Order on the table

The culture of laying tables today is focused more on visual experience and decoration, than functionality. Achieving a harmony between various items of tableware is the priority. The conventional style of laying tables is no longer trendy. As restaurants representing many different national cuisines can be found in Hungary, tables are required to reflect the atmosphere of different cultures. Tables can be laid any way as long as the style adheres to the atmosphere of the place. FOREST-TREND Kft supplies a wide range of paper ware products to suit diverse styles. In addition to Trend napkins, offered specifically for restaurants and catering businesses, we have recently begun selling the exclusive Duni line of table ware products – says Tímea Várvölgyi, marketing director. In elegant places, tables are covered in the traditional style, with napkins on the left side of plates. In modern, minimalist style restaurants, tables are often not covered with table cloth, only a sheet of paper is placed under tables or a tét’a tét-et is laid across the table to link people sitting on opposite sides. – Napkins are however, still indispensable – emphasises Tímea Várvölgyi. Paper napkins have become more elegant, made with not only 2-3 but 4 layers in a wide range of colours and sizes. Napkins creating the impression of damask are also popular. Branded napkins with the logo of the restaurant are popular, but these are not used on truly elegant, special occasions, where simplicity is the rule. Some trends like retro, minimalist, meditteranean, or avant garde, often inspired by famous designers are detectable in table culture as well. Gastronomy and the art of laying tables can not be treated separately, as harmony between various colours, images and fragrances encountered in restaurants plays a crucial role in defining the gastronomic experience we enjoy. József Kovács, managing director of BK Butella Kft. tell us about the menage, another important group of accessories on the table, which means salt, pepper and paprika shakers. Porcelain is elegant, whereas metal and glass pieces are more practical. Oil and vinegar holders with 2-5 compartments usually also come with the manage. A wide range of cutlery is used, with up to thirty items – he says. – Among cutlery, probably knives have the most functional design. Of course, trends exist, with modern style being characterised by simple, classical lines, while traditional style items are richly ornamented. Plates are changing. Old, 24 centimetre diameter plates are being replaced by larger, 28, 30, 33 centimetre plates, as these allow more elaborate decoration to be used. Cream soups are served in cups, while goulash-type soups come in soup plates. Main dishes are served on Swiss or American plates. Plates for delicacies, salads and pizzas also exist. There is also an almost infinite diversity of glasses. Butella Kft. has 700-800 types with 8 specifically for wine.