DINING ETIQUETTE
What is etiquette? It's a system of rules and conventions that regulate social and professional behavior. The whole point of the rules of etiquette is to make you feel comfortable, not uncomfortable. When there are standards that people abide by, then you can have the confidence and assurance that you are acting accordingly. It takes the guesswork out of your behavior in public. There is no penalty for bad etiquette, but the result of bad etiquette lies in the disapproval of one's peers.
General Banquet Etiquette:
1. Please turn off your cell phone. If you absolutely have to have your cell phone turned on, put it on vibrate mode. Under NO circumstance should you place, or receive, a call while dining. The same goes for text messaging. You never want to give anyone the idea that the person on the phone is more important than the person sitting in front of you. If there is no way to avoid making or receiving a call, excuse yourself from the table and take your call outside of the dining room.
2. If you arrive at the table before anyone else does, do not begin eating the bread, crudites or any pre-set food, such as appetizers, until everyone else has arrived and is seated.
3. Greet your co-diners with a smile and possibly a hand shake. Once everyone is seated at the table, the first thing you will do is place your napkin on your lap. Unfold the napkin with as little fanfare as possible. Fold it in half and place it on your lap.
4. Please, no smoking at the table.
5. Practice good posture. If you are not eating, place your hands in your lap, or you may also rest your wrists on the edge of the table. Never put your elbows on the table.
6. Never blow your nose at the table, especially into your napkin. If a sneeze is unavoidable, try to grab a tissue, or remove yourself from the room. Remember to wash your hands. It is proper etiquette to avoid sharing germs.
7. If you cough, cover your mouth with your napkin to stop the spread of germs and to muffle the noise. If you need to, excuse yourself to the restroom, and always wash your hands.
8. Ladies purses should not be placed on the table. If they're small enough, you can place them on your lap. If they're large, set them on the floor under to your chair. Try to avoid having them out in the aisle where they can possibly trip someone.
9. Briefcases and meeting materials should also be placed on the floor under your chair.
10. You may begin to eat when everyone has been served in a fine dining situation. You may begin to eat when the host/hostess picks up their fork to eat. Do not start before this unless the host/hostess insists that you start eating.
11. You should not ask to taste someone else's food, nor should you offer a taste of your food to someone else. If you absolutely cannot resist this rule, you can request a small plate from your server and place a small amount of food to share.
12. In a fine dining restaurant is impolite to ask for a doggy bag. It is more acceptable if this is an informal dining situation.
13. Never chew gum at the table. If you need to remove the gum from your mouth, excuse yourself to the restroom where you can dispose of it.
14. Combing or brushing your hair at the table is unacceptable. As is putting on lipstick or make-up. Excuse yourself to the restroom to take care of this.
15. Is it proper to pull the chair out for a lady? For a business meeting or meal, no. For a social occasion, i.e., wedding or date, yes.
16. When you have finished eating your meal, do not push your plate aside or stack them on top of each other. It is proper to leave the plate sitting where they are currently. Let the service personnel do their job.
