With a clientele comprised largely of no-nonsense business travelers — not to mention its outstanding views of Lake

Michigan and Navy Pier — W Chicago Lakeshore chose to keep it simple with table settings on the Lakefront Patio at Wave restaurant .

“ We don ’ t clutter our tables with share plates , condiments , sugar caddies , etc .,” says Lucas Chapman , the hotel ’ s general manager . “ The most significant items we have on our tables are the daily floral arrangements — a perfect compliment to the view and fresh air .”

The Westin Excelsior in Florence , Italy , takes a similar approach on its rooftop terraces at SE-STO

on Arno , where spectacular views are the stars of the show and simple tabletops with pops of color from glasses or flowers merely play a supporting role .

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes , California , also follows a less-is-more philosophy in its multiple outdoor dining outlets including finedining restaurant mar ’ sel , where simple glass tables

are covered with clean white linens and straightforward glassware . “ Table schemes do not have to be cluttered anymore ,” says Carlo de Leon , Terranea ’ s assistant director of food and beverage . “ Long gone are the times that you needed flowers , salt and pepper shakers , sugar bowls , etc . to make a statement on a table . The environment and food will speak for itself .”

54 HOTELS November 2012 www . hotelsmag . com