An Overview of a Proper Italian Table Setting and Table Manners
In Italy, dinner is a formal occasion. It’s reasonable to argue that the table setting is equally as essential as the dish itself to please your taste buds. There are also certain eating etiquette and standard that all Italians adhere to for this formal event. Here’s a complete explanation of Italian table setting and etiquette for a better understanding.
See also: How to Create an Elegant Tablecloth Setting that You Can’t Learn from Books
Table Arrangement in the Italian Style
Prepare all the things you’ll need, including tablecloth, dinnerware, silverware, wine glasses, water glasses, votive candles, and centerpieces. Then, you need to ensure that your dining table should be covered with a tablecloth, and it must be in the same color scheme as your centerpiece and dinnerware.
A white or cream tablecloth is perfect for a traditional elegance aesthetic as it allows for more vibrant table decorations to take the spotlight. Moreover, fresh fruit or a fresh centerpiece is an ideal option because it will captivate your visitors. Also, fruits should be chosen according to the season’s color scheme.
Furthermore, place small clear votive containers with white candles for your Italian table setting in one or two rows around your centerpiece to add visual depth. You can place a potted succulent directly outside of the candles if you want. As for the dinnerware, set the dinner plate on top of the charger plate, followed by an antipasto platter.
To the side of the main setting, a salad plate can be placed. On the right of the dinner plate, you can put a saucer and cup. A dinner fork on the interior and a salad fork on the outside of the table to the left of your guest. Arrange a butter knife, a dinner spoon, and a dinner knife in the middle, on the edge, and next to the plate on the right for the proper Italian table setting.
In addition, place the fork below the spoon horizontally with the two ends facing each other. At last, a wine glass and a water glass should be provided for each guest. You may prepare two wine glasses so that your guest can try both white and red wines. The placement of the glasses is to the guest’s right, in front of the plates.
The Etiquette
Some table manners may not apply worldwide, yet they are extremely significant in Italy. One of the rules is always keeping your elbows off the table. However, it’s required to keep your wrists and hands on the table. You may also need to know that carrying your phone to the table is prohibited.
Another Italian table setting etiquette is when exclusively using a fork or spoon, it’s advised to use your right hand. Nevertheless, when using both of those silverware, always hold your fork in your left and the knife in your right. It’s unusual to roll the spaghetti with a spoon, and in any situation, please do not cut the spaghetti with a knife.
In an Italian meal setting, the table arrangement is an important element. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the basic rules of Italian table arranging. Moreover, there are also particular table manners or etiquette that the guests must adhere to during the meal, such as never cutting spaghetti with a knife.
