Notes to event attendees, from your waitstaff

Happy Good Friday! If you think I have any idea what Good Friday is about, you clearly haven't been reading this blog too long. Here is the second installment of me trying to catch the world up on my catering job.

While I don't attend fancy events on a regular basis, I've certainly been to a number of catered affairs. And sometimes you just don't think about the people on the other side. Here are some things your staff would like you to know:

1) If I am trying to clear your plate, pour you more water, or, you know, anything that helps you, try and make my life that much easier. When I'm carrying a dinner plate that is probably a) heavy b) hot or c) both, it would be nice if you would remove your purse/program/hands from the spot where your plate is supposed to go. And I mean now, not when you're done with your conversation.

2a) If you don't want any of the hors d'oeuvres that I'm passing around, say "no, thank you" or "I'll pass" or even just look me in the eye or ANYTHING that indicates that you don't want some. Do NOT pretend that you don't see me. You do. I will go away faster if you tell me you don't want the food on my tray than if you just ignore me as I try to figure out what you want.

2b) Please realize that, when passing hors d'oeuvres, it is MY JOB to insert myself into your circle in order to ask if anyone wants anything. I know it's annoying to have your conversation interrupted, but that's what I'm getting paid to do. Far more people will eat from a passed tray if you ask them directly than if you wander around waiting for someone to approach you. Try not to act like the world has come crashing down.

3) More often than not, there are garbage cans. Not only that, but there are people whose job it is to go around collecting trash and empty plates or glasses. If you see me with food, wine, water, or really anything that is NOT garbage, do not assume it is okay to dump your garbage on me as I pass by. I will always accept it graciously, but it doesn't mean I like it.

4) TIP YOUR BARTENDERS. Even if there is no tip jar. ESPECIALLY if there is no tip jar. Catering bartenders aren't allowed to put out tip jars probably 90% of the time. They do not make a higher hourly wage than the waiters. I know that it's open bar because you paid whatever to get in to this event, but find your wallet and give them a dollar. Just because there's no tip jar doesn't mean they can't accept tips. They will love you if you go out of your way to tip. And bartenders are always good friends to have.

5) Contrary to what you may think, catering is not the same as working in a restaurant. By this I mean we are not supposed to eat the food so that we can give honest opinions as to what we like. In fact, most of the time we aren't allowed to eat any of the food at all, except maybe when the event is over (yes, we are totally sneaking food when we can, but this isn't the point). So while I can and should know what everything is, I likely don't know what it tastes like. Don't be annoyed. Remember, the food is FREE. If you want to try it, try it. If you don't like it, no harm done.

More to come later, I'm sure.