Do you know how to set a table correctly? Table setting in a restaurant – Part one

The appearance of the table sets the expectation of the diner and is a key element in enjoying the meal.  The correct setting of a restaurant table is basic and essential.

More formal events such as weddings, banquets, and company dinners require a certain protocol for placing tableware, glassware, and cutlery on the table. It's about knowing where and how to place each piece of cutlery, plates, glasses, and napkins. Take note.

The first elements to be placed are the plates and cutlery.

Plates

Plates should be uniformly spaced and visually balanced. They are the guide or base for the rest of the elements. A separation of 45-60 cm and 3 cm from the edge of the table is recommended.

Charger plates, which are larger and decorative, go first, and are used as a base. Then dinner plates go on top of them, followed by soup bowls or appetizer plates.

Plates are placed according to the order in which they will be served and are removed from the diner's right.

Food is not served directly on these plates. The plates will be removed for dessert, where only dessert plates and coffee are served.

The small bread plate is placed above the forks on the left. The butter knife, if needed, will be placed on the bread plate.

Cutlery

The first thing to keep in mind to avoid making any mistakes in the use and placement of cutlery is that it should be from the outside in. That is, the cutlery farthest from the plate is used first.

Cutlery should be placed two centimeters from the plate. The knife and spoon are placed to the right of the plate, and the fork to the left. The blade of the knife should face the plate, and the handle should be pointing downwards.

If more cutlery is available (e.g., fish cutlery), the arrangement follows the same rules mentioned above, taking into account the order of service of the dishes.

It should also be noted that some dishes come with their own cutlery, for example, seafood comes with its tongs. The arrangement of these utensils is usually always to the diner's right.

Dessert cutlery is placed in front of the plate, perpendicularly in the space created between the bread plate and the glasses. The small spoon and knife with the handle to the right, and the fork with the handle to the left.

It is very important to check that all cutlery is clean and in good condition. Our automatic cutlery dryers will help you with this task.