When serving dishes, which direction should they be lowered and raised from?

When it comes to proper service techniques in dining settings, a key guideline is to maintain a flow that minimizes disruption and maximizes comfort for diners. Lowering the dishes from the left and raising from the right aligns with the traditional practices of serving, which are based on the positioning of the server and the diner.

This technique facilitates a smoother interaction because a server typically moves with their dominant hand. For most people, this would mean using the right hand for reaching across the body for raising items while using the left side to lower them efficiently. It also allows for easier communication and less reaching over guests, thereby enhancing the dining experience.

Following these serving conventions promotes good etiquette, ensuring that the flow of service is constant and minimizes the chance of knocking over items or intruding into a diner's personal space, thereby creating a more enjoyable dining atmosphere.