Carrying and unloading Trays

A. How to Carry and Serve using a Small Tray/ Tea Tray/ Round Tray  

1. Carry the tray at waist level.

2. Carry the tray with your left hand and serve beverages using your right hand,
right foot forward.

B. How to Carry a Large Tray / Oval Tray 

1. Your body should be parallel with the tray stand.

2. Bend your knee as if you are about to kneel.
3. Balance the tray. Then, slide the tray on to your shoulder and use the palm of
your hand to hold your tray. You normally put the tray on your left shoulder so that
your right hand is free to control the tray.
4. Your arm (elbow to wrist) should be at the right side of the tray.
5. Use your legs to stand up to give you the strength to lift up the tray. Use your
right hand to control and support the tray.

TIP!! You may put a clean napkin on your shoulder in carrying large trays to protect you
from getting dirty. 

C. Carrying and Unloading a Rectangular Tray 

1. Ensure that the tray is balanced.

2. The board side of the tray should be along the access of the arm.
3. Hold the upper left arm close to the body and lock your left elbow.
4. Use your left hand to grip the far rim of the tray if it’s possible to do so.
5. Always maintain the balance of the tray in serving.
 Handling Flatware And Glasswares
A. Handling Flatwares 

1. Always use a lint – free cloth should be used to wipe wet flatware for this will
prevent water marks
2. Always hold flatware at the waist. Do not touch the top or bottom areas to avoid
fingerprints.
3. Handle flatware with a cloth napkin to avoid fingerprints

B. Handling Glasswares 

1. Never handle glasses by the rim.

2. Hold stemmed glassware by the stem.
3. Grasp a non-stemmed glassware at the lower 1 ½ inches of the glass.