Buzz
Wondering about plate-passing etiquette or table-clearing techniques? Serving at a dinner party comes with its challenges. Here are some essential tips to assist you at your next dinner gathering.
Procedures
Arrange side dishes and condiments on the table
Set out simple, versatile dishes on the table for guests to help themselves to. Steamed or roasted veggies, rice, salads, potatoes, and condiments are some options you can place in the center of the table for guests to serve themselves. While not obligatory, it adds convenience. Alternatively, if you prefer simplicity, you can opt to leave only salt and pepper on the table.
Arrange the dishes for your guests
Present intricate, delicate, and visually appealing dishes on the plates in the kitchen. This technique, known as 'plating-up,' ensures that guests can appreciate your culinary creativity without the hassle of assembly or difficult handling. Maintain a clean rim around the plate, free from any spills or sauces, as it accentuates the presentation of the food.
Determine your serving sequence.
Historically, it was customary to serve women first (from eldest to youngest), followed by men (in the same order). While this tradition can be observed in formal settings, for more casual occasions, consider serving clockwise starting from one end of the table, regardless of guests' genders.
- Pass all dishes from the left, allowing guests to serve themselves conveniently. As most individuals are right-handed, this approach facilitates serving from the dish while it is being passed. Although it's less common for the passer to continue holding the dish, left-handed individuals won't encounter issues. Place the dish on your side plate to serve from it.
- As the cook or host, always serve yourself last. This demonstrates politeness and practicality, as you'll likely be occupied with hosting duties.
Maintain a consistent pace between courses.
Avoid keeping guests waiting excessively between courses. Prolonged delays can lead to restlessness, anxiety, and idle speculation about your activities.
Impress guests with your expertise.
Feel free to share intriguing and concise insights about the timeless recipe you've prepared and why the wine pairs harmoniously with the meal. However, refrain from delving into graphic details about the sourcing of the meat portion, as it can unsettle certain guests. Save such discussions for post-dinner conversations by the fireplace with like-minded companions.
Clear the dining table
The preferred etiquette dictates clearing only two plates at a time, starting from the right. Whether it's the host or hired assistance, clearing more than two plates simultaneously risks disrupting guests' dining experience and causing inconvenience. Nothing is more off-putting than a server's elbows hovering near your face just as you're about to take a bite.
Remove dirty dishes discreetly.
The appropriate location for clearing leftover food is the kitchen, not the dining table. While ideally, these noises should be shielded from guests, it's often impractical in most households. Perform this task as quietly as possible, avoiding any clattering, cracking, or dropping of dishes. The last thing you need is an additional mess to clean up.
Prepare for dessert service
Clear the table of all main course dishes before presenting dessert. This includes removing all dishes, condiments, and side plates. If dessert spoons haven't been placed yet, now is the time to do so.
Serve Dessert
Offer cream, dessert toppings, and sugar from the left. As for chocolates, they seem to have a mind of their own when it comes to traversing the table; some suspect they may even sprout legs...
Don't hesitate to seek assistance.
For all but the most formal occasions, it's perfectly acceptable to enlist a close friend from the gathering to lend a hand with serving. While it's important not to overburden them as they are there to enjoy the festivities as well, don't shy away from requesting their help with simple tasks that won't risk any spills on their attire.
Pointers
- Plan your dinner menu in advance to accommodate your guests' dietary restrictions. Observant Jews and Muslims adhere to dietary laws that govern not only what they eat, but also how and from what they eat. Vegans and vegetarians abstain from meat and any products derived from animal exploitation. Be mindful of your guests' dietary preferences and ensure that your dinner offerings meet their religious and ethical standards.
- If unsure about the kosher, halal, or vegan status of a dish, don't hesitate to inquire beforehand, but do so discreetly to avoid embarrassment.
- If uncertain about the halal or kosher status of your dinnerware, consider using high-quality disposable alternatives to respect your guests' religious sensitivities.
- Coffee can be served alongside dessert (in North American fashion) or after dessert (in European tradition). The latter allows for the addition of chocolates, wafers, and other confections as palate cleansers. However, by this point, many guests may decline further indulgence!
- If you find yourself overwhelmed by managing food requirements alongside wine service and lack a co-host, consider assigning a guest the role of wine steward. Wine enthusiasts will likely be eager to assist.
Cautionary Notes
- Exercise caution with hot beverages, teapots, coffee pots, and heated sauces.
- Don't assume every guest consumes alcohol or enjoys wine. Provide alternatives and refrain from making light-hearted remarks or jokes about their preferences. Various religious, ethical, personal, and social factors influence individuals' decisions regarding alcohol consumption. Insensitivity from the host could lead to offense, prompting a guest to leave the gathering.
- Avoid serving guests with hot plates unless absolutely necessary. If unavoidable, clearly warn them of the heat before passing the plates near them. Without warning, guests might inadvertently touch the hot surface, potentially causing injury to themselves or others. A dinner event could be marred by an accident resulting in burns and a trip to the hospital.
Essential Items
- Quality dinnerware set
- High-quality cutlery set
- Cloth napkins
- Assortment of wines and non-alcoholic beverages
- Corkscrew
- Serving utensils
- Serving platters
- Cream pitchers, jugs
- Condiment holders
- Optional tablecloth - preferably linen
- Candles or other decor for ambiance
- Table centerpiece
- Dishwasher
