Buffet Etiquette for Casual Dinning
Buffet meals are a fun way to enjoy a casual outing with friends and family. The casual aspect of a buffet style meal does not give us carte blanche to behave with no care or consideration for other dinners. Buffet does not imply to eat for three or forget all manners. Buffet etiquette should be observed in order to keep the buffet clean, hygienic, orderly and easily accessible for everyone. If we all follow some simple buffet etiquette guidelines the buffet dining experience could be a lot of fun for everyone.
Follow these simple buffet etiquette rules:
When you arrive to the buffet, first look around the buffet set up, where bread, salads, soups, main dishes, sides, desserts are. As well as where the plates, bowls, glasses are. Last but not least where the buffet line begins
If the buffet has different sections, choose the section you want to start with
A buffet line should go in on direction, unless the same food is served from two opposing sides and two line are used
There is no need to serve yourself your whole meal in one round, you can start with salads and appetizers, then come for main course and sides and later come for dessert
When you take your plate, do not cut any line, start serving yourself from the area where the buffet begins and follow the line
A man should offer a woman a plate from the buffet and to go first
Never start against the line in opposite direction to everyone or in the middle of a line
When you serve yourself always use service utensils never personal utensils
Always put back service utensil on the designated dish and not on another food plate
Do not use the same service utensil for other foods (it can spoil/contaminate food, also dangerous for people with allergies)
Do not get to close to the person ahead of you, give them room to serve themselves
Do not serve yourself over someone else
[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”446″ align=”center” size=”large”]Never push or say something unkind to the person ahead
When serving yourself do not take too long, people are waiting, so be considerate
If you are not sure of what you want keep walking and come back when you decided, but do not stop the line
Never serve yourself more than you can or plan to eat
Buffets are regularly refilled so no need to take more than necessary, finish and come for more if you wish
When going to the buffet avoid having too many things in your hands it could lead to messy accidents
Do not make negative comments about the food, some people might love what you don’t and vice versa
When you go for seconds no need to bring your used plate you can take a new plate at the buffet
When eating a buffet meal always follow regular dining etiquette (fork left, knife right, napkin on your lap, napkin on your chair or table when you get up…)
It is acceptable to start eating before everyone is at the table, since buffet dining can be long and people might choose different foods, cold, hot the rule for waiting does not apply
When kids are part of the meal, explain to them what to do and not to do and help them at the buffet, do not leave them alone, there are hot foods and it can be dangerous and messy, once kids are served you can serve yourself
Do not eat while in line or from the buffet directly
Do not touch food with your hands always use serving utensils
Do not forget to be patient, everyone in line is in the same situation you are, so be polite
The wait staff will clean your table as dinner progresses and clear the table taking away used dishes and glasses, so do not forget to tip them
It is not acceptable to take out left over buffet food
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