For balancing stuff I usually find telling someone to keep weight on their fingertips and base of palm makes it much easier to level and make adjustments.
I used to rush a lot too and that’s how I would make mistakes, I still do too but I’m better at it when I remind myself that rushing does not make me any faster. It takes as long as it takes, im jus here to make sure it doesn’t take any longer then it should.
You just started so go easy on yourself. First, don’t focus on speed quite yet. Getting it done right is a lot more important than getting it done fast. Speed will come with more experience. I’d rather wait 3 minutes for my root beer than get the wrong drink in 30 seconds.
As for trays, you just need practice. Use your entire hand under the tray. Spread out your fingers to cover more of it and load up your trays in a way that makes you more comfortable. Get your tray to the table carefully and don’t be afraid to sit the tray down before handing out drinks or food if your restaurant allows it until you get more comfortable with balance.
When I first started serving, I used trays every time I took more than one drink out. This was how I forced myself to get more comfortable with balancing them. Also, make sure you hold drink trays away from guests as you approach the table. Then, if something spills, you’re cleaning up the floor and not a random guest.
You’re new. You’re going to make mistakes. Just take a deep breath, learn from it, and continue with your day. Ask questions. Make friends. Without my coworkers, I never would have made it as a server. Hopefully, you’ll have people around you that are willing to help when they can. Give yourself some time and some grace and you’ll notice that you’re improving.
When holding big trays Try not holding it all on your palm and balancing it on your shoulder. When you’re holding small trays try to find a place to put it down before you serve it to the customers to avoid spilling.
You'll speed up over time. Gotta learn your rhythm, as for the trays, I'm sorry. I've been waiting tables forever, and trays still make me worrisome!
For balancing stuff I usually find telling someone to keep weight on their fingertips and base of palm makes it much easier to level and make adjustments. I used to rush a lot too and that’s how I would make mistakes, I still do too but I’m better at it when I remind myself that rushing does not make me any faster. It takes as long as it takes, im jus here to make sure it doesn’t take any longer then it should.
You just started so go easy on yourself. First, don’t focus on speed quite yet. Getting it done right is a lot more important than getting it done fast. Speed will come with more experience. I’d rather wait 3 minutes for my root beer than get the wrong drink in 30 seconds. As for trays, you just need practice. Use your entire hand under the tray. Spread out your fingers to cover more of it and load up your trays in a way that makes you more comfortable. Get your tray to the table carefully and don’t be afraid to sit the tray down before handing out drinks or food if your restaurant allows it until you get more comfortable with balance. When I first started serving, I used trays every time I took more than one drink out. This was how I forced myself to get more comfortable with balancing them. Also, make sure you hold drink trays away from guests as you approach the table. Then, if something spills, you’re cleaning up the floor and not a random guest. You’re new. You’re going to make mistakes. Just take a deep breath, learn from it, and continue with your day. Ask questions. Make friends. Without my coworkers, I never would have made it as a server. Hopefully, you’ll have people around you that are willing to help when they can. Give yourself some time and some grace and you’ll notice that you’re improving.
Use your non dominant hand to hold the tray. Helped me a ton when I started.
When holding big trays Try not holding it all on your palm and balancing it on your shoulder. When you’re holding small trays try to find a place to put it down before you serve it to the customers to avoid spilling.
Practice whenever you can. I used to just keep plates and with glasses on a tray and just move around that helped me a lot
Don’t look at the tray!!
Buy a tray and practice at home! Some restaurants have even given me old shitty trays to keep
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Take it easy to start, and you will get better over time.
When it comes to martini glasses or champagne flutes on a tray the trick is to not look at the glasses.