Decorating the festive table is a very important part in preparing for the celebration. You can prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes, but if they are placed on an untidy table, then guests most likely will not appreciate the prepared delicacies. Ugly table decoration can ruin the festive atmosphere or even the entire holiday.
On the contrary, a beautiful and original table design will help create a unique mood of celebration and a festive atmosphere. Today there are no general rules for decorating holiday tables. The main thing in this matter is the correct combination of various elements of dishes and decor.
When decorating a holiday table, you need more courage in original solutions. Thus, various decorative elements can become a real highlight of the feast, which will bring an unforgettable holiday atmosphere and will be remembered by all guests for a long time. So, in addition to traditional cutlery and dishes, the table can be decorated with beautiful bright napkins, flowers, various stands and candlesticks. The variety of such decorations depends only on your imagination.
How to organize impeccable service at a wedding? Trust in professionals
Organizing a wedding banquet in a restaurant, as a rule, does not cause any difficulties. Your task is to decide on the number of guests (take into account the composition: gender, age and social status), the budget and duration of the event, as well as the entertainment program. Then everything is simple: you pay the money and don’t think about anything.
High-class chefs, well-trained waiters and a charming “diamond eye” bartender will maintain the festive atmosphere
The process of preparing the hall, arranging tables, covering with tablecloths, serving is not your troubles. You just need to show up at the appointed time, at the appointed place, in a great mood and accompanied by joyful guests, in order to celebrate this special day in the best possible way.
Festive fruit cutting for the table
Sliced fruit is another important component of the holiday table, as fruit is perfect as a light snack. When designing fruit slices, there are several important rules to remember. Firstly, for cutting you need to choose only fresh fruits of the correct shape. Secondly, it is necessary to prepare the fruit slices immediately before the guests arrive. Thirdly, to prevent the fruits from turning black, you need to sprinkle them with a little lemon juice, and use only a sharp knife for slicing. You can decorate fruit slices in a variety of ways, which depend only on your imagination.
What should be on the table at a wedding? Banquet wisdom
Whatever! However, a wedding cannot be complete without a fragrant loaf and pine cones.
To this day, it is rare that a wedding is complete without the Slavic custom of greeting a freshly baked family with a loaf of bread. Loaf is a rich, complex recipe, artistically designed product. A symbol of life, love, fidelity and family happiness. At the end of the feast, each guest is treated to a piece of loaf and a cone . Shishka is a bun that is given along with a loaf of bread when presenting gifts to the bride and groom. It is believed that in this way the newlyweds share their happiness with those invited.
The usual routine of a wedding feast consists of four parts
Cones are cones, a loaf is a loaf, but how can you really feed your guests well and satisfyingly? What dishes are prepared for a wedding and in what order are they served? By the time guests are accommodated, cold appetizers and salads have already been placed. There shouldn't be too many of them.
Photography of wedding dishes – appetizers and canapés
They are not meant to fill you up, but to whet your appetite, since there are still hot dishes and dessert ahead. Then, after 30–40 minutes, hot snacks are brought into the hall. After an hour and a half, guests are served the main holiday dish - poultry, fish or pig with an unusual side dish. And at the end - a sweet table.
What and how much should you plan? (based on 30 people)
- 5 types of cold appetizers (including sandwiches);
- 3–4 salads;
- 3–4 types of hot appetizers;
- main festive hot dish for a wedding (150 grams per person).
If you want to show your guests that you don’t follow fashion trends, you can decorate your wedding banquet with a cheese table. Or, if it’s not so radical, then replace dessert with it. Nuts, berries and honey are served with a variety of cheeses. This tradition is widespread in Western European countries and is gradually becoming popular in our country.
Simple Wedding Snacks
Canapés and salads are especially . Simple recipes for wedding dishes will decorate not only the festive table, but will also delight you on any other day.
Mediterranean canapes
Ingredients:
- hard cheese (without holes) – 300 g,
- olives – 300 g,
- canned pineapples – 240 g.
Cut the cheese into cubes measuring 1.5 x 1.5 cm. Pineapples - the same. Thread pineapple, olive, cheese onto a skewer in sequence. An unforgettable delicate combination of flavors will be a hit in the snack bar.
Originality in decorating snacks is not in last place. In addition to the unusual placement on a dish, you can turn familiar stuffed eggs into fabulous fly agarics or cute chickens, stuffed tomatoes into ladybugs, and olives and cucumbers into wild bees.
Original design of snacks - interesting and tasty
Fashion trends in wedding table decoration
Wedding fashion, like any other, has its own trends and ideas that are in demand for a particular occasion. More and more often, weddings adhere to a certain theme - it is stylish, original and always memorable. Therefore, the first rule is : table setting and decoration must correspond to the theme of the wedding.
