An Austrian Table
An Austrian cookbook published in 1846 stressed the importance of
cleanliness in the kitchen and at the dining table, and this tradition is
still observed. In many Austrian homes, tablecloths are changed daily,
if not for each meal. Good cloths are hand-embroidered, and children
often learn the art of embroidery. The edelweiss, a white flower that
grows high in the Alps, and the enzian, another Alpine plant with yellow
or blue flowers, are popular embroidery designs.
Hand-painted wooden egg holders are a feature of many Austrian
breakfast tables. They are designed so that when the first boiled egg
has been eaten, the holder is turned over to reveal a second egg.
Festive occasions often call for a centerpiece, possibly of fruits and
nuts accented with peacock feathers—a reminder of when peacocks
strutted through the splendid gardens of noble mansions. For less
formal evening meals, wild cornflowers and poppies might decorate
the table.The flowers are usually arranged in low vases to encourage
cross-table conversation. Since evening meals often consist of openfaced
sandwiches, wooden platters are often substituted for individual
dinner plates at each setting. Hard rolls—very popular in
Austria—are served in colored baskets, and butter and homemade
spreads are served in ceramic bowls.
Austrians and tourists alike enjoy the mountain view from outdoor cafés in Salzburg
An Austrian cookbook published in 1846 stressed the importance of
cleanliness in the kitchen and at the dining table, and this tradition is
still observed. In many Austrian homes, tablecloths are changed daily,
if not for each meal. Good cloths are hand-embroidered, and children
often learn the art of embroidery. The edelweiss, a white flower that
grows high in the Alps, and the enzian, another Alpine plant with yellow
or blue flowers, are popular embroidery designs.
Hand-painted wooden egg holders are a feature of many Austrian
breakfast tables. They are designed so that when the first boiled egg
has been eaten, the holder is turned over to reveal a second egg.
Festive occasions often call for a centerpiece, possibly of fruits and
nuts accented with peacock feathers—a reminder of when peacocks
strutted through the splendid gardens of noble mansions. For less
formal evening meals, wild cornflowers and poppies might decorate
the table.The flowers are usually arranged in low vases to encourage
cross-table conversation. Since evening meals often consist of openfaced
sandwiches, wooden platters are often substituted for individual
dinner plates at each setting. Hard rolls—very popular in
Austria—are served in colored baskets, and butter and homemade
spreads are served in ceramic bowls.
Austrians and tourists alike enjoy the mountain view from outdoor cafés in Salzburg
