The Art of Setting a Table

AUTHORED BY: Design The Wedding
Rehearsal Dinners, Design, Reception, Caterers

Orchestrated art: Setting the table

A very special thank you to:

Article By: 24 Carrots Catering and Events
Written By: Carizza Rose

Setting the table design (a look and feel, “scene-setter” really) If you’ve ever watched the opening sequence of Chef’s Table, you know that the art of setting a table is an orchestrated art. (If you haven’t, it’s available on Netflix, and you’re welcome 😉

Huntington Bay Club - Place Setting - WeddingCompass.com

Huntington Bay Club – Huntington Beach
Orange County, Southern California

Back of the house magic!

Yes, the back of the house is undoubtedly where the magic happens, but the place setting is the guest’s first impression, and thus, equally important. There are a lot of nuisances on a table setting that vary depending on the situation (restaurants, bistros, catering), but today we’d like to take you behind the scenes and approach this from a wedding and event production stand point.

Courtesy of:
https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty

Balboa Pavilion - Place Setting - WeddingCompass.com

Balboa Pavilion – Table – Place Setting
Orange County, Southern California

The 1912 - 24 carrots place setting - weddingcompass.com

Courtesy: The 1912 – Event Venue
Santa Ana, Orange County, CA

Helpful hints:

Table setting varies from event to event based on the menu (i.e. most fine-dining menus require an extra knife – one for salad, one for entrée. Most menus do not require any spoons unless they have coffee service).
All flatware needs to be placed 1 inch from the edge of the table. It must be polished and clear of any spots.

These hints are great for hosting at home, setting up photo shoots, or just being one step ahead of your other A-type personality friends. When you book your caterer, they’ll be happy to arrange dinnerware rentals on your behalf – you don’t have to worry about counts, setting up, or cleaning up. Some clients choose to arrange their own rentals themselves or use their wedding planner for this task. Caterers love collaboration and are happy to assist with guidance on table setting rentals based upon your menu (such as sizes appropriate for service, quantities, and padding). Please don’t hesitate to ask them for help!