In which type of service are guests greeted and seated at the table?

In American service, guests are typically greeted and seated at their table by the host or hostess, creating a welcoming atmosphere as they arrive. This style allows for a personalized dining experience as servers take orders directly at the table and serve food in courses. The structure of American service emphasizes customer engagement from the moment they enter the dining area, enhancing the overall dining experience.

French service, on the other hand, involves more elaborate techniques where food may be prepared and served at the table, often involving a higher level of interaction between the server and the diners. Russian service is characterized by food being presented on platters and served from there, which is less personal as it often involves less direct interaction at the table. Buffet service involves guests serving themselves from a common table of food, eliminating the need for a host to seat them or for any personal attention from the serving staff upon arrival.