An etiquette expert has highlighted common mistakes people make at buffets during the Christmas party season. Liz Brewer, a UK-based social behaviour specialist, noted that a room full of beautifully displayed food can make people 'go a little nuts'.
According to new research, 77 per cent of Britons admit they love a good buffet spread. However, Brewer warns against several etiquette breaches, including helping yourself to vegetarian options, which she insists should be left for those who do not eat meat.
Other faux pas include breathing or coughing over the table, scrambling to be first in line, hovering at the buffet table, drinking while serving yourself, wearing flowy sleeves that may drag into food, and photographing your meal for Instagram.
The research, commissioned by KP Nuts, found that 58 per cent of people consider coughing or sneezing over the table the rudest buffet behaviour, followed by pushing into the queue (48 per cent). Fighting for the last item and grabbing something someone else is reaching for were also cited as top faux pas.
Brits believe it is polite to wait at least five minutes after food is laid out before helping themselves. A second trip to the table is acceptable, but a third is seen as greedy, and 17 per cent think asking someone else to fetch food for you is unacceptable.
