For Terry Pomerantz, welcoming guests to the table is just as important as serving them good wine. A well-prepared table pleases the eye and whets the appetite. The wine sparkles in the glasses, the aromas of the soups and sauces warm the heart. The meal can begin!
The origins of the art of table setting
The art of setting a table with decorum originated with the Roman nobles, whose slaves served meals to the guests, who ate while lying on couches.
During the Renaissance in Italy, Marie de Medici introduced the two-finger fork and earthenware plates. Boiled and roasted meats, spices, vegetables, fruits, desserts and jugs of wine were placed on the tables. Sitting on chairs, the nobles always ate with their fingers and threw the leftovers to the dogs.
It was the French Revolution that democratized gastronomy. Chefs, who had previously worked for aristocrats, opened the first large restaurants and Paris became the gastronomic capital of Europe. At the same time, the former maîtres d’hôtel of the aristocrats also began to work in restaurants. They gradually popularized the art of table setting among the bourgeois.
The art of setting the table à la française or à l’anglaise as we know it today was gradually formalized in the 20th century.
The Tablecloth
Ideally, place a felt cloth under the tablecloth, as it prevents the tablecloth from wrinkling. It also prevents stains from appearing and dampens the noise of the plates.
Layout of the cutlery
The first step in setting a table à la française is to lay out the cutlery.
- Place the rolled or folded napkin to the left of the forks.
- Place the knives in order of use to the right of the main plate with the blade facing the plate.
- Place the spoons to the right of the knives, in order of use, with their backs to the ceiling.
- Place the forks on the left side of the plate, in order of use, with the tines on the tablecloth.
- Place the fork and dessert spoon in the centre, in front of the main plate.
According to English etiquette, the fork tines face up and the spoon backs rest on the tablecloth.
The layout of the plates
When setting a table, it is important to place the plates correctly.
- Place the main plate in front of the guests, about 1 or 2 cm from the edge of the table. In principle, guests should be 30 cm apart from each other to eat comfortably.
- Place the bread plate to the left, above the main plate. Place a small butter knife on the bread plate and the individual butter dish to the right of the bread plate.
The layout of the glasses
Place the wine and water glasses at an angle, above the cutlery and plate, in order of size: first the white wine glass, followed by the red wine glass, aligned with the knife, and the water glass.
If you are serving champagne, place the flute or glass in a second row between the red wine glass and the water glass.
According to English etiquette, all glasses are placed in the same order but in a straight line from the centre of the main plate, starting with the flute or champagne glass.
“A good meal always begins by pleasing the eyes! For my part, I arrange the cutlery and glasses according to English etiquette. But the most important thing is to eat and drink heartily in the company of people dear to you,” concludes Terry Pomerantz.
Terry Pomerantz, passionate about good food, shares with you his gastronomic favorites, tips and recipes, turning every meal into a memorable experience. Explore his culinary universe and discover the delights he suggests to tantalize your taste buds.