Ukrainian Hospitality and Etiquette

“This beautiful country has small traditional differences in customs, because it was located on a large territory. One of the most famous cultural features is Ukrainian hospitality.”

There are many interesting traditions and rites in Ukraine. This cultural treasure was passed down through the generations. Something remained in the past, and something was acquired. This beautiful country has small traditional differences in customs, because it was located on a large territory. One of the most famous cultural features is Ukrainian hospitality. 

We will consider the good manners of the guest and the host, as well as the rules of hospitality that you can find in most families today using the example of a classic dinner party. Guests are invited at least a week in advance. The host and hostess always carefully prepare for this event, because in Ukrainian culture a guest is an important person. 

The hostess prepares many different dishes so that the guests can not only appreciate the culinary skill, but also not stay hungry. Food on the table is as an important element of hospitality as it was then, and today. One of the key symbols of Ukrainian hospitality is bread and salt, which are necessarily present on every table.

Guests must arrive on time or up to 30 minutes late. Coming earlier is a sign of bad manners. A well-mannered person may come with a gift to the hosts. It can be something small to express attention. Wine or champagne, a box of candies or other sweets. It is also possible to present flowers to the mistress of the house.

When there are children in the house, they are usually given fruits, sweets or small toys. However, it is important to emphasize that before giving children something, you should ask their parents for permission first.

When the guests have gathered, bread, snacks, and salads are already on the table. Everything is served on common plates. The hostess presents her dishes and helps to lay out the treats from the common platter to the guests. 

After common meals, guests can take a break and leave the table. The hostess removes everything from the table except the glasses. Then a table is served for hot beverages and cake or other sweets. Іn Ukraine cakes, pastries and chocolate are always served together with tea and coffee.

The host usually offers alcohol and is responsible for ensuring that each guest has a glass filled with either wine or “uzvar” (Ukrainian drink) etc…

After a short period of time, the main dishes are served on common plates. It happens like this: either the hostess serves a dish to each guest on a plate in turn, or the guests pass the dish to each other, personally placing the dish on their plate.

Communication is an integral part of the evening, guests and hosts conduct various conversations on comfortable topics, maintaining a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Guests must arrive on time or up to 30 minutes late. Coming earlier is a sign of bad manners.

After common meals, guests can take a break and leave the table. The hostess removes everything from the table except the glasses. Then a table is served for hot beverages and cake or other sweets. Іn Ukraine cakes, pastries and chocolate are always served together with tea and coffee.

After dessert, the evening comes to an end, the guests are still communicating, but little by little they begin to go home. The hosts will always kindly offer to call a taxi to those who were driving, in order to take care of the guests' safety.

After the dinner is over, the next day it will be polite of the guests to write or call the hosts and thank them for a wonderful evening.

Ukrainians are very hospitable people, and you will definitely see this when you visit their homes. Just do not forget about these small recommendations - this way you will show your respect to the hosts. – By Alisa Kazka

                               

 Our newest contributor is etiquette authority, Alisa Kazka of Ukraine. Alisa is the founder of the “Way of Living: Etiquette School.” She is an etiquette enthusiast and her expertise as a table stylist may be known to followers of our table setting competition. Engaged in the business of etiquette for more than 5 years now, she teaches adults and children good manners, how to become confident and to be internally free in various life situations, stressing the importance of mutual respect and getting to know other cultures. One of her favorite subjects is the topic of hospitality… high service, dining etiquette and gastronomy. You cab follow Alisa on Instagram: @alisa_kazka or her school, @way.of.living_etiquette

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

An Interview with Alisa Kazka

Meet Alisa Kazka. Alisa is a Blue Ribbon Award Winner from our Second Annual International Place Setting Competition. Alisa is shown sitting at her Regency Era place setting.

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Alisa Kazka is an etiquette consultant and a table setting specialist from Ukraine. Alisa writes, lectures and provides etiquette training. She told us that she is currently living in Kyiv, because her hometown is not safe. Alisa wrote, “The love for this topic appeared in my childhood and I gradually studied and got acquainted with etiquette and art of table setting. I really love the beauty and cosiness in the house, so I apply the knowledge that I share with my students to my home. I love beautiful porcelain and use it every day in serving.” 

Congratulations, Alisa!

Alisa’s choice of table elements was surprising, until we learned of her circumstances. Alisa was living away from her home and her country, due to the war in Ukraine. She could only use what was on-hand where she was temporarily living.   

           What an inviting menu for an Italian with a love for Italian foods! This is a table I’d love to sit at for dinner. We would have loved to have seen a menu more in line with foods that one generally thinks of during the Regency Era, but I’m certain that a soup, vegetables with pasta, fish with white wine, and ices, etc… were likely served on fine tables of the era.

              

1. How did you choose the menu and various elements you used in your setting and why? Please explain each of the utensils in your setting… For which of the foods on your menu (or course) was each different item intended? 

1) My table setting consists primarily of knowledge and love for porcelain, history, etiquette, and beauty. The menu is made up of favorite dishes of the Italian kitchen, which I am a fan of.

You may notice that cutlery is not from the same collection and modern production. Unfortunately, due to the war in Ukraine, I am far from home, my favorite dishes and serving items were left at home, so I didn’t have to choose dishes and cutlery. But, it was very important for me to take part in this competition, to represent my country and myself as a professional, so I took what was in my temporary home and fit the beautiful Regency Era theme.

I wanted to create an airy, romantic table setting that would capture the spirit of the era - Royal Albert porcelain did a great job of emphasizing this, and antique-style glasses from a nearby store helped to set the necessary accent.

2. Why did you choose this particular period in time to set your table?

2) Regency Era is my favorite, it's an inspiring time with a unique style and exquisite porcelain, the spirit of that era, dresses and balls, good manners, and incredibly beautiful table setting. When I saw the proposed list, I didn’t doubt for a second what to choose! I really wanted to show this in my table setting.

3. How, if at all, did Covid-related social restrictions affect your choice of setting? Were you ready to celebrate? Feeling in the mood to do something different? Etc… 

3) Covid did not affect the choice of conditions. And if my family were nearby, I would gladly celebrate with them. But, due to the events in Ukraine, I was forced to leave the house, so I will celebrate with my relatives via video call.

4. Have you always enjoyed a properly set table? Or, if not, was the table setting something you learned to enjoy through your social life and/or business later on in life? 

4) I have loved tableware since childhood. It has always been important for me that the table should be beautiful: a white tablecloth, porcelain, and beautiful tea pairs for breakfast.

I often helped my grandmother to decorate the table, and arrange cutlery. Like many years ago, I still love the perfect table, beautifully served food, English porcelain, and French faience, always flowers and appropriate decor. In such an atmosphere, communication with family becomes special.

5. Did you do any research on table setting etiquette before setting your elements at the table? 

5) Yes, sure! I professionally study the subject of etiquette and table setting. Before participating in the International Place Setting Competition, I also re-read Maura Graber's articles about the Regency Era and was inspired by films about this era.

 6. Do you plan on entering again next year?

6) Yes, with great pleasure! I was very happy to take part in the International Place Setting Competition, it gave me inspiration and the push to move on! I want to thank Elizabeth Soos and Maura J. Graber for the opportunity to participate and show my knowledge, experience, and love for table setting, to be inspired and filled with strength to go forward!

Elizabeth Soos and I would both like to congratulate Alisa on her award winning setting. We are honored that she entered our contest and love meeting others who are so willing to share their talents, enthusiasm for etiquette, and their wealth of knowledge. Congratulations!

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia