Don't clutter the table

Although it's important that your guests have the right cutlery, crockery and glassware to hand, it shouldn't come at the cost of a cluttered table. Consider whether some elements could be left off the table unless necessary. For example, rather than laying soup spoons on the table, you might bring soup spoons only when guests order the soup.

The same goes with wine, since having two wine glasses and a water glass on the table can be excessive. Many restaurants remove excess glassware once guests have ordered drinks, so this is one way to prevent clutter if you'd like to maintain the formal dining setup for when guests first arrive.

Don't forget a charger plate or placemats

Charger plates are large, decorative plates that mark a place setting at each table. They're not designed for food to be placed directly onto them. When dishes are brought to the table they're set on top of the charger plates. The charger plates can help to catch spills and drips from the plate in order to protect the tablecloth. Plus, they can help hot plates to retain their heat for longer.

‍Restaurant placemats are a great alternative to charger plates. Some restaurants opt to use both placemats and charger plates but this runs the risk of making the table look too busy. You can use charger plates or placemats as an opportunity to inject some colour, pattern or texture into your table. Consider matching charger plates to your restaurant's decor or theme for a cohesive finish.

Don't use huge centrepieces

It's common to include a decorative centrepiece on the table, often flowers or candles, for a stylish and luxurious finish. However, it's important to avoid overly large or tall centrepieces that could inhibit guests from conversing across the table, or simply get in the way of crockery or cutlery. If using flowers, avoid those with very strong aromas which could overpower the aroma and flavour of the food. It's also important to avoid scented candles and to choose candles that don't generate too much smoke.

When using fresh flowers as a centrepiece be sure to check their quality before every service and replace those that are browning or wilting. Many restaurants opt to use silk flowers instead of real ones so that they don't have to replace them. Dust silk flowers regularly to keep them looking fresh.