Rules for Serving Food Place and remove plates

Rules for Serving Food

Place and remove plates from the left of the person being served.

Hold the plate in your left hand.

If you are carrying two plates, place on the table first the one in your left hand, then transfer the other plate to your left hand, and place it before the next person being served.

Place and remove beverages from the right, with your right hand.

If a guest requests more water, fill her glass or goblet without removing it from the table. Hold the pitcher of water in the right hand a folded napkin in the left hand to catch any water that drips as the glass is being refilled.

If you are serving tea, coffee, cocoa, or any other hot beverage, take care that the cups are not too full. Hot liquid that is spilled can easily cause a painful burn.

Refill glasses or cups from the right.

Carry plates in such a way that you do not touch the surface from which food is eaten. Avoid touching the rims of glasses.

When placing silverware, touch only the handles.

Offer food to the guest from the left, holding it low enough so that he can easily serve himself with his right hand.

Never reach across in front of a guest when serving food or removing dishes.

When a course is finished, remove all dishes used in that course.

When you remove soiled dishes, stand at the left of the person and take the plate in your left hand. Transfer the plate to your right hand, leaving your left hand free to remove the next plate.

Avoid stacking dishes on the table in front of the guest in clearing the table.