Dining Etiquette

Why

 Research shows that body

language, including voice,
account for 38% of an overall first
impression.
 One of the reasons employers
take job candidates out to lunch
is to evaluate social skills and see
if a person can handle
him/herself gracefully under
pressure.
 Table manners do matter.
 Why

People judge others by their We are growing up in a fast food

manners. society.
 When

 Business Dinners/Lunches
 Interviews
 Meeting in-laws
 Weddings
 After You Are Seated

Place your napkin on your lap.

Your napkin should be on your lap at all times.
If you need to excuse yourself at any point, say a soft
“excuse me” and place your napkin in your chair, not
back on the table.
A napkin on the table may be seen by your server as
a signal you are finished and your plate may be
taken.
Table Setting
 Silverware

Work from the outside in. The first courses will use the
outer silverware.
 Never allow ‘used’ silverware to rest on the table. It should always be
on your plate.
How to hold
 Claiming Your Territory

 A few helpful mnemonic devices

 If your silverware is wrapped in your napkin…
 Fork and left are 4-letter words so forks are on the left.
 Spoon, knife and right are 5-letter words so spoon and knife are on the right.
 “Liquids to your right, solids to your left”
 Your drink glasses are on your right and your bread plates are on
your left.
 O.K. Signal
 Your left hand forms a “b”--Your left side is “bread”
 Your right hand forms a “d”--Your right side is “drinks”
 Follow The Leader

Follow your hosts lead.

If there is a menu, wait for him/her to pick it up and
start looking.
Wait until everyone at your table has been served
before you begin eating.
 If the food is taking a while to be served, you may begin eating
before it gets cold.
 Look to your host to determine when you may begin eating.
 A Few Helpful Tips

 Never order alcohol during a job interview or

professional lunch/dinner)
 Nothing is worse than watching, or being watched
while eating.
 If the waiter asks for your order first and you do not
know what to order, simply say “I don’t know yet,
why don’t you start with someone else.”
 When You Have To Order

Ask for recommendations.

Don’t order the most expensive or least expensive
items on the menu.
Once you have figured out what you want, close your
menu. This signals to your server you have decided
what to order.
 Small Talk Tips

 Watching the news and reading the newspaper will help in

making conversation.
 Safe topics to discuss are weather, traffic, travel and family.
 Avoid topics that are too personal such as religion, politics and
health issues.
 Do not use “text chat” as a form of conversation (ex: LOL,
BFF, OMG)
 Don’t bring up gossip, dominate the conversation or use
foul language.
 This includes not using the Lord’s name in vain.
 The Passing Game

Pass to the Right.

 If an item is within your reach, pass to the right, refraining
from helping yourself first.
 Passing to the right is not set in stone, so if things start
moving to the left, by all means go with the flow.
When passing something with a handle, such as
dressings, pass with the handle facing the person
so it can be easily grasped.
Salt and pepper are passed as a set.
 The Passing Game

Place the butter directly on the plate, not on the

bread.
 You want to avoid constantly asking for butter.
 You don’t want to butter your bread while others are waiting.
 Soup

 Draw the spoon away from you and quietly sip from the
side of the spoon.
 When you come to the bottom of the bowl, tilt it away
from you and spoon out the remainder.
 When finished, place the spoon on the plate beneath the
soup bowl.
 Food To Avoid Ordering

 Spaghetti
 Chicken (fried, or bbq)
 Pizza
 Ribs
 Big messy sandwiches
 A Few Tips When Eating

 Take bite sized portions

 You may be asked a question as you put food in your mouth. A
smaller portion is faster to finish.
 When at an interview, the main focus is the interview, not
eating.
 Tips For Food Allergies and Vegetarians

Let your host know ahead of time if you have food

allergies or are a vegetarian.
If you’re the host, check with your guests on
vegetarian options or food allergies.
Be polite. If there is something you don’t care to eat,
just say ‘no thank you’ or do not eat it.
 When To Make A Toast

There are 2 points during a meal that a toast can be

offered.
 Before the meal to welcome the guests.
 After the dessert course when the after-dinner drinks have
been served.
 How To Give A Toast

Should be light-hearted, warm and humorous in

tone.
Toasting etiquette would suggest not embarrassing
the guest of honor.
 Toasting Techniques

To get the group’s attention, never bang on a glass;

simply stand and hold your glass in the air.
The person being toasted remains seated.
Don’t hold your glass in the air during your toast.