Buffet Etiquette: 10 Mannerly Tips

“Eating at a buffet is like embarking on a flavorful adventure; every dish is a new chapter in your gastronomic journey.” Perhaps you are attending a wedding where the food is served buffet style, or you have an upcoming conference with buffet stations for attendees. Or maybe you have summer plans to treat yourself to some authentic Texas barbecue with a best friend. No matter the occasion, buffet etiquette is the polite behavior and practices expected when guests serve themselves as they walk through a food line.

To avoid confusion and to make things run more smoothly, the following are 10 mannerly reminders to impress your host, present yourself as a sophisticated guest and get through the line without an incident. Keep reading for our top buffet etiquette tips.

Buffet Etiquette: 10 Mannerly Tips

1. Wait your turn.

When approaching a buffet, avoid standing too close and rushing others forward to get your own plate of food. There is plenty of food and time to get your plate.

2. Put your glass down at the table or seating area and carry only one plate through the buffet line at a time.

This simple step takes just a few extra moments and makes navigating the buffet much easier.

3. Use serving utensils rather than your fingers.

Use the provided utensils to transfer food from the dishes to your plate. Do not use your hands or personal utensils to grab food or taste the food (graze) along the way through the line.

4. Take reasonable portions.

Serve yourself sensible portions to leave enough for the rest of the guests and avoid looking like a glutton. It’s also impolite, as well as wasteful, to take more food than you can eat.

5. Be time efficient and considerate of others.

Avoid taking too much time deciding what you will choose, holding up the line while you contemplate roast beef or ham. Make your selection and don’t worry about missing out.

6. Don’t double-dip.

Do not use a soiled personal utensil to serve yourself or to taste the food before putting it on your plate. Dip into a sauce or queso dip with a chip only once and use a new chip for the next bite.

7. Use a clean plate.

After finishing your first serving, use a clean plate if you want to go back for seconds. Dessert also requires a separate plate.

8. Keep the serving area tidy.

Be mindful of spills or dropped food, and take care not to drip sauce or gravy onto the serving table or floor. Being present and considerate will be much appreciated.

9. Don’t take extra food for the next day.

Unless explicitly encouraged by the host, never take food “to go” to give to a friend or to enjoy the next day.

10. Always show respect to the servers, chef and catering staff.

If you need something you do not see on the buffet table, politely ask a member of the staff, but don’t request a completely different dish.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.