When I was in college, I loved going to this event because I really learn a lot and just by looking at all the different designs of dining, kitchen and bar concepts really made my day.
This was when I have been conscious of the type of table for each occasion and it was also when I have learned that a table must be set with practicality to avoid causing any inconvenience on the part of the diner. In general, we can categorize table setting as formal and informal.
A formal table seeing is usually set for a meal that will have many courses and a variety of wines. For formal meal, each place setting will need the appropriate number of plates and cutlery. You may have wait staff changing out the courses, so the initial setting will only need the appropriate dinner ware for the first course. But the formal setting would actually include a number of plates and cutlery, plus several wine glasses that would accompany the type of meal you are having.
For an informal meal, you will only need less dinner ware. A very casual meal may only require a single plate, spoon, knife and fork. Usually only have one wine glass and water goblet.
A third type of table setting may also be considered one of the popular types we have here in the Philippines, the buffet style table setting, usually a set up for big parties, weddings, birthdays and other big events. Serving a meal buffer style not only offers the hostess convenience but provide the guests with an informal setting, giving them time to mingle and enjoy with other guests. This would also give the guests a variety of food choices. One tip for this setting, make sure that you keep all hot foods together and all cold foods together. This keeps the buffet balanced and keeps it pleasing to the eye.
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With buffet set up, you may also see a simple table setting on each set of table. This looks just like the informal setting except for the plate, and in some setting the cutlery as well, because this is usually found on the buffet set up already.
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Whether you’re setting the table for a formal dinner event or a casual family meal, there are nany factors that need to be taken into consideration. Table settings can range from simple and easy to elaborate and complicated. Putting together the right setting will help set the tone for any meal. Understanding the different types of table setting and what each entails is the first step in putting together a beautiful and well-planned meal.
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This recipe has been one of my favorite since it is very easy to make. You can either bake it or simply deep fry it, but this recipe calls for baked chicken. Either way, you will surely enjoy it as part of your formal or informal meal.
BAKED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground clack pepper
slices cheddar cheese ( or quickmelt cheese)
slices of cooked ham
bread crumbs
Procedure:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line baking pan with butter
2. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness
3. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with mixture of salt and pepper.
4. Place one cheese slice and ham on top of each chicken breast. Roll up each breast and secure with toothpick.
5. Roll in bread crumbs and place in prepared baking pan with butter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
7. Serve with white sauce (recipe follows)
White Sauce
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over low heat and stir in 2 tbsp of flour. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes but do not brown. Gradually stir in 1 cup milk and continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper. For a richer sauce, you can use cream instead of milk.
happy eating! J
