Kattauksen

Kattaus, with kattauksen as its genitive form, is the Finnish term for the arrangement of tableware, glassware, cutlery, napkins, and decorative elements prepared for a meal. It covers both the practical placement of items and the overall look of a dining setting. The word stems from kattaa, meaning to cover or lay out.

A typical kattaus includes a plate at the center, utensils on the left (forks) and right (knives and spoons), and glasses above the plate. A bread plate is usually placed to the left, and a napkin may rest on the plate or to the left of the forks. In formal settings, additional pieces such as charger plates, extra forks and knives, and multiple glasses for water and wine are used. The arrangement follows conventions about order of use and balance, with attention to proportions, color, and material.

Styles of kattaus range from informal (arkinen or everyday) to semi-formal and formal (juhlakattaus). In formal settings, the number of utensils and courses increases, and the placement becomes more precise, often with outer utensils used first and ancillary items positioned for each course. In casual kattaukset, simplicity, clean lines, and comfortable seating take precedence, with fewer pieces and a more relaxed layout.

Practically, planning a kattaus involves aligning the menu, tableware, and table linens to the occasion. Hosts often prepare the setting in advance to ensure a cohesive and welcoming dining experience that reflects the meal’s tone and guest expectations.