val189 wrote:
> My big beef is that the hostess usually serves the meal family
> style. Some start passing clockwise, some start counter, and the
> whole thing becomes frustration on wheels. Someone invariably ends up
> with cold food and is STILL trying to get the pepper passed his way.
>

The hostess could always start everything at her end and start passing
or just ask everyone "please help yourself and pass to your right" which
would provide some direction.
And to be honest, yesterday at my brother's house the passing issues
contributed to part of the general merriment and provided a few laughs
and jokes.