Elements of the Table: A Simple Guide for Hosts and Guests

Elements of the Table: A Simple Guide for Hosts and Guests

Elegance is the art of not astonishing, said Jean Cocteau, but often the idea of a formal dinner party is intimidating to both hosts and guests for one reason: the table setting. Why is there a spoon above my plate? Do I really need five different glasses? Where do I put my napkin when I leave the table? Lynn Rosen comes to the rescue with this practical, charming, and informative guide to all things tabletop. Organized by category, Lynnâ€™s advice is sensible, her explanations are clear, and her historical asides will provide plenty of lively dinner conversation. Youâ€™ll learn about:

Napery. What to do about that crease in your tablecloth, how to use a table runner, and the history of napkin rings (hint: they came into use not for decoration, but for an exceedingly practical purpose!)

China. The difference between a rim soup bowl and a rimless coupe soup bowl, when to bring out the coffee cups, and why we call it â€œchinaâ€

Silver. Basic rules for arranging the setting (evenly spaced, about a half-inch apart, with the handle bottoms lined up), using flatware to signal youâ€™ve finished eating, and why the fork was slow to catch on as a dining implement

Crystal. How to tell a red wine glass from a white wine glass, when to use a dof glass, and what famous European queen is said to have been the model for a champagne coupe glass

Table DÃ©cor. Why place cards are always a good idea (and where to put them), the evolution of centerpieces, and how to turn a napkin into a cardinalâ€™s hat, a bishopâ€™s mitre, or even an artichoke

Elements of the Table covers everything from linens to basic etiquette, so your next dinner party (whether youâ€™re hosting or attending) will be a relaxed celebrationâ€“and the only astonishment will come at the end of the night, when you realize how much fun youâ€™ve had.
Country USA
Brand CROWN
Manufacturer Potter Style
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber 9780307339331
Color White
ReleaseDate 2007-04-24
UnitCount 1
EANs 9780307339331

Country	USA
Brand	CROWN
Manufacturer	Potter Style
Binding	Hardcover
ItemPartNumber	9780307339331
Color	White
ReleaseDate	2007-04-24
UnitCount	1
EANs	9780307339331

Elements of the Table: A Simple Guide for Hosts and Guests

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