1960’s Hospitality Etiquette Advice

As a Head Waiter… “Courtesy to all guests, VIP's, and us commoners as well is mandatory. You are the example, remember? But courtesy begins at home and consideration for your staff, corrections in private and daily briefings of menu, manners, and morale make you the perfect head waiter – that's all, there isn't anymore!”
– Image from “The ABC’s of Courtesy for Hotels and Restaurants”

 

The Letter “H”  – Head Waiter, Hostess, Housekeeper, Houseman

Are you ever the one? The Captain of his ship at sea is the only other like you. Your job is to organize, train, schedule, and oversee your staff; welcome your guests, remember names, settle all complaints, and be a walking encyclopedia of foods and wines. Your impeccable grooming sets the standard for your room. Your charm is the envy of the diplomatic corps. You're “It,” sir, with a great big capital “I” and right there lies the danger. No “I” ever made a room successful. The “We's” have it. Courtesy to all guests, VIP's, and us commoners as well is mandatory. You are the example, remember? But courtesy begins at home and consideration for your staff, corrections in private and daily briefings of menu, manners, and morale make you the perfect head waiter – that's all, there isn't anymore!

Hostess

You were made hostess because you have those traits that make your guest as welcome as though he were in your own home. Use that gracious, well-mannered hospitality. It’s money in the bank to you. Smile as though you mean it and make it a warm, personal welcome to each guest. Keep your feminine impulses of impatience under cover. Don't scold your staff in public. You're not a school teacher. You are the “leading lady,” who smiles on all with nary a snub or a sneer on the set.


Housekeeper

Whether you are the Floor Housekeeper or the Night House- keeper, you are the understudy to the Executive House- keeper. She can't cover your floors as you can. Learn every detail so that when you correct the maids, you can show them - not tell them. Don't get it into your head that things always go wrong just to annoy you take it in your stride. Talk to not at the staff you supervise, and “Please” and “Thank you” will go a long way to insure pleasant cooperation. Pride in a job well done is as soothing as a hot foot bath.

Houseman

You do so many odd jobs and listen to so many orders it's hard to be adaptable and do a quick change. But that's the housekeeping department’s job, ever ready to move a desk or put up a cot. The guest wants what he wants when he wants it. No use for you to try and figure why. Take it easy with the furniture you're a houseman not a wrestler. Be willing and cheerful. That plus the strength of Hercules is all you need.– From the 1962 book, “The ABC’s of Courtesy for Hotels and Restaurants,” by Janet Lefler

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia