Before the Meal
The banquet server's job begins hours before the guests arrive. Pre-meal duties can include laying table linen, setting china and silverware, filling water pitchers and brewing coffee. They are also responsible for preparing any items that will be present on the tables when guests enter, including salt and pepper, sugar bowls, rolls and butter, and salad dressings.
During the Meal
During the meal the banquet server is responsible for serving the meal. Meals are served from the left side of a guest while empty dishes are cleared from the right. When serving a table, ladies must always be served first. Between courses, the server is responsible for refilling water glasses and other drink glasses and tending to any other miscellaneous needs that guests in their area may have. Also, the server should be able to provide some information about the meal they are serving to any guest who needs it.
After the Meal
After the meal, banquet servers are responsible for clearing dishes and preparing them for the dishwashers. Once an event has concluded and the guests have left for the evening, the server will then clear the table of any remaining items and bring them back to their respective storage places.
Qualities of a Successful Banquet Server.
A successful server will be attentive to guests without being intrusive. He should be knowledgeable about the food he is serving, taking time before a meal service to review the menu so he can answer any questions the guests may have. A successful banquet server will be able to serve a multi-course meal efficiently and fluidly. He should be able to make the guest feel at ease and create a comfortable environment. In addition to customer service, he must also be a team player. A good server recognizes when a fellow server may need help and offer assistance gladly. Banquet functions are a team effort and by combining these skills and characteristics, banquet servers have the opportunity to contribute to a memorable event. | 
