The secrets of using a gravy boat

Etiquette rules dictate that there should be a gravy boat on the served table. This is a special dish in which a wide variety of liquid seasonings are placed in addition to the main dishes.

However, few people know how to use them correctly. Most people either don’t use them at all, or use them only on festive meals. We will figure out how to use beautiful gravy boats correctly and how much they should be in the kitchen.

Originality of sauceboats

Gravy boat - a subject with a solid past.

From the history of special dishes

The tradition of using various sauces for main dishes was introduced in France at the end of the 17th century. In those days, the meal was a whole ritual, and aristocrats tried to fully observe classical etiquette.

Reference! It is known for certain that the classic version of the gravy boat in the form of an oblong short bowl with a spout and a handle was already present in antiquity.

To our time, the vessel reached it in this form. Although today there are a large number of types of sauces, differing in shape, volume and materials from which they are made.

Important! Today, not every set of dishes is equipped with this unusual item. But if it is, you need to know the basic rules for its use.

The variety of shapes, sizes and materials is explained by the fact that previously such products were exclusively the domain of the nobility.

They were used at the royal court and at titled persons. These were silver and porcelain products. Subsequently, sauceboats appeared on tables at ordinary people and turned into simpler and laconic utensils.

Kinds

Gravy boats can be of several types:

  • classic elongated models of different depths;
  • oval shape;
  • round.

Various options can be equipped with a convenient nose or handlesone or two, depending on the shape. Round dishes are often complemented with a spoon, suitable in style.

Usually gravy boats also have a small leg. The leg has two purposes.

  • The first is raise dishes above the table, not letting the sauce get lost in the abundance of dishes.
  • Second - limit contact of dishes with a tablecloth or table surface. This is due to the fact that the bottom may be too hot or wet and leave stains on the tablecloth.

Extra spoon

If the dish does not have a spout, then it often has stylized spoon, which is convenient to pick seasoning and shift yourself to a plate.

It is very important to pay attention to the depth of the spoon.

  • Shallow, almost flat models perfect for thick seasonings that can be scooped up with a slide.
  • For liquid foods with the addition of slices of vegetables, fruits, berries will be the best large and deep spoons similar to small ladles.

Dimensions

The volume of dishes also varies significantly. From the cups to 50 ml, which are usually served portionwise for each participant in the feast, to large vessels on 250 mlserving sauce for all guests at the same time.

Important! If there are many guests at the table, several sauces are needed. This will help to prevent guests from waiting in line to put seasoning on their plate.

What the hostess and guests should know

Few people know how to properly set the table with this unusual item. Meanwhile, there are several basic rules on how to properly use a gravy boat and place it on the festive table.

Fundamental rules

These recommendations will allow the proper use of gravy boats.

How to post

  • The vessel is placed next to the main course to which the sauce is servedif this is a great dish.
  • If the cup is individual - at the plate of each guest.

Reference! Special spoons are laid next to them for scooping up the aromatic liquid and putting it on plates.

How to put sauce on a plate

The best option would be if the waiter or the hostess of the house where the celebration is taking place the sauce on the guests' plates. But if guests decide to handle this business on their own, you need to consider that seasoning spills only on the main coursebypassing the side dish.

Important! If putting the sauce on the plate yourself caused you to drop a couple of drops on the table, simply blot this place with a napkin. Or put a napkin on a stain without attracting too much attention.

Some foods, such as shellfish, need to be dipped in sauce. For this, there is an individual dish, it is specially put on the table.

There are a lot of subtleties of table etiquette, and gravy boats are one of the stumbling blocks. This dishware must be used correctly, otherwise you can pass for an ignoramus among the guests.

Advice! In order not to get lost in all the nuances of etiquette, it is better to use common large gravy boats with a set of spoons, with which guests can arrange the dish on their plates.

For mustard, mayonnaise and other thick seasonings, which do not require a lot, you can use individual small containers, placing them next to each guest’s plate.

Now you know how to use dishes that will make the feast even more attractive.

Watch the video: "Gravy Boat" making hip-hop with synths & strings (March 2024).

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