How to Clear the Table as a Waiter

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Having a table full of dirty dishes and silverware is messy, makes it look like you aren't doing your job as a server competently and leaves the guest feeling ignored. When a guest feels ignored, it has a negative direct effect on your tip.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Watch your table. After you've served the food and checked back to make sure everything is to their liking, peek at the table as you are attending to your other guests. Doing so allows you to clear the dishes as your guests are finishing instead of all at once.

Step2

Clear the dinner plates. If it looks like your guests are finished eating but there is still food left on the plate, ask them if they are finished before you clear the dishes. Some simple and polite ways to ask if a guest is finished are "May I take your plate?" or "Would you like a box?"

Step3

Take away the dirty silverware as well when you clear the dinner plates.

Step4

Ask about beverages. If your guest's beverage glasses are empty, refill them if they are drinking commonly refillable drinks like soda or iced tea. Clear all empty alcoholic drink glasses and ask if they would like another one.

Tips & Warnings

Bring fresh silverware. While you are clearing the dirty silverware, ask your table if they are interested in dessert. If they order dessert, set fresh silverware accordingly.
Always leave water glasses. When you are finished clearing the table, the only things that are left are water glasses and drink glasses if they are still full.
Never clear an alcoholic drink glass without asking first. Even if it looks like there are only a few sips of a drink left always ask before taking the glass. Many will get upset if you take the glass without asking first.
Never clear more than you can carry. If you aren't using a tray, never stack more plates than you can carry in your hands. It looks messy and unprofessional.