SEAT THE GUESTS

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Escort the guest according to table allocations.
2. Assist the guest in getting seated.
3. Lay properly the cloth napkin on the lap of the guest.
Introduction:
Once an appropriate greeting has been provided, it is now time
to escort and seat customers at their table.

GREETING AND SEATING GUESTS

The following steps are industry acceptable standards for
greeting and seating guests.
Of course, house rules should take precedence where they differ from
the following:

1. Promptly acknowledge the guests and welcome them with a greeting.

2. Establish if the customer has a reservation. A number of customers
don’t have a booking-they are called “walk-ins”.
3. Hats, coats, umbrellas or parcels and presents should be
taken from the customer if this is standard house policy, of if
guests request they are.
4. Show guests to their table, while walking at a rate that would
be comfortable for the guests to keep up with. It may be
appropriate to engage them in some form of light conversation
while doing this.
5. At the table,pull out one chair to signal to the guests that
they are free to claim a seat and sit. Assist guests with being
seated, and pushing in chairs.
Further Action
After the guests have been seated, various other rituals are observed. An
accepted sequence is:
• Lap napkins if required- from the right-hand side, remove the napkin that
has been provided as part of the setting and unfold it. Re-fold it into a
triangular shape and drape it across the guest’s lap, pointed side facing away
from them.
Note that some guests will prefer to place their own napkin, so be aware of the
guest’s body language at all times, and certainly don’t force this service on
anyone. A comment such as “Excuse me, sir” may be appropriate.
• Ensure any special needs are taken care of such as a high chair for children.
• In some establishments, the greeter or establishment host or ‘head waiter’ will
at this stage return to the reception desk to seat further guests. A service staff
member then takes over the table to complete the next few steps, courteously
introducing themselves and engaging in some small talk, if appropriate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whxwy9kgr04