Whether you are starting off as a restaurant owner or an event organizer, table linens are a crucial part of your business. You may not realize this at the very beginning, but know why will save you a lot of trouble.
The ambience is half of the factor that sells. The better everything looks, the easier it is to please a customer. The lighting, the music, the attire & attitude of the waiters are all important factors, but when the meal is brought to the table the focus shifts. The table linen which was almost in the background is now the picture in which the meal is sitting.
This is where tablecloths take center stage. You must picture your tablecloth as a canvas; the material, color and cleanliness of it must be impeccable. The cost of doing this may be a little high, but it is worth it as you can charge for it. The dining experience can cost a person more than it would elsewhere, but they understand that fact and are willing to pay that extra “something”. This is why people who eat at fine dining restaurants are called patrons and not customers.
Although the tablecloth should be a primary focal point in your purchase of table linens, do not forget the other components that accessorize the table setting. Table overlays, table runners, linen napkins, chair covers, chair sashes etc. need careful thought as well. Although white is the perennial and most accepted choice, you can always be a little adventurous. The type of clientele you hope to have and the cuisine that you will have on offer could have a bearing on your choices.
