Coffee is such a popular drink all over the world and you and I might think that it is simply a matter of pouring it into a cup. But there’s actually a thing called coffee etiquette that can give you guidelines on how certain types of coffee should be drunk or served.

Coffee service basically comes in two types, formal and informal. Different occasions indicate what kind of service can be used.

Casual coffee service is typically used for lunch gatherings, informal family or social gatherings, and even dinner parties. The coffee is usually made ahead of time, usually in bulk, and made available to everyone in a separate area or at a particular serving table in a room. Cups, sugar and cream are also available buffet style, and everyone can just walk up and make a cup to drink. The hostess may also choose to personally prepare and serve coffee to her guests. She can do this by serving coffee in cups already set on the table, while the guests take care of the sugar and cream according to their individual tastes.

Formal occasions call for a different kind of coffee service. There are usually servers taking care of this and they are usually assigned tables to wait on. As each guest finishes their meal, the plates are cleared and the waiters ask the guest what her favorite coffee is. The coffee is then prepared and served as requested. Some guests specify the amount of cream or sugar to accompany their coffee, while others may request that it be brought to the table for them to make themselves. The formal type of service offers a nice personal touch to the guests, as it gives them the feeling that they are special.

Coffee is typically served in three different coffee cup sizes, and the type of coffee that is served or when it is served during the day dictates what type of coffee cup to use. Demitasse or very small coffee cups are used to serve espresso or strong coffee after formal dinners. Medium-sized coffee mugs or teacups are used for coffee served after informal meals, while large mugs or mugs are often used for breakfast or more informal gatherings.