Thematic weddings should be harmonious in everything: from the outfits of the bride, groom and guests to the style of the wedding banquet, menu, cultural program
Decoration and table decorations for a wedding do not necessarily have to adhere to the classical canons: recently it has become common to make this holiday more personalized, that is, to emphasize the individual characteristics of the newlyweds . Often this makes the holiday original, and bold decisions memorable for all guests. If the time for preparing for the wedding allows, it is recommended that the newlyweds personally design invitation cards and seating cards for the banquet - such a pleasant attribute, emphasizing the couple’s attention to their guests, will be liked by everyone and will certainly be saved as a souvenir.
Modern decor for a wedding table is not recommended to be pompous and pretentious: simplicity and naturalness are now in favor . You shouldn’t try to surprise your guests with an expensive table setting - even if it won’t be as elegant, it will be pleasing to the eye and easy to use. Light dishes, white tablecloths, fresh flowers, fruits, beautifully decorated dishes - there are many ways to decorate both a huge banquet and a home feast. Beautiful decoration of chairs with bows and satin ribbons is welcome - this moment immediately gives the room solemnity and elegance.
Photo of the composition on the wedding table
And yet, you should not equate the tables for the newlyweds with those for guests: the beautiful design of the main table should stand out against the general background, and the tables for guests and relatives should organically support the overall style. Now they rarely organize a single table : separately laid tables for the groom's relatives, bride's relatives, colleagues and friends contribute to greater comfort for those present. And during the celebration, everyone will certainly become acquainted.
How to prepare sweets for a family holiday? Fashionable chak-chak and traditional kurnik
A sweet table at a wedding is an integral part of the banquet. Hot non-alcoholic drinks (tea, coffee) and the pearl of confectionery art at a wedding - cake. Here there is simply limitless scope for imagination. It can be classically decorated or multi-tiered, with figurines of the bride and groom, with photographs on pastille, rings, swans and even fresh flowers.
Wedding cake is the main dessert of the celebration
Also gaining popularity at weddings in addition to the sweet table chak-chak. What is this mysterious dish? This delicacy came to us from the cuisine of the Turkic peoples. Chak-chak is made from a soft dough made from flour and eggs. Thin short sticks or balls the size of a pine nut are formed from it. They are deep-fried, formed (often in the form of a slide) and filled with a honey-based mass (sometimes with dried fruits). Ready to use after hardening. This delicious and simple treat is easy to prepare yourself.
For the test:
- flour – 300 g,
- milk – 4 tbsp. l.,
- eggs – 2 pcs.,
- butter – 1 tbsp. l.,
- sugar – 1 tsp,
- salt – 1 tsp.
For syrup:
- sugar – 100 g,
- honey - 1 tbsp. l.,
- water – 2 tbsp. l.
Add milk, eggs, salt and sugar to the sifted flour. Mix until smooth. Mash into a flat cake and grease with heated butter. Cut into thin strips no more than 3 cm long. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes until golden brown. Mix all the ingredients for the syrup and bring to a boil over low heat. Pour the prepared syrup over the baked sticks. Let it harden and cut into pieces.
Chuck-chuck for guests at a fun wedding
Also a traditional treat at a Russian wedding is kurnik (wedding or holiday pie). There are no clear canons on what the filling should be. A distinctive feature is the pancakes that separate the filling. Here is the recipe for a sweet wedding cake.
Ingredients:
- flour – 500 g,
- butter – 100 g,
- eggs – 3 pcs.,
- cottage cheese – 150 g,
- apples – 3 pcs.,
- walnuts (shelled) – 70 g,
- raisins – 150 g,
- dried apricots – 100 g,
- milk – 50 ml,
- sour cream – 100 g,
- water – 125 ml,
- vegetable oil – 50 ml,
- soda – 5 g,
- vinegar – 10 ml,
- salt – 10 g.
Traditional holiday pie is the highlight of Russian weddings.
First, prepare the filling. For the first filling, grate the peeled apples. For the second, mix cottage cheese with egg and sugar. For thirds, grind the nuts, soak and drain the raisins, finely chop the dried apricots and mix everything. Prepare thin pancakes to sandwich between the filling. For the dough, mix butter with flour. Separately mix milk, sour cream, eggs. Add baking soda slaked with vinegar. Mix with flour and butter and roll into a layer.
Kurnik is the king among pies
Line the pan with parchment and place the dough so that the edges hang over the side. Place a layer of the first filling and cover with a pancake. Then add the second filling and fold it over with a pancake again. Add the third filling. Fold the edges up and make a small hole there. Use the remaining dough to decorate the birthday cake. Bake at 220 degrees for 40–45 minutes. Then pour the broth into the hole and place in the oven for another 10 minutes. Sprinkle the finished chicken with sweet water and cover with a towel.
How to beautifully set a festive table?
To get a beautiful table setting, you need to place all the cutlery symmetrically. It is best to place the dishes in a straight line, making a small (10-15 cm) deviation from the table. A large flat plate should be placed in front of each guest, which will serve as a stand for other plates (for example, a snack or soup plate). To the left of the plate, place the forks so that the tines point up. Place the knife on the right so that the cutting side of the bulla is turned towards the plate. Drink glasses are located on the right. It is best to fold the napkin beautifully and place it on a snack or deep plate.
