Designing a Classic Table Service with Proper Cutlery
October 11, 2008
The proper use of cutlery has plagued people for years. Most of the time some of the more beautiful sets of flatware will end up relegated to storage and never be used. They are so tempting when shoppers see the place settings arranged in stores and these become impulse buys for many. When cutlery is first bought they may see one use, but many are not removed from the boxes or even the chests in which they arrive. One of the reasons for this is because people are not sure how to place them properly.
Today we have a society that is built around speed and quickness. Setting proper tables with china and cutlery takes time and for this reason it has fallen by the wayside. There is one other reason and this is that many do not know how to set proper tables. The cutlery arrangement confuses and intimidates them, so it is much easier not to use all of the pieces, just what is most needed.
Mealtimes are meant to be enjoyed with family members and with your neighbors and friends. It is a time of bonding, laughter and company. It can also be a great time for you to use your new cutlery pieces. Your family and guests will enjoy your efforts. You will enjoy showing off your treasured possessions and be amazed at the difference in your table when you place your cutlery correctly. You can also help your children learn the skills and etiquette of proper dining.
Not only can you take advantage of more occasions to use the cutlery and other dining items, you will be appreciative of those who will compliment you on your taste and style. Luckily the placement of cutlery has stayed true to its original roots, so once you have the proper placement ingrained in memory, you will no longer feel uneasy or embarrassed when faced with the need to construct a beautiful and properly arranged table.
Each piece of cutlery is arranged according to which will be used first as the order of the meal progresses. This one rule is followed today. In the days of the Victorians, there were often numerous individual cutlery items. In those times there were sumptuous dining experiences, offering dozens of courses. There was no such thing as too many pieces being available. Today you will find many of these contrivances in the antique stores. They had implements for pickles, vegetables, meat and seafood, in addition to numerous others.
With a proper setting, you must arrange the cutlery pieces in a specific pattern. The soup spoon goes to the right and the only flatware to the right of this would be a cocktail or seafood fork. The knife is to the left of the spoon and next to the plate, with the blade facing the plate. On the far left will be the forks. This is the basic rule for you to learn and know. Once you have this established in your mind, the rest is easy.
If you take a bit of time you can make the rest of your table look equally good. You may want to arrange for a tablecloth or just a table runner and placemats. Both can add flair to the table arrangement. Fresh flowers or candles will also be welcome additions at a table that is being crafted to both please and impress. Using your finest pieces is also very necessary and makes a perfect pairing with your cutlery.
You can create the table setting that you wish and you can accomplish this with style and flair. Make it as complex or as innovative as you wish. You need only follow a few simple rules to show off your dinnerware to everyone.
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