On which side of the plate is the fork placed?

Table setting is an interesting business, but a lot of appliances can lead even an experienced hostess into a stupor. Forks cause the most questions. As a rule, 4 pieces are used for standard serving. Each must be correctly positioned depending on the menu.

Knowing the basics of etiquette is the foundation of good serving and proper behavior. Such rules dictate to us which side to place the devices and how to use them. Consider the rules of application:

• If there are pancakes with stuffing on the table, then they are eaten with a knife and fork.
• For fish, special forks are provided - 4 prongs with a slit in the middle.
• If the fish is served not in portions, but as a whole, then slightly different devices are provided. In this case, the fork is round and flat. It is used to put a piece on a plate.
• If during the meal you decide to drink water, then put the fork and knife on the edge of the plate, handles to the table.
• You need to put the fork on the left, and the knife on the right. The device for guests is placed under the arm with which you need to hold the plug.
• Tea is often served with a special small fork with two cloves. It's for lemon.
• Some dishes do not require the use of a knife. In this case, it is permissible to hold the fork in the right hand.

For a simple family meal, it is enough to put one table fork on the table, this is quite enough. With holidays and celebrations, everything is different. So, on your festive table there must be such forks:

• Big. Visually resembles a simple dinner fork, but differs in large size. It is used to move food from a tray to a plate.
• The dining room is large. Used for meat dishes.
• Small. Use it to eat snacks and desserts.
• Fish and seafood. The name of the forks speaks for itself. The devices are small in size.
• For fruits. Such a device is served at the end of the meal.

Table setting consists of many successive steps. Truly the most difficult can be called the layout of devices. It is this design element that will show your guests how skillfully you have done everything. There are strict rules on how to properly lay out appliances:

• The layout of not only appliances, but also the dishes themselves always corresponds to the order in which dishes are served.
• Point the knife edge towards the plate.
• The water container is located above the knife.
• The forks are to the left of the serving plate.
• The spoon is placed to the right of the knives.
• Absolutely all devices on your table should be from one set.
• For a simple homemade lunch, breakfast or dinner, it is enough to use only cutlery.
• For serving a festive table, you will definitely need a wide range of forks, spoons and knives. You can't do without it.

The most complex and painstaking work is done long before the guests arrive. More precisely, between cooking and the arrival of guests, you need to set the table. The procedure itself may vary slightly depending on the occasion, the number of guests and the menu. So, to the left of the serving plate you need to put the forks. In basic serving, everything looks like this:

• The smallest fork should be placed farthest from the plate. Guests will eat her cold appetizers, a variety of salads and fish dishes. This device is used first.
• The next fork is closer to the same plate. She eats hot appetizers and main courses. This fork is larger than the previous one. A distance of 2 cm is maintained from the plate to this fork.

There are only 2 devices in the upper part of the plate. And sometimes you can completely forget about such devices, but you still need to know them. Cutlery above the serving plate:

• For various sweets put a dessert spoon.
• The dessert fork is laid out next. This device is placed closer to the plate. Although this device is not mandatory, it is still present in the classic serving.

On the right side of the serving plate, only spoons and knives are laid out. There are absolutely no forks. It looks like this:

• Place the knife for hot dishes closest to the guest's plate. The tip is directed towards the plate.
• Next will be the snack knife. The tip is directed there.
• Place the soup spoon farthest from the guest's plate. This element is present on the table only when serving for dinner. Otherwise, this spoon is simply not needed.

In home serving, it is customary to remove excess dishes after each dish. This rule applies to devices too. During the entire meal, only the position of the water glass remains unchanged.

Despite this, if you decide to use formal serving techniques, go all the way. After eating, you can use a fork and knife to inform the hostess of the house about your attitude. You can also send a request not to clean the dishes while you are away.

Several options for the location of devices, if you need to pause:

• If there is a lot of food on the plate. Place cutlery on the edge of the plate so that the handles rest on the table. The fork should be on the left and the knife on the right.
• If there is very little left. Place the cutlery in an "L" shape. Turn the knife edge to the left, into the fork - to the right. The handles must not rest on the table.
• If you only eat with a fork (no knife). Put it on the right, on the edge of the plate. The base rests on the table.

At the very end of the meal, different rules apply. Cutlery is not placed on the table. The main reason is rather simple. Remains of food from dishes may fall or drip onto the tablecloth. The mistress of the house is unlikely to be happy with such a surprise. A few correct options:

• Place the cutlery parallel to each other on opposite edges of the plate. The arms should be pointing towards you.
• Imagine that the plate is a large clock face. Place the fork and knife so that the handles point to 5 o'clock.

The arrangement of devices is an important stage of serving. It is also important to decorate the table beautifully. It does not matter for what reason you decided to do such an interesting activity as serving. Households and many guests will forgive you for small flaws or neglect of some rules if you can create a truly unique atmosphere.

The most win-win option is a small gift for each guest. It can be absolutely any little thing that a person takes with him. Pack such a souvenir in beautiful paper that will be in harmony with the overall style of serving. Put the present on a plate.

You can put a small sweetness in the box (figured candy or cookies with a beautiful decor). Key chains, souvenirs, figurines and other little things never lose their relevance. True, choose such a gift with a truly individual approach. A cute bear can cause an ambiguous reaction in a stately man.

Name cards near the plates are very popular. Think carefully about the seating arrangement and place such landmarks. Cards can be made in the form of postcards. Write a name on top, and inside - a pleasant wish or compliment.This decision is relevant both in the family circle and at a formal event.

Napkins are often used for decoration. These are generally universal products that are both functional and decorative. The devices that will be used first can be decorated with napkins. Fold the fabric product into an envelope, put a fork and knife inside. Put on a special ring from above or tie it with a ribbon.

You can talk forever about the merits of napkins. The simplest table will sparkle with new tones thanks to colorful products. remember, that paper napkins can be used at home dinner or as an addition to the holiday table. If possible, give preference to fabric products.

Appearance is everything, and this is no joke. Be at least a serving guru and a master of etiquette, but if your table will look ugly - all of the above does not make sense:

• Gold cutlery looks elegant and unusual. However, do not forget to rub them well before laying them out. A personalized postcard for each guest will evoke affection even before the meals are served.
• Feel free to play with colors. Yes, the classic always looks presentable, it's hard to deny it. But, you see, a bright serving immediately sets you in a positive mood. The combination of red and green is especially relevant during the winter holidays.

• Using dishes with legs is a kind of trick. Thus, you focus on certain dishes. The same effect is created by red napkins on a white tablecloth. Agree, such a presentation causes appetite.

• Such a cozy home table setting neglects some rules. Still, this is the perfect example of a homely cozy tea party.Dark tones do not create a feeling of gloom, on the contrary, they emphasize the atmosphere of a narrow trusting circle and are conducive to pleasant conversations.
• An example of table setting with soup. Many people think that soups should not be served at the holidays, but this is not entirely true. A properly designed dish literally works wonders. I would like to run to the table. This can also serve as a family dinner.

For information on how to properly use cutlery, see the following video.