So here we are, moderately scurrying about to set a party of a somewhat indeterminate size…..the banquet sheet tells us there will be 30 to 50 people, it is a funeral luncheon, so it’s almost impossible to give an exact number, so we set up for 50. We’ve got it under control….and then they show up 35 minutes early! Oh shit! Now we’ve really gotta move! You have to be able to work in tandem with your partner….Okay, you get the 50 waters out, I’ll get drink orders…..going smooth again….very quickly, but smooth….then you hit another glitch….there are more than 50 people and you have to set up another table….those already seated are starting to ask if the food will be ready soon….the hostess is the only one who knows what time she told us, so no one else realizes that they are early…..


Okay, you gotta cut us a little slack…you’re over your number and you’re really early….this causes a domino effect……from the servers, right on down to the kitchen….along with cooking for the regular diners in the restaurant….they now have to jump to double time to get your food ready…..talk about multi-tasking!!!!

We run to the kitchen, tell them to get the food ready, (it’s a buffet) run back to the banquet room, continue with the beverage service….then another guest informs us that she is a vegetarian and will need to order something off the menu…..run to get a menu….the extra table is set up, your partner gets the rest of the waters out….the hostess now wants to know how soon they will be eating….you pass by another table, where those who have declined a beverage have changed their minds and now want something and those who have beverages want refills….is the food ready yet?

We need another rack of glasses….refill the water carafes on two tables….

Your partner is young and has A.D.D. so you gotta keep him reigned in…no time for chatting with guests or co-workers, (the one’s who are not working the party)….

“We need a high chair…can I have some more coffee….I need a refill on my diet coke….will we be eating soon….can you warm up this baby bottle for me“….the cook is yelling that the food is ready…..the hostess wants to know if she should make her speech now…

“Yes, make your speech now, we will be bringing the food in as you talk.”

We run down hot pans of food, order the vegetarian meals….walk by each table and tell them when it will be their turn….

Not bad for 20 minutes. Everyone is happy, and everyone is oblivious to what went on behind the scene……