Ladies, at a buffet restaurant, do you take your handbag up to the buffet with you, or leave it at your table?

i take my purse to the buffet with me---I do not want my purse stolen--and when I leave they can check for steaks if they want!

Hey Strapped, I would do the same as Steve G has said. Tip them like you would a pizza delivery person (But never less than $1.00 per person.). I don't understand the whole deduct money if the service is not as quick as it should be because you don't deduct from the pizza delivery person if you realize that they forgot cheese, after they have left. If you are really strapped, there is nothing wrong with stacking your plates, or at least making it easy for the busser to get the plates from your table. If you leave a clean table, the busser will appreciate it and you will feel better about not being able to leave anything! Putting dirty plates on a clean table nearby is just TRASHY ETIQUETTE ! If I am at a buffet and I am looking to sit down, I don't like Mr. Fart Head deciding my table is for his dirty plates. If your busser has assisted you by getting a Hi Chair or a Bumper seat, leave them a little more. Regarding the comment that you don't tip the busser or the Hostess, While most think that this is untrue, you server in nearly every restaurant tips out everybody from the front to the back of the house! Regarding the "They would get offended" comment... I am offended that you would think that way. I hope you have a boss that thinks that way. James

Well first when going to a place like that I try to bring a small bag so it is easy to tote around with me. Usually I bring my purse with me out of habit but sometimes I do leave it behind. It really depends on the situation if the buffet setup is close to the table and it is always within your view then maybe you can chance leaving it at the table even if no one else is there. But if the restaurant is busy never leave it too much confusion to be safe. On the other hand if you go with someone who you feel is trustworthy then you can leave it with them and take turns going to the buffet. When in doubt bring it.

Handbag? What's that?

I generally only use a purse or bag when it's absolutely necessary, like when I'm wearing pants with no pockets or something. Otherwise, I carry a wallet. Why? Because a) I'm always leaving a purse/bag somewhere, and b) a purse/bag is an extra, unnecessary burden.

I mean come on, if Scotsmen wear kilts, why not American women use wallets? :p :)

But generally, yeah, if there is someone you trust at the table, feel free to leave it. Otherwise, take it with you.

If everyone goes to the buffet, take it. If someone stays at the table, leave it.

If I had something like a thousand bucks in my bag I would bring it and also if it had my cellphone or camera in it. But if it had lipstick make up and other effects I wouldnt bring it. The bag is too heavy and gets in the way of the buffet table. :)

I normally leave it at the table, but hubby and I take turns because of the kids. He'll get up and I'll stay or I'll get up and he'll stay. It's been too long since we go out without kids so, I don't have an alternate answer!

If someone else is at the table I will leave it. But if no one else is going to be there while I am gone, I take it with me.

My handbag goes wherever I go, unless it's an evening bag with just a lipstick and some tissue in it.

Depends on if you are in a big city or a tiny town. Generally though, take it with you if no one is at your table to watch it.

depends on who im eating with..if I have my niece and/or nephew there someone is at the table at all times so I leave in on the chair with the strap around the chair and the chair pushed in. If it all adults I take it with me