STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS-

SOP NO: F&B-1004
DEPARTMENT: FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICE -RESTAURANT TABLE SET UP
DATE OF ISSUE:
PREPARED BY:
APPROVED BY:

OBJECTIVES:
To ensure that all the food and beverage staffs are aware about the types of set up as per the operations.

PROCEDURES:
Types of Table Settings
The three most common types of table settings are formal, casual, and basic. Each place setting includes the utensils
and dinnerware pieces that would normally be used with the corresponding style of dining. For instance, a formal
table setting will provide more utensils because there are more courses. A basic table setting provides fewer utensils
because there is one course. Only provide the types of flatware or glassware that will be used during the meal. If there
is no wine being served, you can remove the wine glasses.

Make sure to choose the right tableware for your settings. Formal settings should be set with elegant, high-quality
pieces while practical, economical tableware is more suited for basic settings.

Table Setting Diagrams

Use three table setting diagrams to learn how to set a formal, casual, and basic table.

1. Formal Table Setting

This is the style of place setting you will see used at fine dining restaurants, formal events, and black tie weddings.
Designed for a six course meal including an appetizer, soup, salad, a starch, a protein, and dessert, this setting employs
more flatware and glassware than the other settings. Charger plates can also be used and should be placed beneath
the serving plate.
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Follow these steps to create a formal dinner table setting:

1. Begin by placing an ironed tablecloth on the table.

2. A serving plate goes in the center of the place setting.
3. A bread plate should be placed to the top left of the serving plate. Place a butter knife on top of the bread
plate with the blade facing down, and the handle towards the right.
4. Silverware on the left side of the serving plate begins with the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on
the inside.
5. Silverware on the right side of the serving plate, from the inside out, will consist of a dinner knife, salad knife,
soup spoon, and teaspoon.
6. All flatware should be evenly spaced, and the bottoms should line up with the bottom of the serving plate.
7. The dessert spoon should be placed directly above the serving plate, in horizontal alignment with the handle
towards the right.
8. Place a water glass above the dinner knife.
9. Place the white wine glass below the water glass and slightly to the right.
10. Place the red wine glass above the white wine glass and slightly to the right.
11. A cup and saucer should be placed above the soup spoon and slightly to the right.
2. Casual Table Setting
Commonly used at banquets and luncheons, this setting is also referred to as an informal table setting. It's a popular
choice for wedding table settings and contemporary casual restaurants that want to elevate their dining room decor.
This setting is similar to a formal table setting but is designed for three courses instead of six. The flatware provided
will be enough for a soup or salad, main course, and dessert.
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Follow these steps to create a casual table setting:

1. A serving plate should be placed in the middle of the table setting.

2. A bread plate should be placed to the top left of the serving plate. Place a butter knife on top of the bread
plate with the blade facing down, and the handle towards the right.
3. Silverware on the left side of the serving plate begins with the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on
the inside.
4. Silverware on the right side of the serving plate, from the inside out, will consist of a dinner knife, soup spoon,
and tea spoon.
5. Place a water glass above the dinner knife.
6. Place the wine glass to the right of the water glass.

3. Basic Table Setting

This simple table setting is appropriate for all types of restaurants and casual events. You’ll commonly see it used in
diners and family restaurants along with a placemat or a coffee cup. Using a basic table setting makes your guests feel
welcome and ensures they have the utensils they need.
 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Follow these steps to create a basic table setting:

1. A serving plate should be placed in the middle of the table setting.

2. A napkin is placed to the left of the plate.
3. The fork rests on top of the napkin.
4. A knife is placed to the right of the plate.
5. A water glass or coffee cup is optional, placed above the knife and slightly to the right.