As the New Year approaches and we prepare to host guests, we start planning ahead, seeking out useful tips and interesting, “delicious” recipes from friends and cookbooks.
However, it’s not enough to just cook well. Remember the saying: “I knew how to cook, but I didn’t know how to serve…” To set a festive table, you need a certain flair. The tablecloth, napkins, dishes, and flowers all need to create a celebratory atmosphere and bring joy.
For New Year’s Eve, it’s best to cover the table with a white tablecloth. To keep it from shifting, place a flannel cloth or some other soft fabric underneath, cut to the size of the table. This will muffle the clatter of utensils and dishes and protect the table from accidental stains. In the center, you can place a small vase with sprigs of a Christmas tree adorned with tinsel, and scatter some ribbons of garland around.
Fabric napkins are best folded into a triangle, rolled up, or shaped like an envelope and placed on the bread plate, which is set to the left of the main plate. Under the napkin, place a roll or a few pieces of both dark and white bread, so they are always within reach. Paper napkins can also be placed to the left of the utensils.
The dishes used for serving should be impeccably clean, and it’s preferable to serve food on plates that are uniform in size, shape, and design.
The knife should be placed with the blade facing the main plate, on the right side.
The fork goes on the left, with the tines facing up.
Sauceboats, condiment dishes, and appetizers should be arranged in various spots for easy access.
Champagne glasses should be the tallest and largest. They can be shaped like a narrow cup or a wide, shallow bowl. Stronger drinks are served in smaller shot glasses, while cognac and liqueur go in even smaller ones. Glasses and shot glasses should be placed behind the plate, closer to the center of the table.
Wines and other beverages, except for champagne, should be served from an uncorked bottle, or in a decanter or closed pitcher. It’s best to place the champagne on the edge of the table in an ice bucket. Try to open it quietly, without spilling. To do this, tilt the bottle as you open it to release the carbon dioxide.
When inviting guests to drink wine or vodka, don’t be pushy; unnecessary insistence can easily spoil the celebration.
Set the table 1-2 hours before guests arrive, so the host has time to relax and prepare for welcoming friends.
It’s advisable to start the New Year’s dinner at 11 PM, so you can raise the first toast to the old year, recalling all the good and memorable moments it brought us. Then, at midnight, fill your glasses with sparkling champagne and welcome the New Year 2014.