French table setting revealed by the owner of a traditional French restaurant in Paris
Source:
|
Author:Yuki
|
Published time: 2024-06-04
|
99 Views
|
Share:
French table setting, known for its elegance and sophistication, is a timeless tradition deeply embedded in the country's rich culinary culture. To gain an authentic perspective, we spoke with the owner of a traditional French restaurant in Paris, who revealed the secrets behind creating a quintessential French dining experience. Here's a detailed look into the essentials of French table setting.
The Essentials of a French Table Setting
Tablecloth and Napkins: A crisp, white tablecloth is the foundation of a French table setting. It should be impeccably clean and ironed. Cloth napkins, matching or complementing the tablecloth, are a must, folded neatly either in a simple square or more elaborate designs for special occasions.
Plates: The arrangement of plates is crucial. Begin with a charger plate, also known as a "sous-plat," which remains on the table throughout the meal. On top of the charger, place the dinner plate, and if serving soup, add a soup bowl or plate on top.
Cutlery: Cutlery should be placed in the order of use, from the outside in. Forks go on the left, with the salad fork outside and the dinner fork inside. Knives are placed on the right, with the blade facing the plate. The soup spoon, if needed, goes to the right of the knives. Dessert cutlery is typically placed horizontally above the dinner plate.
Glasses: Multiple glasses are essential for a French table setting. Starting from the right, place a water glass, followed by wine glasses – a white wine glass, then a red wine glass. For more formal settings, a champagne flute can be added.
Bread Plate and Knife: A small bread plate with a butter knife is placed above the forks, slightly to the left. The knife is laid horizontally across the plate.
Centerpiece and Decorations: The centerpiece should be elegant yet unobtrusive, allowing guests to see each other across the table. Fresh flowers, candles, or a simple bowl of fruit can add a touch of charm without overwhelming the setting.
The Finer Details
Place Cards: For formal dinners, place cards are used to indicate seating arrangements. They should be elegantly designed and placed above the dessert cutlery.
Salt and Pepper Shakers: Small, discreet salt and pepper shakers or mills should be placed within easy reach of all guests.
Serving Utensils: Ensure serving utensils are readily available for each dish being served. They should be placed near the corresponding dish to maintain the flow of service.
The Philosophy Behind French Table Setting
The Parisian restaurant owner emphasized that French table setting is not just about the placement of items but about creating an ambiance of warmth and hospitality. Each element, from the tablecloth to the cutlery, is chosen with care to enhance the dining experience and reflect the French tradition of savoring every moment of a meal.
