Serving the Table!

Most upscale dinners will include 5 courses, encompassing an appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert. Many formal settings practice the open hand service method, which means that a server’s arms are never to be crossed in front of a guest, and food is always served from the guest’s left side.

Important Tips to Remember:

• Ladies are always served first.
• Never eat, drink, or chew gum in front of guests.
• Always exhibit proper posture – Do not slouch, cross your arms, or leave your hands in your pockets while on service.
• Press uniforms to eliminate wrinkles, creases, and make sure they are free of stains or excess food.
• Only use employee entrances and exits during formal functions.
• Do not engage in informal conversations with guests.
• When serving wine, never hold a wine glass by the bowl, always the stem. Wine will stay cooler longer if the heat from your hand isn’t pressing against the bowl of the glass. Make sure to use a cloth napkin when pouring wine to wipe the excess drips from the mouth of the bottle.
• Always make sure tablecloths are free of wrinkles and stains, and seams should be faced down. Allow the same amount of overhang on each side of the table.
• When setting the table, hold glasses by the stem and cutlery from the middle to minimize the appearance of finger prints.

Here is a template of where everything should be placed in a formal setting:

I hope these tips help you!

Written by Leticia Urgilez
leticia@greenhousestaffing.com