Dressing a table

Table spacing is of great importance, especially in a more formal restaurant. However, a fast, casual
restaurant's tables that are close together are more accepted and can add atmosphere.

Table linen

Tablecloths and napkins are expensive to hire and launder. When done inhouse without care they can
look penny pinching if they are not starched or ironed properly. Cloths suit certain restaurants and not
others: a bistro, cafe or wine bar may not need any. Factor the cost into the day to day expenses of
running your restaurant to see if hiring linen is feasible - or not. Get several quotes. Hire companies will
also supply glass cloths and hand towels for the toilets. White or cream is best for showing off food,
glasses and flowers and convey a freshness and cleanliness to the restaurant. Dark cloths add a gloom
and don't help the food. The materials for dark tablecloths are usually of an inferior type to crisp white
or cream linen. Of course, if your friendly neighbourhood restaurant is better suited to red and white
check tablecloths to entice people in and to convey a pleasingly cheap and cheerful place, then follow
your instincts. Or you may wish to go down the continental route with paper tablecloths. Or paper
tablecloths over a cloth.