Etiquette Tuesday: Too Much Attention?

Image via Purple and Fine Linen

Attentive and cognizant service is always welcomed after a long day of work.  But what if the service offers too much attention??  Thanks to Gansie of Endless Simmerfor this weeks Etiquette Tuesday.  Ever been to a restaurant and the wait staff is overly accommodating?? I know this sounds odd since most of us desire vigilant service when dining out.  There is, however, a limit to this especially when the restaurant has a menu with prices below the $50 mark and the typical attire is jeans and t-shirts.  Ok, at Masa and The Inn at Little Washington where my tab is stepping in the $200-$500 range, the only thing I want to do on my own is go to the bathroom (*and to be quite honest, I even want someone handing out fresh hand towels in there for those prices…).  On the other hand, when out casually dining, placing the napkin in the diners lap and hovering over the table the entire meal can be more of an annoyance than a luxury. 

Now do not get me wrong, it is refreshing to have white linen service for under $50 especially when you have had one of those days where total comfort is your only recourse.  This tip, however, applies to those serving guests who have clearly come in to simply enjoy some casual conversation and relax with a few close friends.  The server interrupting us every few steps of the conversation is annoying.  Diners throw out the largest hints when they need something:  low to empty water glasses/wine glasses/bread bowls, etc.  Use your common sense and honestly this might help your tip with a less intrusive approach.  Do not forget about them, just use your better judgment when thinking of going back to the table in two minute increments…

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