À la carte and table d'hôte table settings.
à la carte:
Place settings are called covers (French = couverts). The cover includes the place for each guest, and their crockery, tableware, glassware, cutlery and napkin. There are two basic covers in restaurants and which is chosen depends on whether the customer is choosing from an à la carte or table d'hôte menu. An à la carte menu offers a wide choice of individual dishes. A table d'hôte menu is a fixed price menu, with a set meal offering a number of courses. With an à la carte cover the cutlery, flatware and crockery for each course are laid just before each course is served. The traditional cover laid prior to the start of the meal is that suitable for hors d'oeuvre (the first course in a classic menu sequence).
Laying an à la carte cover:
1. Put the side plate down to mark the cover position.
2. Lay the fish knife and fork.
3. Place the wine glass above the tip of the knife.
4. Place the water glass slightly to the right and behind the wine glass.
5. Move the side plate to the left.
6. Place side knife on side plate (1/3 to the right of the plate).
7. Place the napkin.
Guidelines for all table settings
To avoid overcrowding, allow approximately 60cm to 76cm for each setting. Place settings should be 2.5cm or a thumb knuckle from the edge of the table, and avoid centrepiece arrangements that obstruct the view of guests.
Do not place items such as coffee cups, tea cups, and/or dessert plates on the table if it crowds your guests. It is appropriate to bring those items to the table after the main course has been cleared and dessert is served.
If a shortage of place settings is a problem, mix in pieces that do not match. Mix and match place setting has become a popular trend.
When deciding on a table centerpiece, keep it low. Large, tall centerpieces obstruct the view of your guests.
Choose an atmosphere that is appropriate for your gathering, an atmosphere that compliments your meal and encourages conversation.