The foundation of a successful business lies not only in large-scale strategies but also in the small, often overlooked details, such as the way meetings or negotiations with partners are arranged. There are many strategies to win the right person over, and today we’ll touch on one important aspect: having lunch during business meetings.
Organizing meals directly in the office has become a common practice, whether to maintain the flow of work or to take a brief, convenient pause.
That’s why we’ve put together tips and even sample collections to help you choose tableware online or in branded stores that fit your company’s format.
Strategy for Success
When developing a negotiation strategy, every detail is carefully considered, all with the goal of helping you, as the host, achieve the outcome you’re aiming for. A well-organized business lunch meeting, typically held in the office, remains one of the most effective and widely used methods for building productive conversations. Carefully curating the menu and ensuring timely service of meals and beverages plays a key role in allowing attendees to relax briefly and restore focus for the remainder of the conference. It’s a perfectly normal practice, especially in large companies, when the meeting is important and expected to last a while. Beyond offering a chance to rest and reset the process, such a table also serves as a symbol of hospitality, business etiquette, and a gesture of attention and respect toward your counterpart.
This is why, in major companies, table setup and presentation are treated as meaningful aspects of the meeting environment. Very often, at such lunches, you’ll see luxurious tableware, premium glassware, and even handcrafted cutlery on the table. All of this sends an important signal that the business meeting is truly high-level and that its outcome carries real significance.
Business Table Setting and Etiquette
In recent decades, the focus has shifted toward a luxury approach, which informally signals the status of your company. In a slightly upscale atmosphere, it’s easier to talk about money, terms, and long-term projects and that’s a fact.
However, business table setting and etiquette are quite different from other dining rituals. First and foremost, food shouldn’t get in the way of the conversation. That’s why the menu usually includes easy-to-eat items like salads, fish or chicken, and pasta (nothing too fragrant or messy).
However, some companies take a more adaptive approach, for example, offering personalized dishes tailored to clients’ tastes to create a more welcoming atmosphere and show extra attention. If the host sets the terms, then the lunch also follows their rules with their menu and their choice of drinks. If gaining the guest’s favor is a top priority, the lunch is fully tailored to their preferences, including both the food and beverages. In most cases, alcohol is avoided. However, if the context permits, a light aperitif or a post-meal glass of wine may be offered alongside water, depending on the menu.
Traditionally, a business lunch table setting combines practicality, a sense of formality, and a touch of elegance: everything should look refined, yet remain simple and easy to understand, without complex etiquette or elaborate presentations.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the usual recommendations are:
- The tableware should be beautiful and high-end, but not overly bright or flashy, with no extra glamour or bold patterns.
- Glassware should look elegant and well-crafted, without unnecessary embellishments or weight.
- The cutlery should be basic.
- Table linens should be of good quality but remain visually minimal.
- Avoid using large serving dishes or table accessories.
- Serve dishes individually, rather than on shared plates.
In short, the setting should be tasteful and high-end, without being excessive, to ensure your guests perceive your intentions and attitude toward the business context in the right way.
Recommendations for Dinnerware
Dinnerware is the foundation of the entire table. But unlike formal events, here it’s better to focus on refined simplicity and elegance, without obvious glamour. Selecting high-quality porcelain such as Limoges or Meissen, or choosing bone china or premium ceramic in neutral tones — possibly accented with subtle gold or platinum — will create an elegant and visually appealing effect. At the same time, it’s important to take into account the interior of the meeting room or dining area where the lunch will be held. You’ll find foolproof plate collections from popular brands like:
- KPM, which offers a wide range of premium options for business settings, such as the Berlin Kurland line.
- Raynaud provides a more elevated option with its Oskar gold-accented pieces.
- Hering Berlin presents a range of handcrafted collections, such as Velvet and Pulse.
Tips for Cutlery
Placing cheap cutlery next to expensive plates is a complete faux pas. Select cutlery that combines design elegance with the ergonomic efficiency of professional table presentation. We suggest considering stainless steel collections, which are also well represented in the high-end market:
- The iconic Christofle, known for bestsellers like the Mood egg or the elegant, modern L’Âme collection.
- Sambonet’s Rock and Neutra collections stand out for their quality and refined, architectural minimalism.
- French brand Ercuis, in addition to its silverware, also features many sets suited for modern use, such as the stylish Bali and Séquoia lines.
Many brands offer the option to purchase items individually, allowing you to order only what you need without any extras, especially since a business dinner typically requires only the basics.
Right Glassware for Business Table
In corporate dining, glassware for business lunches is selected for its ergonomic practicality and neutral aesthetics, while still meeting premium quality standards. It’s better to opt for elegant, thin glass to maintain a professional, business-like style. There are plenty of lovely collections made from hand-blown or Bohemian glass, featuring elegant shapes and free from bright or flashy elements. Water glasses are the top priority. If alcohol is included, wine glasses with a minimalist design are the most appropriate choice:
- The Italian brand Nason Moretti, known for its hand-blown Murano glassware, offers a beautiful line called Tolomeo, where you can find elegant glasses well-suited for business settings.
- The renowned house of Baccarat also offers several high-end, modern-shaped collections made from ultra-fine crystal, such as the Château Everyday Bar Collection and the Harmonie Bar Collection.
- Lobmeyr is well known for its collections made from exceptionally thin glass, including the sophisticated and luxurious Drinking Set No. 4 and the graceful Ballerina line.
The Logic Behind ROI in Luxury Tableware Investment
There’s no doubt that a neat table setting, quality tableware, proper water service, and decent cutlery create a sense of comfort, a backdrop of success, and even a subtle hint of affluence. Luxury dinnerware plays a role in shaping the impression others have of your company.
Investing in high-end pieces as part of your image strategy can be a wise decision, particularly if you frequently host meetings, presentations, or negotiations, or aim to position your business for growth and attract serious investors. Position yourself as a premium brand and invest in these kinds of details — this approach has proven to deliver positive results. Many successful business ventures already follow this logic.
