One accessory, such as a handbag or hat, can instantly change your entire look. In the same way, you can transform an everyday table into a festive treat using the most ordinary napkins. Even if the menu still includes cutlets with mashed potatoes. Details should not be underestimated, because they are the ones who emphasize the style and create a special mood. They must be chosen wisely, used with imagination, knowledge of the peculiarities of etiquette and serving rules.
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Types of napkins for serving
It is not necessary to have a collection of fabric and paper napkins of all shapes and colors at home. Select several basic sets to match your existing dishes and tablecloth, or purchase options that are universal in color, size and material and will definitely not let you down. Special decor and designs are most often appropriate for themed celebrations: children's birthdays, New Year and Christmas, Easter.
How to decorate a holiday table simply and romantically using napkins
Material of manufacture
The first paper napkins were used in Ancient China, but the history of the familiar paper additions to the table began after the First World War. it was necessary to rationally use the remnants of cellulose fiber left over from the production of filters for gas masks. So the company released the first batch of paper napkins, which were much larger than what we were used to. Now standard paper napkins are produced with sides of 25, 35 and 45 cm.
What napkin and tablecloth to choose for plates with an oriental pattern
Fabric napkins boast an equally rich history dating back to antiquity. In medieval Europe, napkins were more like a second tablecloth, common to guests and hosts, on which they wiped their mouths and hands. With the advent of forks in the 17th century, the hygienic situation improved slightly, napkins decreased in size and became more decorative than utilitarian items.
Nowadays, fabric and linen napkins are considered a more formal option and are more often found at the holiday table, while paper napkins are part of everyday use. But the choice is by no means limited to traditional options.
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Size and shape of napkins
During festive dinners at home and in restaurants, rectangular napkins with sides measuring 30x56 cm are usually placed under the cutlery. For a modest tea table or breakfast, small napkins measuring 35x35 cm are suitable, for more formal occasions - larger options 40x40 or 50x50 cm.
Option of plain textiles for classic serving
We choose quality material
The fabric for napkins must be wear-resistant, light, airy, but at the same time have a high density. It should withstand several washes without losing its original appearance. Only three types of material meet these requirements.
Knowing how to fold fabric napkins beautifully, you can attract the attention of guests with an unusual table decoration.
- Cotton is the best option for everyday use. The material is not easily soiled, has increased density, and has a long service life. After several washes, the color and shape remain unchanged. The price is reasonable.
- Linen - even after ten washes, the shape retains its original appearance. The fabric is attractive, natural, and has absorbent properties. It is possible to starch and fold the material into any figure.
- Mixed fabrics are an adequate and reliable option. The composition includes natural and synthetic raw materials. The proportion of components may vary. Thanks to the combination, it has all the advantages of both types of raw materials. Does not shrink after washing and is wear-resistant.
Before guests arrive, you should take the time to decorate the table in an original way.
Device substrates
One of the popular innovations in festive and everyday table settings is large mats for plates, which have replaced the traditional tablecloth. There are special names: set, placement, blotter. They cope equally well with the aesthetic and functional side of serving, making cleaning easier, especially if there are children in the house, protecting the table surface and creating an elegant atmosphere. You can find round serving napkins (standard diameter 27 cm), square, rectangular and unusual shapes, such as heart-shaped ones.
Textile backings for plates
Important: the serving napkin should extend beyond the edges of the dish by at least 2.5 cm.
Modern interiors in the style of minimalism, hi-tech or loft do not imply an abundance of textiles; tablecloths look out of place in them. Substrates made of eco-leather, glass, dense plain textiles, wood, cork, bamboo, plastic and other original materials will fit into such an interior much better. You can get several sets for daily use and special occasions.
Important: glass countertops can be cold to the touch and require high maintenance. Placement backings will protect them from scratches and stains and create a more comfortable dining experience.
Substrate options by material:
- glass and porcelain coasters. Usually used for classic holiday serving and are part of the service;
— blotters made of eco-leather. They create the impression of discreet luxury, do not slip and perfectly protect the tabletop from scratches and temperature changes. Will be appropriate in both classic and loft interiors;
- substrates made of bamboo or cork. Budget and affordable option. Goes well with the decor in the oriental spirit and eco-style;
- plastic placements. The most durable and easy to maintain option. Great for small children. Will fit organically into a modern interior. For classic, Scandinavian, ethnic and country styles, you should choose more carefully and use vinyl rugs that look like textiles.
Placement for wickerware
Select the substrates so that they match the flower vase or candlesticks on the table, using the “rule of three”, like professional decorators, and then the dining table will become the point of attraction for the entire interior.
How to beautifully set a table with napkins for every day and for holidays
Each type of napkin and occasion dictates its own serving options. For ordinary family gatherings, it is quite enough to beautifully fold paper napkins into a napkin holder, matched to the overall style of the interior.
How to place napkins and cutlery according to serving etiquette
Important: according to etiquette, cloth napkins can be folded on the tabletop in the form of a flat figure or a tube. Have you made complex origami? Place it in a glass or plate. All napkins at the table should be folded uniformly.
