11 Boorish Buffet Behaviors

Indulge, delight, savor, but don't lick your fingers!

A buffet-style meal is where guests help themselves.  This is practical, especially for a large group. In a private setting, it allows people to mingle with one another, select their serving size, and choose their preferences.  

Before you dive in and pile on the salmon, keep in mind the difference between an “all you can eat” buffet and a buffet-style service.

Buffet-style: Servings should reflect a “restaurant” portion. In some cases, there is someone who monitors or serves the food onto your plate. This is not “all you can eat”.   

Diners everywhere ask that you please stop:

1.      Dipping your finger into the salad dressings to taste-test. (I witnessed this not long ago!)

2.      Picking up a sample with your fingers to make sure you like it before piling it onto your plate. (Serve yourself a small portion, sit down, taste it, and if you like it, get in line for more!)

3.      Licking your fingers. (Then holding the serving spoon? Nasty.)

4.      Sneezing and coughing without covering your mouth. (Well, there’s that glass thingy to protect the food, right?)

5.      Grooming of any kind, e.g., teeth, nose or ear picking, head scratching, chest hair/arm pit scratching (especially if exposed)…you get the picture. 

6.      Lingering & hovering over the buffet as you eat. (Your half-chewed nibble might fly out of your mouth and land on...yucky!)

7.      Taking a portion big enough for three. (Hold on there cowboy, they’ll replenish the dish.)

8.      Slipping food into a doggy bag. (You paid for one meal; all you can eat while you are there; not later.)

9.      Cutting in front of someone because you want more tapioca, right now! (I get it if you don’t want to stand in line for a second helping—if you do cut, ask first! Scoop it quickly, and with a smile, thank the person.)

10.  Plopping your diaper-wearing baby on the buffet counter. (Self-explanatory, I hope.)

11.  Paying for two people and sneaking in two more. (That is stealing!)

When you’re sharing a meal with your family, the “your house, your rules” policy is fine.  However, when you are in public, a little consideration and good manners make the dining experience pleasant and relatively germ-free for everyone.

Rosalinda Randall is a Societal Etiquette Consultant, Speaker, Trainer, and Author. She believes that etiquette is an attitude. While knowing which fork to use is important, she believes that being considerate, courteous, tactful, and humble is what really gives you an edge.

Her new book, "Don't Burp in the Boardroom" can be found on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1j2P788

Website: Your Relationship Edge: http://bit.ly/1n6I43W