I quite liked the system a lot of army regimental messes used to operate. You walked in for lunch, which was served at a long table. You sat at the next empty seat, thus could be chatting through the meal to a subaltern or the colonel, depending on who had arrived before you, so cliques were avoided and strangers or newcomers didn't feel neglected. You were then served with lunch - no choice - but it always seemed good, as the chefs didn't have to try and prepare 12 different choices (see above). I don't think the army could have had vegetarians in those days, if so I guess they went hungry! Meals were served by soldiers who were called servants (very un-PC these days). Don't ever remember seeing any paper plates!
Autre temps - autre moeurs.