TABLE APPOINTMENT AND

STYLES OF TABLE SERVICES

Table Appointments
-are implements used for dining which consist of linen, silverware or
flatware, dinnerware or chinaware, glassware and the centerpiece.
Linen
-includes table cover and napkins of all types. Table linens should be
durable and serviceable, attractive and suited to other appointments,
reasonably priced and easily laundered, Size is important.

Types of linen size

 Tablecloth- 36 inches square 4 persons
45” or 54” square for 6 persons
72”, 86”or 90” long for 8-16 people
 Place mats- 14”x 20” for each person
 Napkins- 12”or 14” square for refreshments
22”, 24” or 27” square for dinner
18” x 20” for lunch
4”x 6” x 8” for cocktail
Formal, multiple course
-meals-large napkins 22-26 inches square.
Buffet service
-medium to large napkins
18-24 inches square or 12x22 inches
Informal dinners
-medium napkins
18 to 20 inches square
Luncheons- smaller napkins (14 to 16 inches square)
Tea- small napkins
12 inches square
Cocktails- very small napkins (9 inches square, 4x6 inches, or
6x8 inches).

Napkins at a formal meal should match the color of the tablecloth

(generally ivory or white).

Napkins- are placed in the center of the service plate to save

space at a formal event.
Informal meals- allow the host to place the napkin wherever they
choose.
Tablecloth- before shopping for tablecloth, measure the size of
the table. For a formal tablecloth, add 16” to 24” to both the
length and width of the table. For informal cloth, usually 10” to
15” inches.

Banquet cloth- the only kind of tablecloth that should touch the
floor.
Place mats- should be large enough to hold the entire place setting, but they should
never overlap. Size should be 12 to 14 inches deep and 16 to 18 inches wide.

Table Runners- are placed on either side of the table to hold numerous place settings,
or they may be crisscrossed for four place settings.
 KINDS NAPKIN FOLDING

 Triangle  Fan  Bishop’s Hat  pyramid  Rose

 SILVERWARE OR FLATWARE
-Includes forks, knives, and spoons. These are usually sold in sets or open
stocks in sets 4-6-8-12.

3 Types of silver
 Sterling- is solid silver and will last for generations.
 Plated- is either silver plated or gold electroplated.

 Stainless steel flatware- modern metal is a combination of steel chrome and nickel.
 CARE OF SILVERWARE
 Wash and rinse promptly in hot water.
 Dry completely and quickly to retain luster.
 Use mild detergent.
 Store in tarnish-proof flannel bags.
 Keep away from rubber bands.
 Use only for intended purpose.
Use a small, soft brush for cleaning the crevices in ornamental silver.
DINNERWARE OR CHINAWARE
Dinnerware- encompasses china, stoneware, pottery, and plastic.
Basic chinaware- includes the luncheon plates, salad or desert plates, bread and butter
plates, soup boel, cups, saucers and platters.
 TYPES OF DINNERWARE
 Ceramic- includes earth materials such as sands, clay.
 Earthenware- made from refined clay and other ingredients added to give it a
whiter body. Opaque and porous.
 Stoneware- a hand ware made of a single light clay and placed in a kiln at a high
temperature. Non-porous and very durable.
 Semi vitrified- or semoporcelain is half way between china and earthenware in
body composition, cooking temperature and durability.