A serving is the amount of food presented to one person at a meal, and also the act of presenting it. As a quantity, it is distinct from a portion recommendation: a serving is what is actually put on the plate, while dietary guidelines speak of recommended portions. Serving sizes on nutrition labels are standardised so products can be compared, though they may differ from what people actually eat. As an act, serving covers the etiquette and logistics of getting food to the table, from family-style platters to plated fine dining. Controlling serving size is one of the most effective weight-management tools, since people tend to eat what is put before them. The humble serving shapes both nutrition and hospitality.