Table lamps

Start with the number of burning hours you need. A battery of around 5000 mAh usually gets through a full evening service at half brightness, and considerably less on the highest setting. So allow for slightly more lamps than you have tables, letting you rotate them while part of the set is charging. Next, look at the height: at around 16 cm the light stays below eye level, so guests can still see each other across the table. The number of dimming levels determines how versatile the lamp is, because a lunch service calls for different light than a late cocktail evening. Choose the finish to match what is already there: black disappears on a dark table, bronze works with wood and brass, white stands out against a sleek interior.

At the start of service, set the lamps to the lowest level that still gives readable light and only turn them up when a guest asks. Do not put the lamp in the middle of the table but slightly off centre, towards the wall or the window, so the light falls on the dishes and not in anyone's eyes. On the bar, a row of lamps at equal distances looks calmer than scattered ones. At a buffet or a dessert display, place two opposite each other so no hard shadow falls across the platters. After closing time, collect them all in one crate and take them to the charging point together: you will rarely lose one and the whole set is fully charged again for the next service.

The housing is powder-coated metal with a plastic shade. That combination takes a knock in its stride and wipes clean with a damp cloth and a mild soapy solution. Avoid abrasives and alcohol-based cleaners, as they dull the coating and cloud the shade. Never immerse a lamp and keep the charging port dry. On the terrace, splashes and a light shower are rarely a problem, but persistent rain is: bring the lamps inside in bad weather and in frost. Try not to run the battery completely flat time after time either, as that noticeably shortens its life.

Looking for the rest of the table setting rather than lamps on their own? Take a look at the hospitality glassware or at the non-slip mats and tray mats that stop things sliding around on a tray. For collecting and storing everything after closing time, the glass crates come in handy. If you are building out the bar, the cocktail shakers and the overview page with bar tools have the kit that goes with it. And for inspiration on what ends up on the table under that lamp, browse through the cocktails.