Hookah at a wedding: pros and cons
Smoking a hookah has firmly established itself as a relaxation method. Puffs of chilled aromatic smoke and an oriental fabulous vessel will leave few people indifferent, but there are also opponents. Is it worth pampering your guests with such entertainment?
Pros:
- It would be appropriate at a themed wedding in the style of “1001 Nights” and provided that most of the guests are young people;
- Creates a unique ambiance;
- With the proper organization of a separate place for smoking hookah (mini-hookah), guests will have the opportunity to take a breath between dances and competitions.
Minuses:
- Do not forget that hookah is not a health procedure and causes significant damage to health;
- Does not combine with alcohol;
- The presence of children should be limited.
Hookah as a decoration for the bride and groom's holiday
Creating the atmosphere of different countries
At an Italian restaurant
There are no strict rules for arranging dishes, so be guided by meal times or serving format. But here are a number of native Italian table setting features (complete).
Residents of Italy prefer light colors and a certain ease in design. But you can play on the colors of the Italian flag, for example, use a red tablecloth with green and white checkered patterns. Simple white porcelain plates and silver cutlery in vintage style will harmonize with it.
When serving in this country, food is often used: randomly place cherry tomatoes, spaghetti or other ingredients typical of Italian cuisine on the table. But make sure that they maintain their presentation.
Serving in an oriental restaurant
Eastern food traditions are very different from those to which we are accustomed in Russia. You will have to understand the purpose of bowls, cups, flat plates and chopsticks, and also learn how to correctly place them on the table surface. Some do not use a table at all: there are establishments with stands on legs and carpets and stylized pillows laid out around them.
The advantage of oriental table settings is that their main principles are asymmetry and freedom. Usually, when decorating, dishes with ethnic patterns are used, so the table in an oriental restaurant is rich in different tones. An excess of dishes in an oriental restaurant is associated with the desire for comfort, although for those unaccustomed to such an abundance of cutlery, the first serving will be a real test.
Setting a table in a French restaurant
To create a French atmosphere, familiar porcelain dishes are used. It is important to position it correctly. French-style serving involves plenty of cups, jugs, and layers: why not place a saucer on top of a cup and place another one on top?
Choose dishes and coverings of the same color or with unobtrusive floral patterns. The main color becomes milky white, but don't be afraid to add additional ones, for example, green and peach. Tables in a French restaurant are often decorated with plant branches or artificial boutonnieres, handmade napkins and old table lamps.
There are several rules for arranging cutlery. So, the French place their forks with the tines down, and place the plate with bread on the left. You can see a detailed serving template in the photo. Remember that the art of decorating a table in the style of a specific country is a matter in which even the little things are important.
What kind of food should newlyweds take on their wedding walk? Fast and satisfying
Riding around the city after registration is a tradition that has been maintained for decades. No wedding is complete without this. On the streets of the city on the weekend, it is not uncommon to see elegant wedding processions with humorous numbers: the groom's car, the bride's car, witnesses and drunken guests. This entertainment lasts for several hours. It would be wise to take care of food for such a ride, since the newlyweds have no time for food in the morning, and the meeting at the restaurant is not soon. You don’t have to come up with anything clever. The main goal is to have a snack. You can prepare everything for skating with your own hands: sandwiches will save everyone! In the warm season, it is better with raw smoked sausage or dried meat. Avoid fish to avoid food spoilage and unpleasant consequences.
Wedding walk and hungry heroes of the occasion
A few more photos of beautiful sausage cuts
Sliced sausage should also be present on every holiday table. To make a beautiful presentation, sausages are cut into thin slices and laid out in the shape of tubes, flowers, or in another original way. Most often, smoked and dry-cured sausage, as well as boiled pork, are used to decorate sausage slices.
Off-site kitchen and bar at a wedding as a highlight of the event
When celebrating a celebration in a restaurant, everything is clear: visiting chefs will prepare hearty culinary masterpieces, waiters will serve and decorate the wedding table, bartenders will tirelessly pour and serve drinks. But what if the event is away or at home?
Remember, guests must remain guests. Don’t assign staff responsibilities to family and friends.
For this purpose, there is catering - the provision of catering services at remote locations. Professionals in their field will create a menu for the wedding, provide dishes and tablecloths, and organize, at your request, either a stylish festive buffet with appetizers and sandwiches, or a full-scale gastronomic event with full accompaniment.
Photos of wedding tables with food. On-site holiday service
Approximate calculation of the amount of alcohol
At the wedding celebration there are both drinking and non-drinking guests. How then to make the calculation?
To ensure there is enough alcohol for everyone, all guests are taken into account in the calculations, regardless of whether they drink or not. As a rule, for 5 people you need:
- 5 bottles of vodka, 0.5 l each;
- 2 bottles of red and white wine;
- 2 bottles of champagne.
There must be a lot of soft drinks. There is more than 1 liter of juice, lemonade, and mineral water per person.
The photo of the wedding menu shows an approximate calculation of the number of dishes, as well as a banquet design option.
