They’re not the same – a table set for a dinner party in France and one in Britain have subtle differences. Neither one is better than the other, it’s just interesting to see what the other does!
1. France – Forks are placed tines down and the spoons are placed bowls down. Britain – Forks are placed tines up in the air and the spoons are placed bowls up with the bulge of the spoon on the tablecloth.
In both cases this is to show off the silverware and hallmarks which are found on the back of French flatware and on the front of British flatware.
2. France – Knife rests are placed under the knife blade or at the side of the knife. They are not used so much in fancy restaurants because nowadays flatware is changed with every course. In French households where the same knife and fork are used for the starter and the main course, they are often used to keep the tablecloth clean! Britain – Knife rests are rarely used because flatware is changed with every course.
3. France – Dessert cutlery is always a dessert fork – yes even for ice cream! A spoon can be offered at the same time as the dessert if necessary. Britain – Dessert cutlery is both a dessert fork and a dessert spoon.
4. France – Glasses are placed at an angle above the cutlery and the plate, in order of magnitude to ease use and prevent spills. So from right to left you have: the glass for the white wine, the glass for the red wine, then the water glass. The red wine glass should be aligned with the large knife. The champagne flute is placed in a second row, behind the other glasses, between the water glass and the red wine glass. Britain – The glasses are placed in a straight line above the plate. In order – champagne flute, water glass, red wine glass, white wine glass.
5. France – Napkins are placed in the center of the place setting. Britain – Napkins are placed on the side plate.
6. France – There is often no side or bread plate and when dining or bread is served to you it should be placed on the napkin, tablecloth or at the edge of the main plate. If there is a bread plate, it’s saucer sized and placed at the top left corner of the place setting. Britain – A small side plate is set on the left hand side of the place setting with a small bread knife. When dining or bread is served to you it should be placed on the bread plate.
7. France – Butter is not always present on a French dining table since bread is eaten without butter. The only time the French have buttered bread is breakfast time when they lather it on! Britain – Butter is essential on a British dining table.
Other little things
France – Cheese is served before dessert – and the French are very fussy about how the cheese is cut.. Cheese is eaten with a knife and fork or with bread (never crackers). Britain – Cheese is served after dessert with crackers.
Bon appétit!
Beautiful knife rests and dessert forks in the store!
French Candy Vintage 