Some Basic Principles of Service in a Hotel

1. When the food is served at the table from a dish to a guest’s plate, it is done from the left.
2. When food is pre-plated, the service to the guest is done from the right.
3. All beverages are served from the right.
4. Soups are served from the right unless poured from a soup tureen in which case it is done from the left.
5. Ladies are always served first.
6. Soiled plates are always cleared from the right.
7. Fresh cutlery and crockery are always served from the right.
8. Never reach across the guest.