Is it proper etiquette to remove dishes from a table before everyone is finished?

Question

I work at a country club and this question came up today

Answer 1

According to Emily Post's etiquette guide, it depends on the formality of the situation.

If it's a formal meal, then all plates remain until all diners are finished.

If it's any other type of meal, plates can be removed.

A diner can always ask for the plate not to be removed so that they don't feel like they are rushing the other diners. And, whoever is clearing the plates can ask, "Would you like me to clear your plate?" and the diner can always refuse.

When I serve nice dinners in my home, I usually don't clear until everyone is finished.

Answer 2

Sometimes is the only answer I have. If it's an occasion where people have to be on schedule for the speech, announcement, dance, whatever, then the staff should figure to themselves that if 6 out of 8 people have finished at a certain table, they should ask the other two if they're done with their plates. It's time to get on with things. The staff may have to tear down tables for a dance, start serving champagne, whatever. A simple polite "Are you finished, sir/ma'am?" usually gets the point across that it's time to keep the party going.

Answer 3

it rather is rude to blow your nostril on the table. the right etiquette is to no longer do it. If the right etiquette is merely "no longer happening," how a pair of compromise? attempt to leave the table whenever you would be able to desire to blow your nostril. If those events are in basic terms minutes aside, and in case you would be very discreet, you may get away with blowing your nostril quietly by way of turning thoroughly far off from the table, or bending down as though to %. up a dropped serviette and quickly blowing your nostril down there. that's no longer a appropriate answer, yet plenty greater effective than honking away perfect around the dinner table.

Answer 4

Tough question. When I was a server, we found that most people finished eating their meals around the same time, but if one finished before another, watch for a minute. If the second person is just about done, I'd say wait because then you only have to make one trip to the table to clear their plate. Just my humble opinion.

Answer 5

Not in Europe, that is in fact very rude.
In America though, it seems to be the norm to remove dishes as people finish their meal, regardless of the other parties at the table.

Answer 6

No! Proper etiquette demands that evryone should have finished the course in question and the plates should be removed all at the same time.

Answer 7

actually it is NOT proper etiquette to begin removing dishes prior to all being done...
the reason is, that those who eat slower will feel rushed. They are paying for a nice meal..and should get to enjoy it.
hope I helped.

Answer 8

It is proper to remove dishware that has been cleared of food such as a salad plate or soup bowl and glassware that will not be refilled. Dishware for entree's should not be removed until all diners have finished.

Answer 9

Yes if you mean that they are there for a reason,not visiting someones house,then yes.Then you serve them their dessert right?Just keep the space clean and they will be happy.If you are home and they are done eating the main course, then wait till all is done then clear them and serve dessert.There is a huge difference between a job and house guest......

Answer 10

At a country club or a restaurant, it is acceptable.
However, for a formal sit-down dinner (specially at home), it is usually customary to wait for everyone to finish their meal before removing dishes.