Different Styles of Table Service

Two Main Styles of Table Service

There are two main styles of table service: formal and informal. The more popular is the informal style because it is less stiff and more congenial.

The Formal Style

The formal style of table service is used when there are many waiters or helpers to do the serving. It is used in formal dinners, state functions, and celebrations that call for formal attire. In this style of service, the number of guests is limited only to a small group which can be accommodated in the table in one seating. As a rule, attendance to these functions is by invitation. Invited guests are requested to answer the invitation to assure the hosts that they are coming. Food accommodation is only for those who signified their acceptance of the invitation.

The formal style is also known as the Russian or continental style. Its menu usually consists of five to seven courses which include a soup or appetizer, entree, salad, maid dishes, dessert, and after-dinner coffee. Dishes are served one after the other direct from the kitchen and brought to the guests at the table by waiters. The dinner plate and other table appointments are already neatly placed on the table. Food arranged on trays or platters are served individually by the waiter. After all the guest have been served, the dis is returned to the kitchen. A dish is never left at the table. Another dish is then brought in and served to the guests.

Food service is done at the left of the guest starting at the head of the table. There are always two waiters who serve a dish on each end of the table. Each guest then gets food from the serving plate with the use of the serving spoon, fork, or knife and transfers it to his or her plate.

The Informal Style

The family style of service which we follow everyday is an informal style of table service. In this style, food is served by the host or hostess which may be the father, mother, or other members of the family. The food and serving spoon is passed from one member to another until everybody has taken his or her share. The sequence of serving may start with the soup, followed by the salad or entree, main dish, and the dessert. The host or hostess continues to pass the dishes until everybody has been served. Serving platters are left on the table for those who want second servings. This is also known as the English style.

Another informal service is a combination of the Russian and English styles. In this style, there are dishes already placed on the table and passed around to the seated diners. Some of the dishes come from the kitchen and are served by an assigned family member. Each diner passes his or her plate until it reaches the person serving the food. The dish is served onto the place then passed back to the diner. This is also known as the compromise style and is usually used for a small group or family.

The buffet service is another informal style. It is used when there are many guests and there are not enough hands to do the serving. In this form of service, the silver, china, and crystals are arranged on a table near or beside the buffet table where the different dishes are arranged. Guests line up to get their plates and silverware, then pass the buffet table to get their fill of the dishes served. Then they proceed to small tables spread out in the garden, lawn, or living room to partake of the food they have chosen.

There are several kinds of buffet service:

Plate Buffet - If the dinner is just standing with plate in hand while eating, this is plate buffet.
Sit-down Buffet - With a sit-down buffet, empty tables with chairs are provided for those who will eat after getting their food from the the buffet table.
Tray Buffet - If the dinner plate is placed on a tray and place on the lap while eating, the style is called tray buffet.

The buffet style of service is appropriate for tea or cocktail parties where there are many invited guests cannot be seated.

The blueplate service is another informal style wherein food is served on individual plates from the kitchen. This style is used in serving food during children's parties where the guests are too young to help themselves to the food. Aside from this reason, it is more practical to apportion the servings since children generally have no idea how big or small their appetite is. The blueplate service can also be used for family meals if the dining table is small.

Another informal style is the tray service. This style of service is usually used in serving patients in hospitals or when sending far meals by room service hotels. In this service, the dining table is not used. Instead, dishes and table appointments are arranged neatly on a tray and brought to the diner.

🔥 The Hidden Meaning Behind the MS-13 Knuckle Tattoo

When it comes to gang-related tattoos, few are as iconic and feared as the MS-13 knuckle tattoo . These markings aren’t just ink—they’re statements of loyalty, violence, and power. In this article, we’ll decode the MS-13 knuckle tattoo meaning , its symbolism, origins, and what it communicates in the gang underworld. 🔍 What Is MS-13? Mara Salvatrucha , commonly known as MS-13 , is one of the most violent and notorious street gangs in the world. Originally formed in Los Angeles in the 1980s by Salvadoran immigrants, the gang quickly grew into a powerful criminal organization spanning across the United States, Central America, and beyond. The gang is infamous for its brutal crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, murder, and human smuggling. With such a feared reputation, the symbolism behind the MS-13 tattoos —especially the knuckle variants—is intense and deeply meaningful. 🖐️ The Meaning of the MS-13 Knuckle Tattoo The MS-13 knuckle tattoo typically features the lette...

