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In the world of catering, every detail matters. The goal is to make the customer experience unique: not only must the food be delicious, but the same care used in the kitchen must also be applied to table preparation.
When setting the table, there are some basic rules that every good restaurant must always follow, such as the careful arrangement of items on the table (cutlery and napkins), which types of glasses to have at the table, when to avoid certain kinds of tablecloths, and so on.
However, it is also from the details of the mise en place that the style of the establishment is perceived. There are some details to focus on to differentiate yourself and several possibilities to unleash creativity and create a striking mise en place. Here are 5 ideas to start with.
1. Charming fabric bread baskets for those focusing on green and KM0 local products
To set the table in an ecological and alternative way, you can use fabric bread bags. A natural fabric such as cotton fiber can be washed multiple times to avoid using plastic packaging. To make it even more rustic, insert some bread paper or baking paper inside the fabric bag before placing the food.
2. The current trend: runners
To keep up with the latest trends, use runners, narrow and long strips of fabric, larger than a placemat but smaller than a tablecloth. They have been very trendy for a few years and more and more restaurants use them, especially for outdoor tables.
From simple patterns to elegant and refined designs, runners protect and add a splash of color to the table. Depending on the table shape and size, they can be arranged in various ways: aligned or crossed to cover only the set places or used to separate one place from another.
3. Flower jars as centerpieces
Using flowers as centerpieces is always a good idea because they help create an atmosphere: cheerful, welcoming, or sophisticated, depending on the flowers you choose. The important thing is that they are small and not too fragrant so as not to bother customers. If you want to recreate a cozy and comfortable environment, you can use small pots placed inside fabric pot holders that you can change according to the season: for example, you can use a natural jute pot holder for weekday lunches or, why not, reuse a jute party favor bag to hold plant pots to place on the table, which you can customize with fabrics and red bows during holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
4. Origami napkins as place cards
Even with a simple fabric napkin, you can find original ways to decorate the table. For example, you can use origami techniques to create particular shapes to use as place cards: a very simple idea yet at the same time elegant and original. Initially, you can make a fan, a heart, or a swan, as these are the easiest shapes, then over time and with experience, you can move on to more complex forms.
Let’s try making a swan:
- take a stiff napkin and fold it in quarters
- take the top left corner and fold it beyond the napkin’s midpoint
- fold the right side to the opposite edge
- roll the tip about three-quarters along the napkin to form the swan’s neck
- turn the napkin over and fold it until the rolled part reaches the start of the tip
- now fold the napkin again outward, pushing back the two lower corners
- fold the napkin well to maintain the shape
- finally, stand the napkin up, open the base, and elongate the neck
With some patience and practice, you’ll be able to decorate the table with elegant swan place cards in just a few minutes.
5. Condiments packaged in charming fabric bags
Like bread, other table items — condiments — can also be placed in charming fabric bags. There are specific olive oil bottle bags in jute that can also be customized with the restaurant’s logo.
You can also make spice holders original. For example, you can present oil, salt, pepper, and vinegar at the table in a special natural ecological cotton bag, 100% eco-friendly and useful for holding not only jars of spices but also packages of coffee and tea.
Decorate the restaurant’s outdoor spaces with original ideas too
If every detail matters in catering, then besides the table, the restaurant’s garden or outdoor area must also be well furnished to create a comfortable and relaxing or refined atmosphere consistent with the style of the establishment. For example, you might try using wicker tables and chairs for guests who want to dine outdoors, install adjustable LED lamps to create soft and romantic lighting after sunset, and use jute flower pot holders for outdoor use to hang in the garden to add a touch of color.
