The Art of Entertaining, by Ananbô

When thoughtfully arranged, a table becomes a landscape. Blending French tradition with contemporary creation, our hand-gilded Limoges porcelain collection invites a refined, poetic approach to the art of entertaining. Here, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the French way of setting a table—from plate placement to the heritage of fine dinnerware.

Where should a Limoges porcelain plate be placed on the table?

According to etiquette, the plate should sit about 2 to 3 cm from the edge of the table. This small distance is not merely technical: it allows the hand-applied gilding to catch the light and gives full expression to the balance between refinement and function. Leave 40 to 50 cm of space around each setting for your guests to handle their cutlery comfortably.

How much space should there be between each plate?

Plates should be spaced 40 to 50 cm apart to ensure comfort, conviviality, and visual harmony. For your Pins et Cyprès collection, this spacing allows light to play on the gilded surfaces, highlighting each bucolic motif with grace.

Where should the glasses be placed on a French table?

Traditionally, glasses are arranged diagonally to the right of the plate: starting with the water glass (the largest), followed by the red wine and white wine glasses. The champagne flute is added, slightly set back, when appropriate. Its delicate silhouette mirrors the curves of the gilded porcelain, creating a refined interplay of lines and reflections under candlelight.

Should fork tines face down on the tablecloth?

Yes. In classic French etiquette, fork tines point downward—originally to showcase the family crest on the handle. Anecdote: Louis XIV is said to have imposed this arrangement at Versailles, encouraging nobles to display their lineage (and their gold-plated handles). By placing your cutlery this way, you echo this regal tradition with a playful wink to the past.

How should cutlery be arranged—outside in?

The order of use dictates placement: forks to the left, knives to the right (blade facing the plate), and the soup spoon on the far right. Dessert cutlery is placed horizontally above the plate. Here, the delicate gilding on the handles reflects the table’s light and extends the elegance of the porcelain rim.

Why arrange glasses diagonally instead of in a line?

The diagonal layout gives easy access to each glass without obstructing plates or cutlery. On a pristine tablecloth, this arrangement draws the eye across the glint of porcelain and the shimmer of glass. Each toast becomes a graceful visual choreography.

What is the origin of hand-painted Limoges porcelain?

Limoges porcelain dates back to the 18th century, its excellence drawn from the local kaolin clay. A hallmark of French luxury, each hand-gilded piece pays homage to centuries of craftsmanship. True gold is applied in layers and kiln-fired multiple times—a rare, meticulous technique celebrated in your collection. This union of fine porcelain, pigments, and gold creates not just decoration, but a dialogue between place and hand.

How has the art of painted porcelain evolved?

From medieval artisans using mineral pigments to modern mastery of metallic powders, the evolution is technical and aesthetic: firing at 800°C, then again at 800–900°C to fix the gold. Your Pins et Cyprès designs reflect this legacy: contemporary illustrations on timeless foundations—a bridge between past and present, much like Ananbô’s scenic creations rooted in enduring elegance.

How should the centrepiece be chosen?

A centrepiece should set the tone without overshadowing the porcelain. Choose understated flowers or slender candlesticks. With gilded pieces, a low smoky-glass vase lets the light enhance their glow without interrupting conversation.

How can one blend savoir-vivre with modern flair?

Sit upright, hands visible on the table: the French posture—noble, composed. Invite guests to a sensory journey: the rustle of linen, the gleam of gold, the harmony of space. Your porcelain becomes an accomplice in this mise-en-scène: elegantly modern, yet echoing the noble precision (and occasional mischief) of royal tables.

Why does this dinnerware embody the French art of the table?

Because it unites precision, beauty, and heritage: precision in placement (2–3 cm from the edge, forks facing down), beauty in the hand-painted gold, and heritage from the heart of Limoges. Every dinner becomes a gastronomic grammar lesson—some rules, much charm, and a hint of aristocracy.

In Summary

Your hand-gilded Limoges porcelain plates are an ode to French elegance. Placement: 2–3 cm from the table’s edge, 40–50 cm between plates, glasses set diagonally, cutlery arranged outside-in with fork tines down. Décor: light centrepieces, pristine linen, soft lighting. Posture: poised, deliberate gestures, graceful use of utensils.

Explore Further

Discover Ananbô’s panoramic wallpapers to complete your interiors, or step into the world of our gallery, where the art of living resides in every detail. Every piece and every motif tells a story—it’s yours to embody.