Banquet Table Setting

The first impression of an event area counts. When guests arrive in a well-presented room with perfect table settings and ambiance, they trust that they are in good hands. The table is where their dining experience begins that’s why we need to make sure that their banquet table setting will be top-notch and make the guests understand that we have paid attention to each and single detail. Every detail of an event is carefully planned, and it’s your responsibility to create a great first impression with your professional banquet table-setting skills.

Let’s discuss below the six steps of banquet table setting and why consistency is important. Depending on the function or event might be required different table settings. Anyhow, before the table setting, we need to check the Banquet Event Order (BEO) because there will be provided all the required information we need for the table setting, linen, centerpieces, and all the other details required by the organizer. Normally the banquet captain or supervisor will be setting up a single sample setting so the team can follow the rest.

6 Steps Of Banquet Table Setting:

1. Cover The Table With Linen
   The first and most important step of banquet table setting is arranging the linen as it’s the base of every step. Before you proceed with the linen check the BEO requirements if there are requests for any different size or color. Once you have the linen cleaned and ready, cover the table with it and make sure to use table pads to protect the table from any spills that may happen during service. Double check the “hem side” is facing down and centre the table cloth so there is an equal drop on all sides and the table legs are covered.
2. The Centrepiece And Table Centre Items
   Find the center of your table and place the centerpiece on the centre fold. By doing so you ensure each table setting is consistent. Don’t forget to pay attention to the height of the centrepiece, so it won’t get in the way of guests’ conversation when they are seated at the table. If the centrepiece has not been requested at the event, you can use any other item such as a fruit or bread basket as a centrepiece. The following items need to be set at the table before the arrival of the guests: Salt and pepper shakers, Salad dressings with a saucer under (if salad dressings are preset at your hotel), Bread Baskets if it’s not a buffet service, Sugar-Coffee Creamer (if it’s breakfast or lunch service)
3. Setting The Flatware
   Place the flatware two centimeters from the edge of the table. Keep the base of the handles level with the edge of the table, and make sure they are square to the chair. Leave approximately 30 cm between the knife and the fork, where the meal plate will go. Place knives with the blade, facing the plate. Double-check that each item is well-cleaned, polished, and has no scratches. If there are plates required for the setup, make sure they are being placed before the flatware (2 cm above the edge as well) Then align the base of the flatware with the base of the plate (same line, 2cm above the edge). Place starter and dinner fork on the left side, place starter knife, dinner knife, and, soup spoon on the right side, and dessert flatware on top of the plate (fork & spoon). Don’t forget the bread and butter plate to be placed on the top left side of the plate with a bread and butter knife placed in the same direction as other flatware.
4. Setting The Glassware
   Before you set up the glassware make sure to check the BEO and see the beverages that will be consumed at the event. There are 4 common types of glassware used in a banquet table setting. Water goblet, red wine glass, white wine glass, and speciality glass (champagne flute). Depending on the event, a second white wine glass can be placed instead of a speciality glass and only if white wine is going to be served at multiple courses. Glassware must always be placed about two and a half centimeters above the entree of the knife. The 4 glasses can either be arranged in a diamond shape, triangle, or straight formation, depending on what’s stated on the BEO or depending on the standard of your hotel. start with a water goblet, then place the two wine glasses, and lastly the speciality glass. As you set each glass make sure to double-check that there aren’t any chips, cracks, or smudges and they are well polished.
5. Setting The Chinaware
   Is important that all your chinaware is arranged correctly and consistently. Chinaware will either be present on the table or you will provide guests with the new chinaware during service. Check the BEO before the setup, to understand which type of service is required to know which items need to be preset. While you set the chinaware make sure to check they are free of any scratches, chips, or cracks. If a plated appetizer is being served at the event, the base plate will already have been preset. Guests’ plated meals will be placed on top of this base plate during service.
6. Napkins
   Guests should always receive a clean napkin when they sit down so before you fold the napkins, check that each one is neatly pressed, cleaned, and free of tears. There are many different types of folds you could use to create many a beautifully presented napkin. Check the required type of napkin as per your hotel standard and once u fold it the same, place it in the centre of the base plate. If you are not using a base plate, place the napkin between the cutlery. Keep note that when a guest leaves during the service, their napkin must be refolded or replaced if necessary. Always place the napkin to the left of the guest’s plate.

Banquet Table Setting For Different Type Of Service

As a hotelier or someone who works in the hotel industry, you must know that different types of events require different table settings or different types of service. Anyhow in most of the event types, regardless the service type, you must remember the 6 steps of banquet table setting we discussed above, as those rules applies in most of the table settings.

Any information about the style service, or specific table setup is found in the BEO. Before the event and before you proceed with the table setup make sure you review the BEO for any additional information about the table setup or any other details. Once you have all the required information, begin with the table setup following the 6 steps mentioned above. Keep in mind that from time to time you must adapt your banquet table setting for different service styles. For example, if a buffet-style meal includes a meal course, you must preset soup spoons at the table. You must also include soup spoons at the buffet station in case guests want more than one serving. If it’s not a buffet style but a platted style, you will need to preset with the proper flatware. Salad dressings can be placed preset at the table before the guest’s arrival or you could serve during the table service.

Important To Note:

• Know you BEO
• Follow the 6 steps of the banquet table setting
• Ensure consistently and uniformity in every standard table setting
• Adjust the table setting according to the style of the service

Note: Images used in this article are not copyrighted and are free to use (have been taken by me at the hotel where I’m working in)