The Rules of Dining Etiquette
Posted in Networking Tips
When inviting a client to lunch, remember that the restaurant you select is subconsciously perceived as an extension of your office. Therefore, select a restaurant where the food is of good quality and the service is reliable.
When escorted to a table, allow your guest(s) to walk behind the person. When finding a table on your own, take the lead.
Seat yourself in the seat with your back facing the door/main body of the room. Place your napkin on your lap. This gesture serves as a cue that the meal is about to begin.
When the server asks for your meal order before your guests', it's the perfect time to say, "I'd like my guest(s) to order first." Besides being appropriate, it's a cue to let the server know that the check should be left with you at the end of the meal.
Don't order messy meals. Stick to manageable meals you can eat with your fork. Some pasta dishes, such as linguini and angel hair pasta are also bad choices, because they have “splash potential.” And, if you don't know how to eat something, don't order it.
If you drink wine, wait the server serve for you the wine and don’t serve you yourself your guest. Also, don’t drink too much alcohol. It's always better and safer to abstain. If you do choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to one glass.
When reaching for the bread basket, salad dressing, etc., offer them to your guest(s) before using them yourself.
Make sure to don’t hold your fork as if it were pitchfork. Also, when you're speaking, keep your utensils down. Don't wave your fork or knife in the air.
Finally, tip adequately the server. You should always treat the server with respect.
