As the host of a party, you not only have to serve good food, but also set the table properly so that your guests feel like princes.

This is the right way to set a table:

 

Tablecloth. A tablecloth looks neater and makes the table look more elegant. The tablecloth should cover the table well on all sides and overhang by about 10 cm. The tablecloth should be made of good fabric and preferably have a subtle colour.

What should you avoid:

- Colourful patterned tablecloths.

- Place two tablecloths next to each other if they are not big enough. In this case, you should definitely cover the two tablecloths with a third one, which you lay out centrally on the tabletop above the junction of the two other blankets. If it is not possible to find three tablecloths in the same colour, at least the two lower tablecloths should have one colour and the third one should be colour-coordinated with them.

- Tablecloth too long. Tablecloths that hang over too long are constantly in the way of guests and are a potential danger of getting caught and pulling down place settings.

- Wrinkles in the tablecloth. Take the time to smooth out the creases before placing the blanket on the table.

 

Plate. This is a great opportunity to get your best china out of the cupboard. Place the plates about 2 cm from the edge of the table in front of each chair.

The bread plate is to the left of the big plate.

What should you avoid:

- Place the soup bowl directly on the table. It should always be served on a saucer.

- Put empty plates on the table too early for the following courses. They should only be put on the table when they are needed.

- Place the place settings too close together. Each guest should have sufficient freedom of movement while eating.

 

Cutlery. New cutlery for each course. The cutlery is laid out next to the plate from the outside in. The utensils furthest from the plate are used first.

Forks to the left side of the plate. According to the above rules, the small fork for the starter is to the left of the large fork for the main course.

Knife and tablespoon to the right side of the plate. The order depends on the sequence of courses.

Place the teaspoon for the dessert on the top of the plate.

The butter knife for the bread is on the bread plate.

What should you avoid:

- Use the same cutlery for several courses.

- Put the knife the wrong way round. The edge of the knife is facing the plate.

- Do not place the teaspoon on the side of the plate.

 

Glasses. The water glass is at the same height as the knife. The wine glass or glasses stands to the left of it, a little diagonally towards the centre of the table. The order is: water glass, white wine glass, red wine glass. Important: Red and white wine are served in their respective glasses.

What should you avoid:

- Put the water carafe on the table. Take the opportunity to remove the salt and pepper shakers at the same time.

- Do not serve different wines in the same glass.

 

Decoration. Candles create a cosy ambience and look pretty. A good alternative are tea lights that do not block the view of the person opposite.

Use coloured napkins and fold them in an original way.

Let your imagination run wild and give the table your personal touch.

What should you avoid:

- Overloading the table with decorations. Less is sometimes more.

 

Serving the courses. The male host pours the wine while the female host serves the food.

The ladies are served first, with the oldest lady first and the youngest last. Then the gentlemen are served in the same order.