Food is a sensory experience that should carry to the table setting. The menu, setting, and food should coordinate together to say exactly what you are serving. You want the food to present in an atmosphere that tells the same story.

Presenting your food is achieved by setting the proper tableware in the correct location for the meal experience. This provides for efficiency, geometrically pleasing, and effectiveness. Your simple table setting should be as follows:

• Spoons and knife placed right of the plate 1″ from the edge of the table.
  • Soup spoon furthest from the plate
  • Teaspoon in the middle from the plate
  • Dinner knife to closest to the plate
• Forks placed left of the plate 1′ from the edge of the table.
  • Salad fork furthest from the plate
  • Dinner fork closet to the plate
• Napkins placement
  • Under the forks folder
  • Folded on top of the plate
  • Set to the far left side of the place
• Glass placement
  • Place to the right of the plate
  • Glasses should be set according to the height
  • Cups and saucers place to the right of the spoons
• Plates
  • Placed in the center of the place setting
  • Remember that food should be served on plates that enhance the food
  • Stack the dinner plate, bread plate, and soup bowl according to diameters
  • Plates can be plain with textures to add dimension

Geometrics placing provides a balance to the visual ascetics as well as ease of use during the meal.

Table decor should flow with the meal served. This will provide a connection to the mood, food, and time of the year. Examples are:

• Romance lace lines, soft candlelight
  • No scented candles do not want to take from the food aromas
• Holidays
• Seasons
  • Adding subtle seasonal colors keep the focus on the food
  • Natural items can bring a real seasonal feel
• Keep table clothes white or pale neutrals
  • Keep the focus on the food
  • Do not distract from the visual appeal of the food
  • Textures can help with the sensory dining experience

When serving your dinner remember that it is a sensory experience from start to finish. The setting prepares the diners for a sensory dining experience.

@4ChionLifestyle