kattauksia

Kattauksia is the plural form of kattaus in Finnish and is used primarily in hospitality and event planning to refer to the arrangement of tableware and place settings prepared for a meal. A single setting (kattaus) typically includes a dinner plate and possibly a bread plate, cutlery arranged according to dining etiquette, a water glass and one or more wine glasses, a napkin, and sometimes a small centerpiece or menu card. The exact elements vary by culture, service style, and formality; contemporary Finnish settings tend to be simpler in casual dining, while formal events require precise alignment and standardized placements.

The term kattauksia is used when counting multiple settings, such as in event planning documents or discussions about how many place settings will be prepared for a given occasion. In practice, planners consider factors like seating layout, service flow, and dietary accommodations when determining the number of kattauksia. In a restaurant, the concept may also relate to the number of tables or settings served during a service or shift, with consistency and presentation playing important roles.

Etymology and related terms: kattaus comes from the verb kattaa, meaning to cover or lay a table. The noun kattaus denotes the act or result of laying out a table setting, and kattauksia is its plural form used in plural references.

Usage notes: The term is most common in Finnish hospitality contexts and is less frequently used outside of professional meal service or event coordination.