Know your Fish Knife from your Champagne glass

Setting a superyacht table for a dinner party or a special occasion requires careful planning and an element of flair. The cuisine served, the guests' preferences and the correct tablecloth selection are key to setting the scene and exceeding your guests’ expectations. Guests sometimes anticipate the table decor as much as they do the food. Imagination and variety in your decor can greatly enhance the enjoyment of not only the food but the overall experience. The finishing touches and careful placement of accessories can bring personality to your table and distinguish each setting, elevating the meal in your guest’s experience from a normal meal to a journey of the senses. So how do we achieve this? What are all the elements you need, from the most mundane to the most flamboyant, all have their role to play to create the final masterpiece.

Dinnerware

The dinnerware is the anchor of the place setting and the map of the table. Which crockery will be placed on the table and what will be placed in the kitchen for the chefs all depends on and will be dictated by what is being served, the style of service and of course guest preferences. But there are some basics that will be ever present regardless of the above, a side plate, a butter plate, and a charger plate (The charger plate is placed under the dinner plate as a decorative feature and to catch spills). 

Glassware

Like your dinnerware above the glassware will correspond with the food being served and guest preference. Sparkling glasses are always a beautiful addition to a table and can finish off the table with elegance. It is always best to lay the basics and you can add or remove glasses as needed with each course or as per guest request.  Each guest will need a water glass, a red and white wine glass, these will be replaced with a tea or coffee cup for breakfast. The glasses are always placed on the right hand side in line with the knife closest to the plate and then arranged outwards in size order from there. It is always a good idea to have extra glasses at hand and a variety in case the guest requests something different, preparation prevents poor performance. 

Pro-Tip: To really make your glass sparkle, add a bit of vinegar to steaming hot water and then swirl the glass in the water bowl down. Remove and polish, your glasses will sparkle like diamonds and the heat of the hot water will reduce polishing time. Don’t forget to hold the glass up to the light to check you haven’t missed any spots. Give it a “swirl” and let us know what you think. 

Cutlery/Silverware

An elegant table setting features beautiful silverware. As we have previously mentioned, and yes, you guessed it, cutlery on the table will be dictated by the menu. There are some basic rules for setting your cutlery, knives are always on the right and forks on the left, spoons replace a knife and so will be set on the right. The only exception to this rule is an oyster fork which will go on the right. For any unconventional cutlery such as chopsticks, lobster picks and crackers place on the right.  Always set as per the menu with the first course on the outside and the cutlery working its way inwards with the courses. It is a good idea to also have a wide array of serving utensils and extra plates for the serving station. As well as 25% extra cutlery for the table so you can replace any cutlery used in the wrong course or in case someone drops theirs. 

Pro-tip: Always check the tines (prongs) of the forks for trapped food and tarnish (on silverware) when cleaning to prevent a guest getting a nasty and very gross surprise form a previous meal. Dried egg yolk is often a culprit here. 

Napkins

Make sure that you have 50% extra napkins to hand for any spillages or changes you may need to do. Match your napkin fold to you table theme, an elegant fold for an elegant theme, a fun fold for a fun theme. Make sure your napkins are clean, obviously and if you are battling to get your fold to hold you may need to starch them a bit for next time. This makes them crisp and they hold their shape beautifully.  

Table decorations

There are many factors and styles of service to consider when planning your table decor. At every table setting, you're stepping into the role of 'designer', by choosing and grouping elements to achieve harmony and the best visual effect possible. Whether it is a special occasion, a theme dinner or a reflection of the stunning beauty surrounding you, setting a table should be treated as an event that celebrates the enjoyment of life at sea! 

For inspiration check out your follow stews on Instagram, here are 2 of our favorites. 

@stewardessfinesse

@threetablesaday

Other items such as breadbaskets, serving bowls and platters, service cloths, service gloves, finger bowls, wine chillers, and ice buckets may also be required. So, make sure you have them to hand. 

We love a beautiful table and all the elements that go into it. Each yacht has slightly different styles of all of the above so become an expert in your yacht, make sure you know your fish fork from your cake fork and your side plate from your salad plate. 

Tag us in your pictures and let us know if you would like us to cover anything particular in future blogs.