Cloth napkins are better suited for formal and formal occasions. You can independently fold them into a lily, a rose, an envelope for cutlery and a beautiful origami composition right on the plate. Folding napkins in various ways is a fun and useful pastime that you can involve children in to develop their aesthetic taste, attentiveness and accuracy.
If you have inspiration and time for origami, decorative napkin rings will come to the rescue. They are perfect for formal dinner serving in a classic style, a wedding banquet and an original gift for loved ones.
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An example of a beautiful summer table setting
How to decorate a napkin using a ring
Rings can be included with cutlery, a tablecloth, or sold as separate sets. You can make unusual options with your own hands from satin ribbon, fabric, wood and any available material suitable for your table setting. This is a good way to emphasize the overall theme and style of the holiday, but it is important to remember that any accessory only works well in the overall ensemble. A string with a sprig of spruce instead of a ring will look cute surrounded by laconic Scandinavian aesthetics, but strange next to the elegant porcelain and gilding of a classic table.
A simple table setting example with a napkin ring and placemat
Important: Create sweet family traditions.
For example, special napkin rings that are used only on New Year's Eve. It is the details that create a special atmosphere, and silver rings can become an excellent family heirloom and table decoration.
Selecting the color
The color palette of napkins has a great influence on the final decoration of the holiday. Therefore, you need to try and choose the optimal color. Green shades are associated with freshness, and it will also highlight the beauty of other tones.
This process is not only exciting, but also creative.
Plain textiles are ideal for lunch with business partners or a tea break. If the tablecloth is made in rich blue colors, then the table service should have light or white tones.
Decorating with cloth napkins is the most important point in the design process.
Light textiles are harmonious in any setting. When choosing bright colors, do not forget about the emotional state of the guests. Yellow and red will give you a joyful mood, green and blue will give you a business mood.
Napkins are considered not only an addition to add unusualness, but also hygiene products.
Note! White napkins and a colored tablecloth are the best option for quickly decorating a special event, welcoming guests and treating them to culinary masterpieces. It is considered a classic and will always be appropriate.
Napkins and serving rules
Table setting with napkins depends on the number of dishes, changes in dishes and type of meal. Each case requires a special use and folding of napkins, according to etiquette.
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Where to put napkins when serving:
- if the table is set for a full dinner with a large number of plates, glasses and cutlery, the napkin lies in the center of the appetizer plate;
- a napkin folded into a tube, envelope or triangle is placed to the left of the hot plate after the last fork;
- if there is no snack plate, place it in the center of a small dinner plate for a hot dish;
- if the dishes are already filled and are standing in front of the cutlery, place a napkin between the forks and spoons;
- if the napkin is rolled into a tube, it is placed closer to the center of the table parallel to the dessert cutlery;
- from the edge of the serving plate, when there is already a pair of tea in the center;
- in a glass or glass in the shape of a rose or other flower to create a romantic atmosphere.
Which patterned napkins to choose for stylish serving
Folded napkins will organically combine with small plates with a diameter of about 20 cm. If you want to place a napkin in a wine glass, choose tall models with a volume of 300-500 ml, pay attention to the combination of the shape of the dish and the origami model. For example, in a glass, folding napkins in the form of a tulip, fan, candle or turret looks especially advantageous.
We arrange a children's party
In the form of shoes
Perky butterfly
Show individual attention to each child by indicating his or her place at the table. This will make him feel like an honored guest.
And for an adult themed party, a touch of humor and childhood won’t hurt.
Rules for using napkins according to etiquette
It’s not just the owners who need to properly arrange napkins and dishes when serving. If guests do not want to lose face, it is worth asking about the rules of etiquette in advance.
How to use cloth napkins according to etiquette
Rules for handling cloth napkins
A cloth napkin is designed to protect clothes from crumbs and drops; you can use it to blot slightly stained lips or fingers after eating. Etiquette prohibits wiping glasses, a phone, lipstick, sweat, or visibly soiled hands with it. For all these cases, it is better to use a paper product.
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Rules for using textile napkins according to etiquette:
- The folded napkin is taken into a pinch and gently shaken away from the dishes. This is the signal to start the meal. In a home environment, the hostess (or the owner in her absence) does this first; in a restaurant, it is the woman. If there are only men at the table, the inviting party takes the napkins first. In a restaurant, the napkins are not touched until the first course is served, even if the order has already been placed and you started with an aperitif.
- The napkin is folded in half and placed on your knees with the open edge facing you. Under no circumstances should a napkin be tucked into the collar; this tradition is outdated.
- While eating, wipe your fingers with the half of the napkin lying on top, without removing it from your lap.
- If you need to blot your lips, bend the first layer of tissue of the napkin by 5-7 cm, lift it towards your face in an unfolded form, holding it by the fold. Then return the product to your lap with the clean part down.
- If a cloth napkin falls on the floor, they do not pick it up, but ask the hostess or waiter for a new one.
- If you need to leave the table for a while, the napkin should be placed on the chair. This is a sign that the guest will return to the table.
- When the meal is finished, the napkin is taken from the center and placed to the left of the plate.
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