Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Practice Exam

Which service style involves each table receiving a platter of food that guests serve themselves?

1. Buffet

2. Family style (English) service

3. Cafeteria service

4. French service

The correct answer is: Family style (English) service

The service style that involves each table receiving a platter of food that guests serve themselves is known as family style service. This approach encourages a communal dining experience, where large dishes are placed in the center of the table, allowing guests to pass food around and serve themselves according to their preferences. This style promotes interaction among guests and enhances the social atmosphere of the meal, as individuals can choose the portions they desire. It strikes a balance between the formalities of plated service and the casualness of a buffet, making it suitable for various events where a familial or inviting ambiance is desired. In contrast, the buffet style allows guests to select food from a serving area, which involves getting up and moving around rather than being served at the table. Cafeteria service is characterized by a line where guests choose items from a counter, and French service is characterized by meals that are partially prepared and finished at the table by the server. Each of these styles has distinct characteristics that differentiate them from family style service.