Which service style involves food being laid out for guests to serve themselves?

The service style that involves food being laid out for guests to serve themselves is buffet service. In this approach, a variety of dishes are presented on a table or counter, allowing guests to choose and serve themselves according to their preferences. Buffet service is often characterized by its efficiency and the opportunity for guests to sample a wide range of menu items without the limitations of a preset meal.

This style of service is especially popular for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, and casual dining, as it accommodates a larger number of people and can cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Guests have the freedom to customize their plates, which encourages a more relaxed dining experience.

In contrast, table service typically involves a server taking orders and delivering food directly to guests at their tables, while counter service often requires patrons to place their orders at a counter. Self-service is a broader term that could refer to any situation where guests perform tasks themselves without waiter help, but is more commonly associated with settings like fast food restaurants and is not as formal as buffet service.