Before guests are seated, tables should be set. Some places just have an empty table with salt&pepper-shaker, some have a complete set of cutlery, glasses, candles and flowers. Whatever is your restaurants policy:
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Make sure the table is clean first
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Give the table setting the proper attention
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Check details
It depends on the kind of table; but either wipe it clean with a disinfectant and soap or take fresh linen to drape the table.
This is the basic of any table setting before guests are allowed to sit. If you need to turn your table fast, clean it as soon as your previous guests leave.
Setting the table as is procedure in your establishment, preferably is done before guests are seated. However you will find people to be ignorant at times and they seat themselves before you had a chance to set a table. This is annoying but not the biggest problem, the biggest problem is the fact the table still has all the stains the guests before them left.
Once you are done setting you table, have a quick look to assure yourself you got it right. All needed items in the right place and cleanliness.
Personal note:
For some reason a lot of people prefer to sit at dirty tables before giving the server the chance to clean it after the last visit, even when there are plenty of ready and set tables. To me that is baffling.
99% of the time the will actually start complaining right away about how dirty their table is and start to move the dirty dishes to others tables.
Not sure what to say about it, let’s hope karma will get them.
Sincerely,
Den The Man