Dress the table to highlight the identity of the establishment
How to dress your table the best way: 4 tips by Carmela Martí
The looks are more important than ever. If you want your table linen to stand out, you should pay attention to our tips:
1. About the culinary theme
The starting point is the type of meal, as well as the nature of the diners. Therefore, table linens should be adapted to the culinary theme, for example, if it is Asian, Italian, American, or Mediterranean. Additionally, it is important to consider that tables are dressed differently depending on the type of establishment and the clients it receives. For example, if business lunches are the most common, the table linens consist of neutral tones, accompanied by simple elements. Thus, a distinction is usually made between formal and informal tables. Let’s take a look:
Formal Table
The table must be well-dressed, so the tablecloth is the fundamental piece. It should reach the floor, covering all sides equally. Our recommendation is to add an overcloth, which is the textile element that adds a touch of design, for example, with discreet patterns. The colors should be light and natural to give prominence to the diners themselves.
Informal Table
Details are also important, although in this case, you can opt for more sophisticated table linens or table runners to decorate the center of the table along with individual placemats for each person.
2. Choosing the textiles
Once the theme and the most common types of gatherings are known, we choose the textile that best suits, and then we begin to select the rest of the elements. For example, if the table textiles are designed with very bright or sinuous patterns, the tableware, cutlery, and decorative pieces should be simple. Conversely, if it is a plain tablecloth with nude colors, you can opt for more elaborate elements.
3. Fabrics and textures
The material used in restaurant table linens should be 100% polyester. These are resistant textiles that maintain their qualities wash after wash. Additionally, their appearance remains natural or linen-like, ensuring the result is just as comfortable for the customer.
Moreover, one of the rising trends is to play with different textures and patterns to convey what best aligns with the establishment’s aesthetic (minimalist or more daring). Here, individual placemats, for example, help differentiate these textures and even add more color.
4. Personalization
Dressing a table starts with a base as we have discussed, but a unique touch, the hallmark that marks the essence of the establishment, cannot be missing. This is why textiles can be personalized so that the restaurant’s idiosyncrasy is reflected. Personalization has become the key to making the dining experience perfect around a well-dressed table.
Once all these recommendations regarding table linens have been considered, the tableware, cutlery, and decorative elements are arranged. Of course, it is important to remember whether it is a formal or informal table and the selected textile to achieve the best gastronomic experience.
