DINING ETIQUETTE
Many a job or contract has been lost because of inappropriate table manners. Following are dining tips that may help you avoid damaging your career opportunities.
- Place your napkin in your lap (not inside your shirt or belt) when you are first seated. When leaving the table temporarily, put it on your seat. When finished eating, place the napkin to the left of your plate.
- Your water glass is on the right and your bread plate in on the left. Use utensils from the outside in; your dessert spoon/fork is at the top of the plate.
- Sit straight, but not too stiff. Lean slightly against the back of the chair when not eating. No elbows on the table, slouching or tipping your chair. Your hands may be in your lap.
- Make your menu selection quickly or at least by the time everybody else is ready so as not to hold up the order because you can't decide. Don't ask the server to explain everything on the menu. You'll come across as indecisive and annoying.
- Order neat food that's easy to eat. Don't even think about that big, juicy hamburger, or a large plate of spaghetti. There isn't a person alive who can look professional when wrestling with these. Stick to manageable means you can eat with your fork. And, if you don't know how to eat something, don't order it.
- Follow your host's lead regarding alcoholic beverages. If he or she is having wine, for example, you might too, if you're comfortable. Be careful not to overindulge - it's to your advantage to keep a clear head.
- Take one bit or drink at a time. Cut your entrée one bite at a time. Break your bread into bite size pieces and butter it as you are ready to eat it. If you drop anything on the floor, leave it.
- When speaking, keep your utensils down. Don't wave your fork, knife, or spoon in the air. Never lick your fingers or utensils. Never use your hand to clear crumbs off the table.
- When finished please your fork and knife on top of your plate at the 4:00 position rather than pushing your plate away.
- Arguing over the check is not appropriate. The host is the person who made the invitation - they pay the bill, regardless of gender. Be gracious and appreciative. Do not offer to pay the tip.
- Conversation tips: let your host lead the conversation and never bring up subjects that might ruin someone's appetite. Also, avoid political, ethnic, or off-color humor. And above all... don't talk when there is food in your mouth!
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