Secrets of using a gravy boat

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

However, few people know how to use them correctly. Most people either don't use them at all or only use them for holiday meals. Let's figure out how to properly use beautiful gravy boats and how many of them should be in the kitchen.

The peculiarity of gravy boats

The gravy boat is an item 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, meals were a whole ritual, and aristocrats tried to fully comply with classical etiquette.

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

The vessel has reached our times in exactly this form. Although today there are a large number of types of gravy boats, differing in shape, volume and materials from which they are made.

Important! Today, not every set of dishes comes with this unusual item. But if there is one, 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 prerogative of the nobility.

They were used at the royal court and among titled persons. These were items made of silver and porcelain. Subsequently, gravy boats appeared on the tables of ordinary people and turned into simpler and more laconic utensils.

Kinds

Sauce boats can be of several types:

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

Various options can be equipped with a convenient spout or handles, one or two, depending on the shape. Round dishes are often complemented by a spoon that matches the style.

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

• First - raise the dishes above the table surface, preventing the sauce from getting lost in the abundance of dishes.
• Second - limit the contact of dishes with the tablecloth or table surface. This is because the bottom may be too hot or wet and stain the tablecloth.

Extra spoon

If a dish does not have a spout, it often has a stylized spoon, which is convenient for picking up seasoning and putting it on your plate.

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

• Shallow, almost flat models Great for thick seasonings that you can scoop up in heaps.
• For liquid foods with the addition of pieces of vegetables, fruits, berries, the best ones will be 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 in portions for each participant in the feast, up to large vessels for 250 ml, in which sauce is served to all guests at the same time.

Important! If there are many guests at the table, you need several gravy boats.This will help eliminate guests from having to wait their turn to put the seasoning on their plate.

What the hostess and guests should know

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

Basic Rules

These recommendations will allow you to use gravy boats correctly.

How to post

• The vessel is placed next to the main dish with sauce, if it is a large dish.
• If the cup is individual - at each guest's plate.

Reference! Special spoons are placed nearby for scooping up the aromatic liquid and placing it on plates.

How to put the sauce on a plate

The best solution would be if the sauce is placed on the guests’ plates by the waiter or the hostess of the house where the celebration is taking place. But if guests decide to handle this matter on their own, you need to take into account that seasoning is poured only on the main dish, bypassing the side dish.

Important! If putting the sauce on the plate with your own hands resulted in you dripping a couple of drops onto the table, simply blot the area with a napkin. Or place the napkin over the stain without attracting too much attention.

Some foods, such as shellfish, require dipping into the sauce. There are individual dishes for this purpose; they are specially placed on the table.

There are a lot of subtleties of table etiquette, and gravy boats are one of the stumbling blocks. This utensil must be used correctly, otherwise you may be considered 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 serve the dish on their plates.

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

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