A table setup must suit the mood of the occasion and the time of the day be it breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner, appetizers, aperitifs.
Foods require to be served in specific styles and shapes of platters and dishes. Some foods need to be kept warm and so require thermic containers or food warmers.
Flatware and holloware have to be selected prudently to suit the occasion and the food being served, with everything well placed and at hand.