Dining Etiquette Seminar - Table Manners
Your table manners
will be under great scrutiny at a business meal. Developing proper table
manners requires the right information, practice, and common sense.
Impeccable table manners send a message of self-confidence and good
judgment. Good table manners are the mark of a sophisticated and savvy
business person, one who can ably represent the company, get the next
job or promotion, and close the deal.
When To Start
Eating
Wait
for the host to take the first bite before beginning to eat. Never start
eating before a signal from the host. This custom began a long time ago,
before refrigeration was available. When the host and hostess took the first
bite, it meant that the meal was safe. The custom continues because it is just
plain good manners.
At a business meal where there is not a host, wait until each person is
served before you start eating. If some guests have their food and they are
waiting for yours to arrive, be courteous; acknowledge the gesture and tell
them to please start so their food does not get cold. This would be
appreciated and would show your good manners and consideration.
Talking To The
Servers
The manner in which you treat your serving staff will be
noticed by others. Your people skills will be reflected at the dinner table
and will make an impression on your dining partners. Use the word "please"
when making a request or asking a question. Make your questions and requests
clear and brief. Avoid barking orders at your waiter or waitress. The
establishment�s staff should always be treated cordially in the name of good
manners, regardless of the situation.
It is polite to say "thank you"
to
the servers only when they bring something special that
you requested and after they have removed any used items. A simple smile and
eye contact�not required, but appropriate�is sufficient to acknowledge their
service. You don�t want to disrupt the flow of the meal and conversation every
time something is brought to the table.
Passing Food
Food is passed from left to right. It is helpful to remember that
everything of importance is to the right. For example, the guest of honor
sits to the right of the host and food is passed on the right. Also pass the
salt, pepper, butter and sauces to the right.
Salt And Pepper
If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both together, even
if a person asks for only one of them. Pick them both up
and place them on the table within reach of the
person next to you. They are never passed hand to hand. This avoids the search
for one of the shakers around the table.
Never intercept a pass. Snagging a roll out of the breadbasket or taking a
shake of salt when it is enroute to someone else is a no-no. No one else other
than the original requester should sprinkle their food
when they have the shakers in their possession.
Seasoning
Food
Taste
your food before seasoning it. The kitchen staff has prepared the food with
care and it is an insult to the chef to add salt, pepper, ketchup or any
seasoning before tasting it.
If dinner is pre-set, do try a little of everything on your plate.
Never criticize or state a dislike for a food that is served to you. This is
insulting to your host. Simply eat foods you do like, and make an attempt to
taste a little of unfamiliar foods. If you are asked if you like something,
and you don�t, say something gracious like, "It's different," or "I'm not
accustomed to this flavor."
Cutting And Eating
Food
It is proper etiquette to cut only enough food for the
next mouthful - one or two pieces maximum. (Cutting food into small pieces is
done for small children until they learn to use the utensils to cut their own
food). Always chew with your mouth closed.
Talking And
Utensils
It is inappropriate manners to keep your utensils in your
hand(s), talk and move them as you speak. You will be surprised how often
people do this without noticing. If someone asks you a question while you are
still eating, after you swallow your food, place your utensils on the plate in
the resting position, then start to talk, not before.
Applying Makeup At
The Table
It
is impolite to inspect and freshen makeup at the dinner table. Personal tasks
like reapplying lipstick, powdering your nose, and brushing your hair should
take place in the restroom. Some etiquette consultants�to my amusement�suggest
that you may reapply lipstick at the dinner table. In this case, the "no
gender" rule applies: How would it look if a man took out his small shaver and
shaved after the meal was finished? Any grooming activities should be
conducted in the restroom or in the privacy of your office.
Cell Phones
Turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent or
vibrate mode before sitting down eat, and leave it in your pocket or purse. It
is impolite to answer a phone during dinner. If you must make or take a call,
excuse yourself from the table and step outside of the restaurant.
Text Messaging
Text messaging during a business meal is inappropriate.
Regardless of how many people, executives, congressman, politicians do text
messaging at formal occasions, it is disrespectful to send a text message
during a business meeting.