Type Of Metal Table For Restaurant & Cafe

A well balanced mix of table styles and sizes will minimize your guests waiting time for seating. If you are serving a fast food or pizzeria type of menu you will need less dining space per person at the table versus a three-course dinner menu. Tables for a coffee house are smaller than tables for a family dining restaurant. The floor space available in your restaurant will also need to be taken into consideration when selecting your tables. Outside dining areas will require weather-resistant restaurant furniture.

Two to Four Person Tables

Two to four-person tables are the most popular restaurant table design. Restaurant tables are typically sold in two components; the tabletop and the base. Tabletops are available in a variety of wood finishes, laminate, resin and granite. You can also customize the tabletop with your own logo or design. Tables that can accommodate two to four people range in size from a 24-by-24 inches square to a 48-by-36 inches rectangular shaped. Round 24-to-36-inch tabletops will also accommodate two to four diners. The tops are attached to pedestal style bases. Bases are available in a stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron. Select a commercial grade restaurant table specifically designed to withstand many uses.

Bar Height Tables

High top or bar height tables are frequently used at pubs and sports bars. A tabletop is secured to a 41-inch base to create a high top table. Square or round tops can be used. Refer to the specifics of the base to determine the maximum size tabletop for that particular base. The base often has a footrest around the bottom. Bar stools are used with this type of table.

Family Dining Tables

Large dining tables able to accommodate eight to 10 people are used for banquet and party room settings. Tables are available in rectangular and round shapes in a wide variety of finishes. Large restaurants will often use family dining sized tables to designate special areas.

Outdoor Tables

Weather resistant tables and chairs are needed for your outdoor dining space. Wrought iron, wicker and aluminum commercial restaurant grade tables are available. Consider the size of the outdoor area and weather conditions when selecting your tables. An area with full sun may require umbrellas for your guests' comfort. If your restaurant is in a climate where the tables will need to be stored for the winter, consider tables that can easily be stacked or folded for easy storage.

5 Different Types of Table Settings

Each types of settings has its own rules for placement of plates, cutlery and glasses. Let’s see the most 5 common.

1. Formal

Because there are different ways to set a table, you should know what kind of table setting is appropriate for the occasion. Though some restaurants have their own special variations, the standard usually includes the following:

• Centerpieces
• Table Mats
• Napkins
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Glasses

Whatever the requirements for that specific restaurant, it is important to note that the settings reflect the type of professionalism included in the restaurant’s style.

Hence, with this in mind, here are some guidelines for ensuring the setting is for the higher end class of customers.

Centerpieces

As intimated by the name itself, the centerpiece is always positioned in the center of the table. While the style of centerpieces can differ in style and quality, the most commonly used and recommended is a small vase of fresh flowers.

Table Mats

Once the center of the table has been taken care of, the next step for most waiters and managers may involve cleaning and wiping the table thoroughly in order to put all of the mats in place.

Typically, each of the table mats is placed very close to the edge of the table in a straight and parallel manner. Additionally, to ensure each of the diners is comfortable, they must enough space to move around without feeling confined.

Napkins, Plates, Cutlery and Glasses

After the table mats have been placed correctly on the table, the next step is to ensure all of the items that will be used to consume a meal are in the appropriate places.

Typically, the napkins should be folded in a triangle design and then placed on the right side of the table mat. The plates should be positioned in the center of the mat with the cutlery placed on each side accordingly.

For instance, in some cases, the restaurant may offer 2 sets of cutlery. This is based on the requirement for providing both main course and starter meals. Also, when wine is being served, the water and wine glasses will form a triangular.

2. Casual

Unlike the formal table setting, the casual table setting can be described as more carefree and not as starchy or prudish for the occasion. Again, each restaurant normally governs their own style when it comes to the kinds of table settings used, so these settings can vary as well.

For instance, here are some of the guidelines that restaurant managers and waiters should follow.

• Less formal and more space is usually allowed for each guest.

  Cutlery like the fork and dessert spoon are optional based on need preference. Both are usually positioned above the plate.

• Butter and bread plates are also optional and are usually placed on the left above the forks.
• Napkins can be placed in either position to the left of the forks and or on top of the dinner plate.

3. Buffet

Even though the casual table setting is common in many restaurants, there are other types of table settings that are very familiar to people who frequently dine out today. For instance, family members and friends who like to serve themselves, the buffet style table setting is usually the standard.

So, to make things much easier here is what’s needed.

• In the center of the buffet arrangements, the restaurant manager may place their table decorations.
• To avoid congestion, the glasses, cups, and dessert plates are placed on a separate table.
• The set up of the buffet is in a series of strategically placed order. Typically, it starts with the plates, side dishes, main entrée, veggies, salad, bread and any relishes that’s should be included in the meal.
• The utensils are placed at the end of the buffet table.
• Napkins, if made of paper can also be placed between each plate.

4. Pizzeria

Who doesn’t like pizza? Because pizza can be served in so many different ways, it is a favorite for many people across the globe.

To make it easy for everyone to be served, there is also a special type of table set-up for restaurant pizza. With this in mind, here are some keys to making sure the set-up is appropriate for these occasions.

The basic set up for a pizza bar includes the following items: 1 plate, 1 knife, 1 fork, 1 spoon, 1 handkerchief or napkin, and 1 glass.

• The fork should be positioned at the left of the diner’s plate along with a napkin under the bottom of each.
• The spoon and knife should be placed at the right of the plate and the blade of the knife should face the plate.
• Above the knife, position the glass at the upper right corner of the plate.

5. Breakfast

A breakfast table setting is not as fancy as a formal table setting, but it does have its own standard guidelines and rules too. In some cases, the dishes may not always be fancy or the most expensive looking, but they do have to be the best possible types for the occasion.

For instance, when tables are set-up for breakfast, the basic standards usually apply, though they may also vary based on the restaurant and its preference.

Set-ups are for multi-individual table setting placements and they may be as follows.

• Individual Plates should be positioned at the center of the table along with a fork and a napkin on the left and other types of silverware required on the right.
• A separate table is set-up with the following requirements.
• Cups and saucers for hot beverages- Juice Glasses for Cold Drinks- Bowls for hot and cold cereals

I am an Interior Designer and writer. I have been writing professionally since 2010. Published in various online publications. I am also fond of manufacturing restaurant furniture.