🌟 What Does kelebu Truly Mean? A Surprising Journey into Language and Culture

When you encounter the word kelebu , what's your first thought? This curious term has been circulating in popular culture, music, and even botanical references. Let's embark on an unexpected exploration that goes beyond the usual clichés and surface-level definitions. 🎶 From Nigerian Slang to Party Anthem You might’ve glimpsed kelebu in recent Nigerian Afrobeats chatter. According to user-generated content on Instagram, kelebu is commonly used as slang meaning “to have fun” or “to party hard” , popularised through social clips and entertainment trends Instagram . It’s vibrant, youthful, and evocative of joy and release. 🌿 Then There’s the Botanical Twist Surprisingly, kelebu isn’t just fun and games. In the realm of botany, kelebu refers to a plant species— Borassus aethiopum —found in the Central African Republic, according to a well-established botanical compilation Wisdom Library . This duality—slang on one side, plant name on the other—makes kelebu a linguistic ...

What Does 67 Mean? Exploring Its Hidden Significance

Ever seen the number 67 pop up on a receipt, license plate, or even a random clock time and wondered, why does this number keep showing up ? You’re not alone. For many, numbers feel like more than just digits—they can hold spiritual meaning, cultural symbolism, or even personal messages. If you’ve found yourself asking, what does 67 mean , this post is for you. We’ll break down what 67 can symbolize in numerology, spirituality, love, and everyday life. By the end, you’ll know exactly why this number might matter to you and how to interpret it when it appears. The Numerology Meaning of 67 Numerology looks at numbers as carriers of energy and personality. When you break down 67 , you get: 6 – Balance, family, care, and responsibility. 7 – Spirituality, intuition, and inner wisdom. Together, 67 blends the practical, nurturing side of life (6) with the deeper, introspective side (7). It often points to someone balancing real-world responsibilities with a need for personal growth...

Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? Finding Meaning When You Feel Invisible

Have you ever walked into a room, joined a group chat, or scrolled through your feed and thought— does anyone even notice I’m here? If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “Why does nobody remember me in this world?” you’re not alone. That sinking feeling of being overlooked can make life heavy. Whether it’s at work, in friendships, or even family gatherings, feeling invisible leaves you questioning your worth. But here’s the truth: being unseen doesn’t mean you don’t matter. It means you’re craving recognition, connection, and a reminder of your own impact. This post is for anyone who feels like they fade into the background. Together, we’ll unpack why these feelings show up, what they really mean, and how you can step into a life where your presence is felt—and remembered. Why We Feel Forgotten The Psychology Behind Feeling Invisible Humans are wired to seek connection. When we don’t get acknowledgment, our brains interpret it as rejection. Sometimes it’s not that people don’t...

❌📺 Why Does My Sky Keep Turning Off? A Troubleshooting Guide You Need

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, " Why does my Sky keep turning off? ", you're not alone. Many subscribers experience this frustrating issue, and it can interrupt your favorite shows, live sports, or important news. Whether you're using Sky Q , Sky HD , or Sky Glass , the problem of your Sky box or TV turning off unexpectedly can stem from various reasons. In this blog post, we’ll dig deep into the most common causes—and how you can fix them—so you can enjoy uninterrupted viewing again. ⚙️🛠️ Automatic Standby Settings: The Hidden Culprit Behind Your Sky Turning Off One of the most frequent answers to the question, " Why does my Sky keep turning off by itself? " lies in your automatic standby settings . To save energy, Sky devices are programmed to go into standby mode after a period of inactivity—usually around four hours. If no buttons on the remote are pressed within that window, the device assumes no one is watching and powers down to save ele...

