for you to serve coffee, lunch, or dinner with great care and elegance.
Essential Items of the Set Table
Let's start with a list of table setting essentials, so it's easy to make sure you have what you need to present exquisite meals. Here are the essential items to set a table:
Crockery
The color and style of the tableware need to harmonize with the table's decoration. White tableware can be mixed with colorful and patterned tableware. The number of pieces on the table can vary according to the menu choice.
Cutlery
A complete cutlery set is essential: have table knives and forks, dessert knives and forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons, and teaspoons.
Cups and glasses
It is important to consider what you usually drink and serve in your house when arranging the glasses on the table. Smooth and transparent glasses go with all styles.
Sousplat
The sousplat is a functional as well as a decorative piece for the set table. They are larger pieces placed under the other plates on the table. Their function is to protect the table from occasional spills, to frame the dishes, and not leave the table bare when changing plates.
Napkins
The napkins should preferably be made of cloth, so the composition is much more elegant. They can be combined with rings that are used to secure the piece and add an extra detail to the table.
Tablecloth or American Set
Another essential item on the set table is the tablecloth or the American set. Choose the one that suits your needs and the occasion. American sets are more practical than tablecloths and work as small pieces organizing the space for each guest.
Decoration
Floral arrangements, vases, candles, and candlesticks can also be used to decorate the table and give it a special touch. It's worth using other decorative objects to compose a themed table. Avoid using items that block the view and make conversation among guests difficult.
How to set up your table
To set your table for different occasions, Juliana Santiago, a specialist in set table and table etiquette, gives tips and teaches how to arrange the items:
Breakfast or tea
According to Juliana Santigo, the cup must always be accompanied by the saucer and the spoon, "the ideal is to leave everything together as if it were a game". As for the arrangement of the items, she teaches: "fork on the left, knife on the right - with the cutting part facing the plate - and spoon next to the knife. The glass cup or glass bowl is on the right side, on top of the knife and spoon. The napkin follows the same line as theAs for the set of cups, saucers and spoons, they can be positioned on the dessert plate or on the right side diagonally across from the glass.
See_also: Galinha Pintadinha Party: 120 decoration ideas and tutorials to inspire youLunch and dinner
The arrangement of the items may vary according to the menu to be served, but Juliana explains that as a rule we can always use: "forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right, glasses on the right too, arranged diagonally. The napkin can be next to the fork - on the left, or on the plate. You should opt for the American set or tablecloth, because both have the same function.If the menu includes dessert, the dessert cutlery should be above the plate, and the sousplat should be removed when serving.
Informal receptions
Juliana Santiago also teaches how to arrange the items for informal receptions such as happy hour, appetizer night or when the number of guests is larger than the number of places at the table. For these situations, she advises that "the food and drinks should be arranged on a sideboard or at the main table and everyone should serve themselves. The items should be separated by categories - glasses, cutlery, plates and napkins - andfood should be given its due".
A beautiful and organized table pleases everyone and shows all the care in its preparation, with these tips you will surely set tables for all moments.
30 ideas to inspire you when setting your set table
Now that you know what are the essential items for the set table and the correct way to set the table for each meal, check out several ideas to inspire you and set yours
1. love-filled breakfast
2. details that make everything more special
3. easter breakfast set table
4. to enchant outdoors
5. romantic and delicate
6. table set for engagement
7. nautical style for coffee
8. finesse in everything
9. contrasts that enchant
10. set table for mother's day
11. romantic atmosphere to celebrate love
12. color harmonization
13. tropical table for the summer
14. the Protagonism of Flowers
15. june table
16. softness with pastel shades
17. use transparencies for a clean and sophisticated table
18. freshness full of elegance with bright colors and flowers
19. blue and white refinement
20. christmas set table
21. print refinement and delicacy with lace
22. combination of soft colors with prints
23. flowers and elegance for coffee
24. surprise with color in the details
25. tea set table
26. rustic touch for cheerful receptions
27. sophistication for all occasions
28. inspiration in nature
29. exquisite table with golden details
30. modern table with monochrome combination
After all these tips and inspirations, it's time to put your creativity into practice and show all your whimsy to create a beautiful set table and make any reception at your home much more special.
