Toby MacDonald for the Daily Mail

Published: August 17, 2018 at 20:57 EDT | Updated: August 17, 2018 at 20:57 EDT

Casual diners may find it difficult to digest, but a crisp linen tablecloth does make food taste better.

A study shows that what you eat for dinner is almost as important as the food inside.

Diners were asked to rate their eating experience after eating linen or paper tablecloths.

Casual diners may find it difficult to digest, but a refreshing linen tablecloth does make food taste better

Researchers found that customers who did not eat linen were nearly 10% more likely to approve the meal. The experiment was conducted among nearly 250 paying diners in a real French restaurant.

Fabric and paper were selected as the most commonly used tablecloths in restaurant environments.

Although food quality and choice of dishes are the most important elements for 94% of diners, 90% of them rate the environment very highly, and three-quarters said that linen is the key-white is the color of choice.

Danish researchers, led by Dr. Jing Liu from the University of Copenhagen, said this shows that eating out is more than just food.

The study, published in the journal Food Quality and Preference, concluded: "Tableware, plates, glassware, condiment containers, menus and atmosphere can have a significant impact on people's perception and response to food and beverages.

"When fabric tablecloths are used in contrast to paper tablecloths, the restaurant's service, atmosphere and overall experience are better."

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