💰 Child Life Specialist Salary in 2025: What You Need to Know

If you're considering a career in child development and healthcare, you might be wondering: How much does a Child Life Specialist make in 2025? Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or someone looking to transition into a more meaningful profession, understanding the child life specialist salary is key to planning your future. In this blog post, we’ll break down the average salary , regional differences, influencing factors, and career outlook for this rewarding role. 📊 What Is the Average Child Life Specialist Salary? As of 2025, the average salary for a Child Life Specialist in the United States is approximately $54,000 to $65,000 per year , according to industry surveys and labor statistics. Newly certified Child Life Specialists typically start with an annual salary of $45,000 to $52,000 , while those with more than 5–10 years of experience can earn upwards of $70,000 , especially in major metropolitan areas or specialized pediatric hospitals. 💡 Keyword...

🇮🇳📈 What is FPI in Income Tax? A Fresh Angle on Foreign Portfolio Investment and Its Tax Implications

Foreign investment is often romanticized as a driver of economic growth. But beneath the polished reports and glowing headlines lies a critical question for many taxpayers, policy-watchers, and finance professionals: What is FPI in income tax? Instead of defining it in isolated tax terms, let’s dig deeper and explore Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) from the angle of how governments balance foreign capital with national interest through taxation . 💸🌐 Understanding FPI: More Than Just Money Across Borders At its core, FPI or Foreign Portfolio Investment refers to the investment made by foreign individuals or institutions in a country’s financial assets , such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, without gaining direct control over companies . It's different from FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) , where investors typically take a controlling interest. But in terms of income tax , FPI becomes a hotbed of regulation, reporting, and compliance . According to the Income Tax Act o...

🌿🔥 How to Grow Nether Wart in Minecraft: The Complete Guide 🔥🌿

In the vast pixelated world of Minecraft , mastering how to grow Nether Wart is essential for potion brewing and survival in the Nether . This mysterious red fungus is a crucial ingredient in crafting powerful potions like Potion of Strength , Potion of Healing , and Potion of Fire Resistance . Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, learning to cultivate this plant can significantly boost your gameplay strategy. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of growing Nether Wart , from where to find it, how to plant it, and what conditions are needed for optimal growth. 🌋🧪 Where to Find Nether Wart in Minecraft Before you can grow Nether Wart , you’ll need to find Nether Wart in the wild. This strange fungus only grows naturally in the Nether , usually inside Nether Fortresses and Bastion Remnants . These locations often contain Nether Wart patches near stairwells, surrounded by soul sand blocks. Make sure to bring a shovel and harvest wisely—Nether Wart cannot...

☀️ Why Does the Sun Look Weird? A Cosmic Perspective on a Familiar Star 🌌

Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered, why does the Sun look weird today? Perhaps it's glowing with an eerie red hue, appearing larger than usual, or even looking like it’s split by shadows. These visual oddities are not just figments of your imagination—they’re real phenomena backed by science, atmosphere, and sometimes, a touch of space mystery. Let’s dive into a unique cosmic angle to understand the changing face of our nearest star. 🌤️ Atmospheric Drama: The Earth's Air Plays Tricks on the Sun 🌫️ One major reason the Sun appears strange lies just above us—in our very own atmosphere. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, it gets scattered, refracted, and sometimes filtered. This especially happens during sunrise and sunset when the Sun’s light travels through a thicker layer of air. The result? The Sun may look red, orange, or unusually flattened on the horizon. Dust particles, smoke from wildfires, volcanic ash, and even pollution contribute to ...

🧪🔬 Scientific Models in Real Life: A Closer Look at Everyday Science Explained Through Models

In the vast universe of scientific exploration , one of the most crucial tools that help us understand complex systems is the scientific model . Often misunderstood as mere representations, scientific models are actually the bridges between abstract concepts and observable reality. These models—be they physical, conceptual, or mathematical—help simplify, simulate, and predict phenomena. But what if you’ve already encountered one without even realizing it? Let’s explore this through a fresh lens , by revisiting a common educational experience most of us share: learning about the water cycle . 💧🌦️ The Water Cycle as a Scientific Model: More Than Just a Diagram You probably remember the water cycle model from elementary science classes. This isn't just a colorful chart hung on a classroom wall; it’s a working conceptual model that scientists use to describe and analyze the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This model encapsulates ev...

I Love Learning

Search This Blog