The style of a venue is not all grasped at first glance, but emerges from a series of small details that the customer notices only when he or she sits down and begins to get acquainted with the environment: are the acoustics pleasant? Are there hooks or holders for bags and jackets? Are glasses replaced when wine is chosen? Is the tablecloth neatly ironed? Or, even better--is the tablecloth there?
The trend to replace it with runners or placemats-when not to leave the table bare-is now an established choice. Sure, the 'naked' style highlights design and materials, but not everyone appreciates a bare table: between hygiene and comfort, the debate is open. So, let's talk about it: are you team tablecloth, placemat or just headrest? Let's find out together on RGLife pros and cons of each choice.
>>> Explore on RGmania the section dedicated to table settings.
The mise en place styles: which one represents you?
Team Classic Tablecloth: for those who believe in elegance always and everywhere. Well-ironed, changed with each place setting, preferably long and enhanced with a centerpiece or candle (especially in the evening). The white tablecloth makes you feel at home, but in style. You are a solid, elegant, reassuring venue. The service is impeccable and the menu speaks the language of tradition-perhaps revisited. The cutlery is heavy, the atmosphere warm, the staff uniformed, and the wine list leather. Beware, though: too much formality may not suit all settings.
Team Runner: Nordic style, basic but neat. Exposed wood, a cozy, informal atmosphere, and central or crossover runner. Ideal for chic lunch breaks or romantic dinners, there is a contemporary feel here, with attention to detail, weekly menus and seasonal dishes. The dishes are textural, the furnishings light wood and the background music well-chosen. The hallmarks of this type of venue are natural wines, homemade bread, and a menu printed on minimal cardboard.
Team American Placemat: easy, smart, quick. In fabric, laminated or kraft paper, it matters little: every diner has their own space in this setting. As soon as you sit down you think, "surely here is the QR code for the menu." The mood is street bistro or modern fast gourmet, with streamlined service and open kitchen. You're a practical, dynamic, casual eatery. The must-have? Branding clearly visible everywhere.
Naked and Raw Team: i.e., "will the chef be a creative messy or a zen minimalist?" a question that will only be answered at the end of dinner. Service sees a bare table with mandatory cutlery rests, because live wood is fine, but hygiene also wants its share. In this kind of establishment, the contact with the material is direct: honest cooking, raw wood table and ingredients that speak for themselves. No frills, just warm bread and staff who excel in the art of listening.
Creative Mix&Match Team: because a place can have multiple souls and every corner of it tells a story: the vintage area, the relaxed outdoor area, the romantic area. Everything can be found here: mismatched chairs, crisscrossed runners, grandma's doilies, salvaged materials in an eclectic, scenic, magazine setting. Every table is a set to be photographed: "tag us on Instagram @local_name" mood. Must-haves: mixed plates, illustrated placemats, handwritten menu.
WHAT TABLE TEAM ARE YOU? Find out with our quiz
Now that we've explored all the styles ... it's your time. WHAT TABLE TEAM ARE YOU? Find out on RGLife which mise en place really represents you!
The quiz: discover your ideal table style
1. What do you think of the long white tablecloth?
A. It is synonymous with elegance. Always
B. Beautiful, but a little too formal
C. I prefer something smarter
D. Vade retro! Long live the living matter of the table
E. Meh. Only if mixed with something crazy
2. Your ideal evening in a restaurant:
A. Romantic dinner with important wine
B. Apericena with friends, warm lighting and minimal design
C. Quick lunch with smart service and creative dishes
D. A long talk, bare table and genuine cuisine
E. A 'social' dinner, to be posted on Instagram
3. Choose a table accessory:
A. The silver underplate
B. The linen runner
C. The kraft paper placemat
D. The steel cutlery rest
E. The 1970s style market saucer
4. What should the menu look like?
A. Printed on rough paper, elegant binding
B. A neat sheet, northern typography
C. Blackboard or QR code, as long as it's quick
D. Handwritten or told by the waiter
E. Colored, drawn, different every month
5. Your restaurant dream is:
A. To end up in the Michelin Guide
B. To open an essential, designer restaurant
C. Turn tables three times for lunch and twice for dinner
D. Serve few but memorable place settings
E. Going viral on Instagram with a killer mise en place
6. When you think of the perfect place setting, imagine:
A. Impeccable tablecloth, double glasses, bread in the basket
B. Minimal set, runner and textured plate
C. All practical, even for those dining alone
D. Plate, cutlery, glass. The rest is superfluous
E. Different styles and colors, tastefully chosen items
7. What do you find beautiful--but hate to clean?
A. The goblets with long stems
B. Stoneware dishes with an irregular rim
C. The plasticized placemats and plexiglass place cards
D. The imprints on the natural wood table
E. The chipped vintage mugs (but with so much charm)
Test results: here's what your mise en place says
Majority of A:
CLASSIC TABLECLOTH TEAM
You love tradition, thoughtful details and the complete experience. You are the elegant heart of dining.
Majority of B's:
TEAM RUNNER AND NORDIC STYLE
Clean design and natural materials: you're modern, thoughtful, and love venues with a simple but refined taste.
Majority of C's:
AMERICAN PLACEMAT TEAM
Smart, fast, functional. You live dining as a hands-on experience, but with the right style.
Majority of D:
NAKED AND RAW TEAM.
Essential, direct, and authentic. Love real contact with spaces and materials.
Majority of E:
CREATIVE MIX&MATCH TEAM
Outgoing and never mundane. Every detail is an opportunity to express your personality. Your ideal venue is a visual experience.
