Eat Like An Italian: The Importance of Setting the Table
In Italy, setting the table goes to the heart of their world-famous food culture. Even for an informal weeknight dinner, Italian families take the time to lay a tablecloth and select the correct glassware. This Italian habit underlies the importance of making time and space for food and family.
If you want to Eat Like an Italian, taking a moment to set the table is a great place to start!
SETTING THE TABLE LIKE AN ITALIAN
Step 1: Lay the Tablecloth
The tablecloth is the first and most important part of setting the table. This way, you’re not worried about crumbs while you mop your pasta sauce up with bread, and red wine droplets aren’t a problem! Plus, resting your arms on a tablecloth is much warmer, and encourages the family to spend time together at the table.
Step 2: Plates
Italian households often have a lot of plates! (And they use them!) Pasta plates are smaller than dinner plates, with raised edges to contain the sauce. A clean dinner plate is used for the secondo, usually a meat dish, while some seafood is served in a ceramic bowl. Contorno, the side dish, yeah you better believe it, there may be a different plate for that. But really, you can use whichever plates you like!
Step 3: Cutlery
Traditionally, Italian lay cutlery out in the same way as the US – fork, spoon, knife. Often, Italians just put out forks though. After all, pasta rarely requires a knife, and a spoon is only necessary for dishes like soup. During more formal occasions, they may add/remove cutlery between courses. (Wouldn’t want to mix up the different flavors...)
Step 4: Glassware
Most households set one glass for wine, and another for water. Once the savory meal is finished, new glassware might be put out, like flutes for prosecco or small tulip glasses for grappa.
Of course, like everything food-related in Italy, rules change depending on the region or the family! Some use matching napkins, while others treat the tablecloth as the napkin! In the end, all that’s necessary is a nice tablecloth, some beautiful Italian ceramics, and a good glass of wine.
Now, there’s nothing for it but to enjoy your meal and quality time with people you love! Buon appetito!
If you’re not sure where to get a tablecloth, or you’re searching for authentic Italian dinnerware, then stay tuned!! We’re working on a little something especially for you!
Has this article inspired you to set the table each night? Or does your Italian family have a different way of doing things? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
