Tablecloths (place mats) serve more purposes than you think

Most restaurants purchase tablecloths as part of the tableware to protect the linens from the harmful effects of dropped or spilled food. While this is the basic purpose of any Table Mat, there are other, more valuable functions it can perform. In fact, high-end restaurants use them more as a decorative object than a functional one. Even here, the material used is basically meant to reflect the status of the restaurant and, in turn, the class of its clientele.

For example, rugs made of raw silk, fine cotton, exquisite bamboo, handmade paper, etc. substantially increase the costs of running the restaurant. Management usually goes through intense deliberations when buying them. Material, color, design, texture, size, and workmanship greatly influence the impact these tablecloths have on the environment. They also need impeccable maintenance and timely replacements. Such tablecloths are intended to convey the level of indulgence of the restaurant to enhance the dining experience.

Mid-tier restaurants cannot afford the type of tablecloths described above due to the huge recurring expenses required to maintain them. Hence, they tend to settle for the cheapest Reusables. These mats are normally made of synthetic materials or laminated with a synthetic material. By choosing a suitable design from the commercial variety, these rugs can serve the dual purpose of protecting your linens and improving the environment. Due care should be taken when purchasing to ensure the design and color complement the restaurant interiors. It is also advisable to review the designs used by the other nearby restaurants to avoid replication.

Despite meeting these basic requirements, these bulk-produced tablecloths miss an important opportunity. A Table Mat serves as an excellent means of communication with your clientele. They can be used to not only reflect the theme of your restaurant, but can also help project your tagline and build an identity. This can be done by choosing custom made tablecloths to exactly match your requirements in every respect. With today’s technology, these mats are available even in small quantities at an affordable price.

At the more casual end of the market, restaurants use placemats made from paper sponsored by local business establishments with their printed messages. These mats are usually given free to restaurants. Many fast food chains also use printed paper place mats with special offers. Here they serve more directly as a message board.

They say a hungry man is an angry man. And an angry man is the last person any place of business wants to have. Waiting for food is an irritating experience and causes unnecessary dissatisfaction for the diner. Some restaurants get around this by printing their placemats with non-commercial material such as puzzles, trivia, jokes, famous quotes, coloring line drawings, etc. These mats are meant to keep diners busy while they wait for food to be served.

Whichever version you choose, make sure it serves its intended purpose; because a Table Mat can do much more than protect table linens.