The Wishing Table—Discover the art of table settings with the " KPM Berlin"!

Table etiquette has fallen somewhat by the wayside in recent decades, but it is regaining importance in the age of COVID-19. Confined to our own homes, we’re focusing more on our interiors and shared moments: we’re savoring experiences more consciously, and our time together has become more stylish. Take a look at the history of table etiquette and discover how classics from the KPM Berlin shaped it—and were shaped by it.

ABOUT THE TABLE CULTURE

Table culture is the successful sum of food and drink, culinary art and rituals, tableware, decoration and ambience. Since ancient times, eating together has not only served as a means of nourishment, but was also the focal point of everyday life. It fulfilled a social function, but at aristocratic courts it also had a representative function: opulent courses and richly laid tables were used to impress the exclusively male guests and set themselves apart from the outside world. As you can see, table culture is more than just custom! At all times, it also meant the cultivation of tradition, lifestyle and, last but not least, enjoyment.

When ladies were admitted to the table from the 11th century onwards, dining in the palace, as in the town house, was usually restricted to the closest family circle and limited to a few courses. The rare but lavish and above all public banquets were used to create and consolidate hierarchies. The Florence of Caterina de Medici and the court of the Duchy of Urbino defined European dining culture and cuisine and refined German table manners.

Start image: Kitchen-Aid cookbook by Su and Bui Vössing