All you need to know for a complete mise en place
Making an important dinner is always a big challenge for the hosts. You have to think about the arrangement of the guests, the preparation of the menu and, once all the organization of the event and the menu have been decided, it is time to plan the mise en place!
There are different ways to prepare an elegant and well-equipped table: some menus are very rich and provide different types of cutlery and glasses to match all the dishes and wines while others are quite simple and do not require much preparation.
It is important to underline, however, that an elegant table does not mean an "infinity of cutlery and plates: a perfect mise en place is one that respects all the traditions and rules of placement and not necessarily the quantity of tools. bon ton is simply the one that is well decorated and with the right amount of dishes to ensure that the eating experience is pleasant and light. And remember: simplicity always wins.
How to prepare a complete mise en place? Here's all there is to know:
A complete mise en place includes 4 types of dishes, 5 types of forks, 3 types of knives, 2 types of spoons and 3 types of glasses and it all depends on the combinations provided in the menu. They all have a specific placement rule created to make the whole meal easier and more enjoyable.
Look at our "mise en place map" and all the tips we have put in order below:
Look at our selection of tableware for a complete mise en place
- Dinner set for 6 Excelsa people 61,48 €
- Sambonet stainless steel cutlery set 120 € (23% discount)
- Wine glass and glass service for 6 people RCR € 38.90
- CRC glasses and glasses service for 12 people 80 €
- Fusion CRC glass goblet set for 6 people € 41.99
Dishes
Up to 3 types of dishes (plus one for bread) can be used during a dinner and all must be placed in the center of the place at the table. Here is the order from bottom to top:
- Sous plat: created to support and avoid small food disasters. It keeps the table cleaner and adds an extra touch of elegance and color.
- Meal dish: This is the dish in which the first and second course will be served. For the beginning of the dinner, it is advisable to leave only the first dish and make the change at the time of the second course.
- Appetizer plate: the highest plate where the aperitif or appetizers will be served
- Bread plate: this is detached from the center, it is placed on the top left, above the forks
Silverware
The cutlery is always placed around the plates and each cutlery has a specific function. The order of arrangement must be from inside to outside to ensure that the seating space is well utilized.
Here is the order:
Left (from inside to outside):
1. Second plate fork: it must be positioned closer to the sous plat, about 1cm from the edge of the table
2. First course or fish fork: it is positioned to the left of the first fork, slightly higher
3. Appetizer fork: the last of the order, remains furthest to the left from the plate
Right (from inside to outside):
1. Second plate knife: positioned close to the plate, with the blades facing inwards
2. First knife or fish: unlike forks, the knives are always positioned at the same height, so the second knife always remains in the same position
3. Consommé spoon: it is placed on the right side of the two knives.
4. Snail or oyster fork: it is the only exception to the rule, it is placed on the right last in the order of the cutlery.
On:
1. dessert knife: it is placed near the plate and with the blades towards the inside and its tip turned to the left
2. dessert fork: used for fruit and dessert. It is placed on top of the knife and with the prongs turned to the right
3. dessert spoon: it is placed further outwards, with the left tip
Wine glasses and goblets
Here is the most enjoyable part: the wine! We are Italian and we know very well how sacred our wines are, but it is always good to remember that each glass is for a specific type of wine and that these are not mixed! Here's how to place them:
1. on the right, next to the dishes: glass of water
2. at the same height, further to the right and above the knives: red wine glass
3. in the middle, slightly higher: sparkling wine glass or sweet wine
4. last, slightly lower and near the consommé spoon: white wine glass
Final touch: napkin and place cards
Many take it for granted, but also the napkin and the placeholder have specific positions in the complete mise en place and no, they are not on the plate:
The napkin is placed on the left, immediately after the knives and must always be folded into a square, triangle fold is very informal
place card: this is the opportunity to give a creative touch to your table! You can create it with a small bouquet of flowers, or a personalized DIY model! Here are some ideas:
Christmas place cards: the most beautiful DIY!
DIY Easter crafts: napkins and Easter origami
Now that you know all the rules, here is the map for a complete mise en place!
Good fun!
