Top Dining Tips – Essential Business Etiquette

Top Dining Etiquette Rules for Adults

By Finesse Worldwide, Inc.

FinesseWorldwide.com or 704.564.6502

 

 

While there are many rules of dining etiquette, below are the top 3 things to remember for before, during and after a meal to have nice table manners. Good business etiquette also means knowing how to impress when dining for business.

 

Before:

1. When you sit down at the table put your napkin in your lap. You are allowed to put your elbows on the table until the food is served, but then elbows and arms must remain off the table.

 

2. Business etiquette means feeling at ease at the dinner table, and formal dinners can be intimidating when there is a lot of silverware, plates and glasses at each place setting. Observe what silverware is set and know that you will use each one going from the outside of the plate working in towards the plate. The silverware at the top of the plate is for your dessert. Knowing which is your bread plate and glass is tricky too. To remember, make a small “b’ and “d” by making a circle with your fingers and then extending your index fingers. The “b” is for bread, and the “d” is for drink.

 

3. Wait for everyone at your table to get their food before you start eating. And, if you need to pass something, pass it to the right and always pass the salt and pepper together.

 

 

During:

1. Eat using the American or continental style of eating, but not both or something in between. If you are not sure of the rules please look it up, because the one sure way others judge your table manners is by how you actually eat your food!

 

2. Always keep your personal items off the table during a meal and do not have your cell phone at the table. This rule applies to at home but also for business. Only text at the table if it’s an emergency and then you apologize to your dining companion, and if you have to talk on your cell step away from the table so you don’t bug anyone.

 

3. If you leave the table during a meal, place your napkin on your chair. If you drop your napkin or anything on the ground, leave it there and ask for a new one.

 

 

After:

1. When finished eating, you need to use your silverware to indicate to the server that you are done. Think of your plate as a clock and then place your knife and fork facing the “10:00” and “4:00” position. The blade of the knife aims towards you, and then with the American style of eating, the tines of the fork face up, and then with continental the tines of the fork go down.

 

2. Business etiquette is important when it comes to dining for business. If you are dining for business wait until after dinner to talk about work related issues. This way you have spent the time during dinner to build the relationship. Also if dining for business, remember that if you invited the person to dine with you, you are the host and are responsible for paying the bill. If you are not the host, you certainly should still offer to pay your part.

 

3. It’s not polite to groom yourself in anyway at the table like using a toothpick or putting on lipstick. When you leave the table after the meal, place your napkin on the table to the left of the plate.