Table Setting and Guest Etiquette Guide
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ScribdTranslationsTable Setting and Guest Etiquette Guide
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ScribdTranslationsTable setting
When setting the table, it is important to consider that each diner, to sit down, and
Eating comfortably should require a space of at least 60cm. If the table is
too small it is advisable to prepare a smaller table set with care
so that those who sit by it do not have the impression of being apart.
The plates, cutlery, glasses, and all other objects that constitute will be arranged.
the table service, according to a fixed scheme. Each object has a function and a place
concrete.
Logic and symmetry are the words that best define the correct way to apply the
Table. Make sure that the plates, glasses, and cutlery are perfectly aligned to
not to disrupt the order and harmony characteristic of a well-set table.
The plate is placed in the center of each seat, a few centimeters away from the
edge of the table.
Cutlery:
The knife or knives to the right of the plate, with the blade facing inward, that is, towards the
plato.
The spoon is to the right of the knife.
The fork is on the left of the plate.
The dessert cutlery horizontally in front of the plate.
When there is more than one dish on the menu, it is correct to use the cutlery.
from the outside in.
How to set the table
Basic rules of food with guests:
The service must move as quickly and quietly as possible;
The person serving should be careful not to hit the plates and to ensure they don't fall.
the cutlery, and will not take part in the conversations of the diners.
Everything served at the table should not go directly from the hand of the person.
guest service, but should always be presented on a tray or a
source.
The dishes are placed on the left and removed on the right. The two operations
They are almost simultaneous. The tray is offered from the left of the diner, the person
service supports her on the left arm protected by a folded napkin, and the
slightly tilted towards the diner. The utensils for serving must
have the tips facing down and the handles facing the diner.
The used plates are not changed until all the diners have finished.
eat. A dish is also not served if the plate has not yet been changed.
all the guests.
Position of the guests at the table
Before deciding on the most convenient table location for each of the diners
se deben elegir bien los invitados, de forma que al reunirlos sea ya garantía de éxito.
In other words, it is necessary to try to bring together people around the table who
sean defined by their ideas, trends, and education, so that it arises
spontaneously an atmosphere of cordiality.
It is almost inevitable that there are differences in age, origin, and among the guests.
tastes; but these differences can be easily overcome if there is a common theme that
it may constitute a topic of conversation. That is why it should be avoided to invite someone to a meal.
people whose lack of mutual sympathy is known or among whom it does not exist
good relationships. In addition to putting people in an unpleasant situation in
question, there would be a risk of creating a tense atmosphere that would make
to feel uncomfortable for everyone.
If the table is rectangular, the hostess, who has the corresponding seat of
Honor sits at one end of the table. In front of her sits the owner.
from home, or, in his absence, the most important guest.
If the table is round or square, the hosts will sit in the center, one.
facing the other. In general, the hostess chooses between the two places of honor the one that
está frente a la puerta, con el fin de vigilar cómodamente el servicio. Si se tratara de
a meal without servitude will be located, instead, at the closest stall to the
door or to the furniture where the service is deposited, so as not to disturb the guests with
his comings and goings.
To the right of the hostess sits the most respected guest; and to the
left, the second in importance. Likewise, to the right of the owner of
the most important lady sits in the house, and to the left, the one who is a little less important, and
thus successively, but always alternating if possible between a knight and a lady.
So far, everything seems quite easy and clear. But, how to judge the importance of a
guest? That's where doubts and complications begin. If it is about high
official hierarchy (ecclesiastical, political, academic, etc.) its importance with respect to
the other guests, it is evident; but aside from these cases, not very
common, the following factors must be taken into account:
Social position and professional titles
Age (the elderly are considered as guests of greater importance
than the youngest ones)
Degree of intimacy between the guest and the hosts (the guest with whom
he/she has less confidence will occupy a more important position than the friend's
family)
Regarding the ladies, in addition to age and social position, other factors should be considered.
status of marriage. When a couple invites another, the ladies should sit in
in front, to the right of the homeowner, the guest will sit, and to the right of the
invited the owner of the house.
The language of cutlery
The position in which the cutlery is left will indicate whether you have finished eating or not.
it is simply taking a break. In case of a pause, the cutlery is placed on the
plates, forming an angle. When finished, one next to the other, parallel, and with the tips.
inward or towards the center of the plate.
Guest
When we attend an event as guests, we must behave in a certain way.
correct. Apart from the guidelines that may be provided here, you must always maintain your
naturalness. Do not force your manners. One must be distinguished and elegant, but without
make it noticed.
The best elegance is the one that goes unnoticed.
Host
The main functions that a host must fulfill are:
1.- Recibir. Estar siempre al cuidado de las personas que llegan, para darles la
Welcome. Greet them and chat for a few minutes. Do not prolong the conversation.
There will be time for that, and it is not right to keep him at the door or in the
entry from anywhere.
2.- Present. During the development of the evening, the hosts will take care of
to introduce the guests to each other. It is a custom, but not mandatory, that the
Gentlemen introduce their friends, and ladies introduce their friends. Nevertheless, there is
the custom is completely liberalized and can be perfectly overlooked.
3.- Conversing. Hosts must always be attentive, so that their guests do not...
be in groups of silence. They must be able to have conversations, to
introduce topics for them and even to act as 'moderators'.
4.- Farewell. Always be ready to say goodbye to the departing guests, and
to gauge their opinion regarding the evening. Thanking them for their presence and
enviar saludos cordiales a quienes no pudieron asistir.
In addition to these functions, there are many other facets of the hosts that do not leave
to be important like preventing the wine from running out in the guests' glasses, serving in
sometimes, etc..