5 Tips on Banquet and Buffet Etiquette
Banquets and buffets are more casual than formal sit down dinners and they offer guests a wonderful plethora of food choices. But before you head out to one of these relaxed feasts, be sure to load yourself up with a hearty helping of good manners and you just might increase your chances of corporate advancement.
Consider the following basic tips the next time you accept an invitation to a banquet or buffet dinner:
- Scope out the selections. – Choose three of your favorite food items to start with. On your second trip consider trying something new that you haven’t eaten before.
- Always use a fresh plate. – Each time you visit the buffet, make sure you take a clean plate with you. Never take your used plate to the buffet line.
- It’s a plate, not a platter. – Only put two or three different servings onto your plate at one time and don’t try to break any records for making it back to your table with the highest mound of food. You get to go back up for more food again and again if you wish.
- Polite behavior in line. – While serving yourself, be patient with others. Move with the flow of the line and don’t push through or in front of anyone. Don’t snack on food off your plate while in line and keep the serving utensils in their original dishes so different flavors don’t get mixed in.
- Don’t forget to tip! – It is customary to tip the wait staff 15% to 20% at a banquet or buffet. They are bringing you drinks and fresh plates when needed and they are keeping the buffet tables filled with fresh foods for your dining pleasure.
Bon Appétit!
Wishing you much happiness and success.
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
