Tips For a Perfect Table Setting: From Table Linens to Cutlery

Why is Table Setting Important?

The correct table setting is important because it signals to guests what the overall tone of the establishment is and gives them insight into the type of service they can expect to receive.

 

A properly set table can improve the overall dining experience and leave your guests feeling impressed with the service provided.

 

Here’s how to set the perfect table to match your establishment and elevate your guests’ dining experience.

Cafe Table Setting

Cafes don’t typically cover their tables with tablecloths as this is generally a sign of a restaurant setting. However, there are lots of ways that you can embellish your cafe table.

 

There is also more freedom involved with setting a table in a cafe as it is more informal.

 

Table Linen

Although you might want to refrain from using a tablecloth in your cafe, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use high-quality table napkins to enhance your table setting.

 

At Stalbridge Linen, we provide beautifully crafted serviettes in a range of colours so that you can maintain a cohesive style within your cafe. Some of our colours include classic black and white, striking red or warm buttermilk.

Placement

Placement is important when laying a cafe table. The table setting informs the customer of the standard of service they can expect to receive.

 

While you want to ensure that your cafe table setting is clean and professional looking, the incorrect placement of cutlery and glassware can give customers the wrong impression of what to expect.

 

Cafes typically have a more casual table setting because they are more informal establishments offering customers a quick pit stop for a bite to eat in between their travels.

 

To set your casual table, you will need a knife and fork placed on either side of the plate, with a spoon lying horizontally above the plate.

 

Next, position the water glass above the knife in the top right. Napkins can then be placed in the centre of the setting, or to the left.

 

Embellishments

While you want to refrain from cluttering your table, adding some embellishments can elevate the appearance of your table setting.

 

Some simple touches which can transform any cafe include:

 

• Candles - Adding candles to your tables can bring a homely, cosy feel to any establishment. Try placing candles inside a jar wrapped in ribbon to create a rustic feel
• Flowers - Flowers add a splash of colour to your cafe and instantly create a welcoming environment for customers. Ensure that you use fake flowers to avoid regular maintenance and any potential allergy issues associated with real flowers

Bistro Table Setting

Bistros are more formal than cafes and should adopt a slightly more polished and sophisticated style table setting.

Table Linen

Unlike cafes, tables in bistros tend to be protected by tablecloths. This is because people tend to dine in bistros in the evening, and can have up to three courses, so a tablecloth is needed to protect the table from any spillages or stains.

 

At Stalbridge Linen, we provide high-quality tablecloths in a range of colours to suit any bistro. We provide matching serviettes so that you can maintain the bistro’s colour palette throughout the table setting.

Placement

The placement of cutlery and glassware is slightly more formal than that in a cafe.

 

To properly lay a bistro table, follow these steps:

 

Lay the tablecloth on the table Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate If you're starting with a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate. Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin. On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon. Directly above the knife, place the water glass. To the right and slightly above the water glass, place the wine glass or a glass for another beverage.

Fine Dining Place Setting

When creating a fine dining experience for guests, the table setting is one of the most important factors.

 

Paying close attention to detail is vital in providing the highest standards of service and ensuring that all guests are left satisfied.

Table Linen

High-quality table linen is a necessary aspect of a fine dining restaurant. Having cloth napkins and tablecloths in your restaurant adds a touch of elegance and creates a premium feel that customers love.

 

Not only does it improve the aesthetic value of your restaurant, but it also reduces the unwanted noise and clatter of plates which can make enjoying conversations difficult in busy restaurants.

 

The natural fibre can be used to construct sustainable sound absorbers that help prevent noise pollution. This can be particularly beneficial in fine dining restaurants where the ambience should be relaxing and quiet enough for guests to hear each other talk.

 

It is important to opt for high-quality linen to create a luxurious feel in your restaurant. At Stalbridge Linen, we supply only the finest quality linen so that you can be assured that even your most meticulous guests will be satisfied with their experience.

 

Ensure that you invest in matching reusable cloth serviettes as this maintains a cohesive style within your restaurant without damaging the environment. Reusable cloth serviettes are much better for the environment because they can be washed and reused.

Placement

The placement of cutlery and glassware is very particular when it comes to laying a fine dining table.

 

The table setting must provide the correct utensils for a three-course meal.

 

A formal table setting includes many pieces: a table cloth, chargers, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, serviettes, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses and wine glasses.

 

While this may sound overwhelming, it is easy to learn by following these steps to laying a formal table:

 

Lay a crisp ironed Stalbridge Linen tablecloth on the table Set a charger at each seat In the centre of the charger, place a soup bowl Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger Lay a serviette to the left of the charger Place the salad fork on the left of the charger on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside. You can put the forks on the napkin, or for the roomier settings, directly on the tablecloth between the napkin and the charger On the right of the charger, place the knife closest to the charger and then the soup spoon Place a butter knife horizontally, with the blade facing inwards on top of the bread plate with the handle pointing to the right Directly above the charger, place a dessert spoon with the handle pointing to the right Directly above the knife, place a water glass. To the right of the water glass and about three-fourths of an inch downward, place the white wine glass. The red wine glass goes to the right of the white wine glass Place salt and pepper shakes above the dessert spoon If using a place card, set it above the dessert spoon

Glassware

When running a fine dining restaurant, you will need a range of glasses to serve your guests.

 

Some of the key glasses include:

• Flute - The classic champagne flute is a staple glass in any fine dining restaurant or bar. Champagne is commonly associated with special occasions or elegant establishments, so it is necessary to provide these in your restaurant
• Red wine glass - Red wine glasses have a full bowl so you can swirl plenty of air into the liquid without spilling anything, with a slightly tapered rim to tram all those atoms at the top of the glass, so you can smell and taste the wine before you even drink it
• White wine glass - There are several different types of white wine glass, but they are generally wider than a flute but narrower than a red wine glass, as white wine still needs to be aerated

Professional Table Linen Company Near Me: Table Linen for Hire

Are you looking for an experienced laundry service to provide high-quality linen for your establishment?

 

At Stalbridge Linen, we supply only the finest commercial linen.

 

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we provide a range of services including hire table cloths, serviettes and staff uniforms to suit a range of commercial customers.

 

If you would like to hear more about our serviette, uniform and tablecloth rental services, contact us here today.