Abstract It has been known that contextual factors, such as atmospherics, can influence consumers’ perception of food and the overall consumption experience. This study aimed to investigate the influence of table linen on food perception. A total of 247 participants were provided meals with different table linens, either fabric or paper linen, in a real restaurant setting. The results demonstrated a fabric table linen contributed to a significant higher preference of the appetiser, first course consumed upon arrival, and of the meal quality in general. The fabric linen had no significant impact on the liking of the main dish and dessert, which were preferred similarly to that of paper table linen. However, a better service, ambiance and overall experience at the restaurant were attributed to the fabric table linen. Regarding the meal environmental elements, three quarters of the participants considered the table linen as an important element when they were eating at the restaurant. These results therefore demonstrate the importance of the table linen on consumers’ perception of food.

中文翻译：

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现实生活中桌布对消费者食物感知的影响

摘要 众所周知，环境因素，如大气，会影响消费者对食物的感知和整体消费体验。本研究旨在调查桌布对食物感知的影响。在真实的餐厅环境中，共有 247 名参与者获得了使用不同桌布（织物或纸布）的餐点。结果表明，织物桌布有助于显着提高开胃菜、抵达时食用的第一道菜以及总体膳食质量的偏好。织物亚麻布对主菜和甜点的喜好没有显着影响，其偏好与纸桌布相似。然而，餐厅更好的服务、氛围和整体体验都归功于织物桌布。在用餐环境元素方面，四分之三的受访者认为餐桌布​​草是他们在餐厅用餐时的重要元素。因此，这些结果证明了桌布对消费者对食物的看法的重要性。