Creating guest delight is great fun and the best servers make a game out of it. They can also tell the difference between honest praise and deceitful flattery. It is a nice touch to notice something personal and positive about your guests. The key words here are appropriate and sincere - empty words won't work. You see, the real message is always carried in the feeling behind the words you use, not by the words themselves.
People can sense a con.
If what you say is not honest, it can cost you the guest's trust and everyone loses. Reinforce the guest's decisions Nobody likes to make a mistake so people can feel particularly vulnerable whenever they have to make a decision. A few encouraging comments from you can reassure your guests that they are making wise choices. The better they feel good about their decisions, they are more likely to order additional items and try new things. Even if what they choose is not your favorite, you can still reinforce the decision.