Dining etiquette at the table is very crucial. Proper etiquette and behavior implies common sense instills respect. Proper etiquette andbehaviors are courteous actions shown in public, private, among acquaintances, family and friends. Excuses are not allowed for not learning the basic principles of proper dinner table etiquette and I can assure you that this will spare you of social embarrassment!
Here are important tips that will help you through any formal orsemi-formal breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Men should wear jackets to dinner or preferably a suit. If a man is dining with clients from other countries, which tends to be more formal, he should wear a jacket and a tie. Women should be wearing well dressed in appealing an apparel or suit, and shoes. Sandals are not allowed please!
2. Don't put your cell phone, keys, or purse on the table.
This is common sense! Placing phones, keys or purses on a dining tabledistracts not only your other dining companions, but also your waiter and the entire restaurant.
3. Let your guest order first.
The host, especially if it's a woman, has to make it clear that he or she is the host. Use phrases like, “will you please bring my guest or my guest would like to order first’ to avoid confusion”.
4.If you're the host, set up payment ahead of time
The person who invites you is the person who pays. A savvy host knows to give their credit card before they sit down, or even call the restaurant ahead of time. Women who travel to other countries that work in male-dominated fields should adopt this attitude.
5.Don’t tell the sommelier how much you want to spend on wine.
Tell the waiter what you like, what you're having, and give them an idea of price by simply pointing to a wine in your price range. That way the waiter will know to stick within that price range. Don’t pretend like you are a wine connoisseur, because then you'll look silly! Justtaste of the wine when it arrives, and see how it is. An expert advice, nine times out of 10 is just fine!!
6.Don't return the wine.
The rule is, you have to keep it even if you don't like it because they opened the bottle for you. But if it really is awful, politely explain the problem to your waiter.
7. Take pictures of your food, unless you're with a client.
If it is not distracting other restaurant patrons and you can do it discretely then go ahead, take pictures of your food. If you are having dinner with a client, this is not allowed.However, if the client wants to take pictures, let them!
8. Know where to place your napkin.
Wait until your host makes the silent signal of placing the napkin in his or her lap before you begin eating. The napkin goes on your chair seat if you stand up or visit the restroom. When you're finished with the meal, it goes on the left-hand side of where your plate was served: not folded, but neatly placed. Kindly wait for the host to be the first to do so.
9. Don't reach across the table to sample your companion's food.
I don't recommend sharing if you are with someone you don't know very well, or if you are at a formal business meal. If you are with someone you know better, pass them your bread plate with a little sample of food on it.
10. Don't yell to signal to your waiter.
Make eye contact with your waiter, if that doesn't work, put up your right hand with your index finger raised slightly to get the waiter’s attention.
11. Send back food that's not cooked properly.
If you are with other people and you have to send your food back, it's your responsibility to tell everyone to go ahead and start without you.
Personally, if I'm the host, I’ll suffer and eat my meal even if it's not cooked the way I want it rather than have everybody wait for me or feel bad.
12. Order the same number of courses as your companion.
This avoids awkwardness and allows you to pace yourself with the other person.
Make sure you take your time eating and pause after every few bites- especially if you're the host, since you don't want to make your guest feel rushed during the meal.
13. Don't place your utensils on the side of your plate when you're done eating.
When you're finished, place the knife and fork together at the 10:20 position on the plate. Place the fork up because in the American style you eat with the tines up.
14. Don't start a business conversation before the conclusion of the entrée.
Business should not be discussed until the meal has been cleared away. Also, generally avoid complaining about business colleagues and work during the meal.
15.And remember your table manners!
Wipe your fingers and mouth often with your napkin, cut one piece of meat or fish at a time on your plate and eat it before cutting the next one, butter bread on your plate, never in midair, look into (not over) the cup or glass when drinking, sit up straight, and keep your arms (including elbows) off the table!
Whao... What a nice article
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