Do You Know How to Set Your Restaurant Tables?

Setting the table correctly is one of those details that can make a huge difference to your diners’ experience. Yet it is surprising how many restaurants overlook the basics. Done well, it creates a polished, professional impression. Done poorly, it can make even the finest dishes feel underwhelming.

At Alliance, we know that hospitality businesses thrive on consistency. This guide takes a look at the key components of table setting across different meal occasions.

Why Table Setting Matters

The right table layout contributes to the atmosphere of your restaurant or hotel. A carefully arranged table signals professionalism and attention to detail, and gives diners confidence in the quality of their meal.

Western Table Settings

The necessary items for setting a table correctly in a western establishment includes:

Breakfast:

• Dinner fork
• Dinner knife
• Teaspoon
• Dessert spoon
• Bread and butter plate
• Cup and saucer
• Water glass
• Juice glass

Placement:

Set cutlery from the left: fork, knife, dessert spoon. Teaspoon can be placed with cup and saucer.

Lunch:

Items needed:

• Salad fork
• Dinner fork
• Dinner knife
• Small knife
• Dessert spoon
• Bread and butter knife and plate
• Water glass
• Wine glass

Placement:

From the left: salad fork, dinner fork, dinner knife, small knife. Dessert spoon goes across the top with the handle above the dinner fork. Bread plate sits on the right with the knife on top. Dessert spoon can be served with the dessert course.

Dinner (Formal):

Items needed:

• Salad fork
• Dinner fork
• Dinner knife
• Small knife
• Soup spoon
• Dessert spoon
• Bread and butter plate and knife
• Starter and dinner plates (used when serving)
• Water glass
• White wine glass
• Red wine glass

Placement:

Forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Dessert spoon across the top above the dinner knife. Bread plate and knife on the right next to the soup spoon.

At Alliance, we offer a wide selection of cutlery, crockery, glassware, and tableware to help hospitality businesses maintain high standards in presentation and service.