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Luxury On The Cheap: Matching Dishes

When’s the last time you inventoried your table presentation? Are your glasses getting scratched and in need of replacing? Do your silverware settings say “This is a quality restaurant” or “We bought these by the handful at the op shop?”

Do your dishes match?

Don’t underestimate the positive impression you can make on guests with something as simple as having your table service match - from the plates, bowls and teapots to the creamers, salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.

“Guests do expect a certain level of professionalism during their stay,” writes Chris Brown for specialty accommodation providers and it goes for all establishments over tramping hut. “Simple touches like matching dishes and cups can go a long way in improving guest perception” of a property.

Even something as trivial as having the water carafes match the tumblers on the table seems unremarkable but it’s the kind of thing guests notice.

So how to build a matching set without rushing out and buying all-new place settings in one shot? The key is consistency over time as you replace dishes.

Start by settling on a pattern, a style, that you know will be around in ten years. For this purpose, unless you’re running a specifically-themed restaurant, simple white is best. It’s what most restaurants use for a reason. The simpler the pattern the better.

Forget stoneware. Yes, it’s cheap - in the short term. It chips too easily and cracks if you even think about dropping it. So if you factor in replacement costs, it’s pricier than buying quality porcelain.

You take care with the food you serve so it’s a good idea to spend time on the presentation as well.