Trends in Table Setting
A few decades ago Australians would set their fine bone china dinner set, crystal glassware and silver cutlery on a crisp white linen table cloth for their formal diners. These were were served in the dining room and always ended up with a cup of tea.
Formal dinners were elaborate occasions, lasting for many courses over many hours. The table would commence with the entire selection of tableware for all of the courses and be cleared along the way after each course had finished.
Formal table setting
These days even formal dinners have been simplified to correspond with our modern lives.
Modern formal table setting
Just a few decades ago it was not very common for women to have a career after they had children, their primary role was to take care of the family and preparing a daily family sit down meal was common amongst this culture. With working families having busy and irregular schedules family traditions have changed, with many families living in open plan houses combining the kitchen and living areas rather than having a formal sit down dining room. Irregular schedules and less families with stay at home mothers means that families are often eating separately or in front of the T.V. or computer.
Technology and social changes have resulted in a wider selection of table setting options. Crockery and cutlery that are microwave and dishwasher safe are now available and plastic items are commonly used for outdoor dining. Trends in table setting correlate with our access to cuisine and utensils from other cultures, for example chopsticks and pasta bowls are common in most households and restaurants.
Formal dinners were elaborate occasions, lasting for many courses over many hours. The table would commence with the entire selection of tableware for all of the courses and be cleared along the way after each course had finished.
Formal table setting
These days even formal dinners have been simplified to correspond with our modern lives.
Modern formal table setting
Just a few decades ago it was not very common for women to have a career after they had children, their primary role was to take care of the family and preparing a daily family sit down meal was common amongst this culture. With working families having busy and irregular schedules family traditions have changed, with many families living in open plan houses combining the kitchen and living areas rather than having a formal sit down dining room. Irregular schedules and less families with stay at home mothers means that families are often eating separately or in front of the T.V. or computer.
Technology and social changes have resulted in a wider selection of table setting options. Crockery and cutlery that are microwave and dishwasher safe are now available and plastic items are commonly used for outdoor dining. Trends in table setting correlate with our access to cuisine and utensils from other cultures, for example chopsticks and pasta bowls are common in most households and restaurants.
Task
1. Do a google images search on 'Table setting'
2. Compile a slide show consisting of at least 5 different table settings. State in the caption the occasion and venue they would be suitable for.
2. Compile a slide show consisting of at least 5 different table settings. State in the caption the occasion and venue they would be suitable for.
Wedding Dinner
Family Lunch
Dinner Party
Formal Lunch
Informal Family Dinner