TLE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES Lesson 1.4 (PART 1) Setting up Table Appointments in the Dining Area

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to setting up table appointments in dining areas. It defines key terms like 'table setting' and 'table appointments', and explains the significance of covers and place settings. The script outlines rules for setting tables, emphasizing cleanliness, guest comfort, and creativity. It details the arrangement of table linens, dinnerware, glassware, and accessories, providing specific instructions for formal and informal settings. The video also covers the order of flatware placement and the importance of balancing the table for an aesthetic and functional dining experience.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Table setting refers to the arrangement of table appointments and food for dining, influenced by service style, menu, table size, and available appointments.
• 🍴 Table appointments include flatware, dinnerware, glassware, hollywear, and linens, all essential for dining and serving.
• 📏 A 'cover' is the space required on the table for each person to dine, typically around 24 by 15 inches.
• 🎨 Place setting is the arrangement of tableware for serving and eating for a single diner, determined by factors like menu, table size, and service style.
• 🌼 Table accessories like salt and pepper sets, cruets, ash trays, and flower bases are essential to complete the table setup.
• 🧹 Proper table setup is crucial for emphasizing ease and comfort of dining; it involves setting up chairs and tables, ensuring cleanliness, and balancing aesthetics with functionality.
• 💺 For formal settings, a tablecloth is spread over a silence pad or basic lot to protect the table and provide a stable base.
• 🧼 Sanitization is key: check and set aside damaged or soiled appointments, ensuring all crockery and cutlery are spotless and glassware is polished.
• 🔍 The establishment's monogram or logo should be visible to guests, enhancing brand recognition.
• 📐 Each cover should be well-balanced, with the opposite side of the table mirroring the setup to provide a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Q & A

What is the definition of 'table setting' as mentioned in the script?

Table setting refers to the arrangement of table appointments and food on the table for dining.

What factors determine how a table should be set?

The style of service, the menu, the size of the table, and the available table appointments are the factors that determine table setting.

What are 'table appointments'?

Table appointments are implements or utensils used for dining and serving, including flatware, dinnerware, glassware, hollywear, and linens.

What is the significance of a 'cover' in table setting?

A cover is the space required on the table for each person to partake of a meal, considered the smallest unit in the table setting, approximately around 24 by 15 inches.

What are the general rules for laying covers when setting a table?

Ensure chairs and tables are in the best condition, consider guest convenience and comfort, be creative but not overcrowd the table, and ensure cleanliness and proper placement of table appointments.

Why is a silence pad or basic lot used under a tablecloth?

It protects diners' wrists and elbows from sharp edges, keeps the tablecloth in place, protects the table surface, prevents rattling of crockery and cutlery, and absorbs moisture in case of spills.

How should table linens be arranged on the table?

Table linens should be spread evenly and laid properly according to standard procedure, with the central fold in the middle of the table and edges brushing the seats of the chairs.

What are the considerations for placing a centerpiece on a table?

A centerpiece should be low if a bad base is used, not obstruct the view of guests, and avoid heavily scented flowers that can affect the flavor of the food.

How should dinnerware be placed on the table?

Chargers or dinner plates should be placed first at the center of the place setting, with bread and butter plates placed left of the cover, directly above the tines of the dinner fork.

What is the proper placement for beverage wear or glassware?

Water glass or goblet is placed at the right of the cover, one inch above the teeth of the dinner knife, with wine glasses placed to the right of the water glass.

How should flatware be arranged on the table?

Flatware should be placed in order of use, with the first course utensils starting from the outside and working inwards, and no more than three utensils placed on the table at one time, except for oyster forks.