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Questions and Answers
Where is the water glass typically placed in a formal table setting?
What is considered an insult to the chef during a formal dinner?
Why is it important to pass the salt and pepper as a pair?
What is the benefit of having proper dining etiquette and using table manners?
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What should you do if you think the food or wine is especially good during a formal dinner?
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What should you do when ordering food at a formal dinner?
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What should you avoid when ordering food at a formal dinner?
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What is typically presented to you at a formal dinner, with each course to be served printed on the card?
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Why should you order an appetizer if your guests do?
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What should you do if you're unsure about what to order at a formal dinner?
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Study Notes
Attending to Preliminaries
- When hosting a dinner, wait in the bar and have one round of drinks before being seated for dinner.
- Make formal introductions as each guest arrives, and everyone should stand for an introduction and exchange handshakes.
- Business cards are not exchanged at the outset of a business lunch or dinner; instead, exchange them at the end.
Standing to Greet a Guest
- Men once stood to show respect when a woman, elderly person, or dignitary entered the room or approached the dining table.
- Standing shows a person is attentive and caring.
- Remain standing until a female guest has taken a seat.
Coming to the Table
- The host should seat guests first and business associates second.
- In formal business occasions, seating is predetermined by place cards.
- In diplomatic situations, ladies are seated, but men do not sit until the guest of honor is seated.
Behaving After You're Seated
- Before sitting down, make sure everyone knows everyone at the table.
- If you don't know someone, make last-minute introductions.
- It is not necessary for men to seat women at a business meal.
Managing Dining Mishaps
- If you find a foreign object in your food, discreetly tell the waiter about the problem.
- If you dislike the food or are allergic to it, politely decline or try a little of everything.
- If you notice a problem with your dining partner's appearance, discreetly motion to the offending area.
Managing Dining Mishaps (Continued)
- If you need to leave the table during a meal, excuse yourself.
- If you have leftover in your plate, it's acceptable to ask for a doggy bag to take home the leftovers, but be mindful of cultural differences.
Table Settings
- The largest glass is the water glass, which sits closest to the center of the dining table.
- The champagne glass is placed behind and to the right of the water glass.
- Salt and pepper shakers or grinders are typically present on the table.
- If salt and pepper are not on the table, do not ask for salt, but it's fine to ask for pepper.
The Meal
- Knowing proper dining etiquette and using table manners gives you confidence and makes a positive lasting impression.
- Dining graciously is important in business situations.
- If the food or wine is especially good, mention it to your host, but keep complaints to yourself.
Ordering Food
- Suggest items from the menu for the guests, but follow their lead when ordering.
- Order an item similar to theirs and in the same price range.
- Avoid selecting the most expensive item on the menu, especially if someone else is paying for the meal.
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Description
Learn about proper etiquette during business lunches and dinners, including introductions, seating, and exchanging business cards.
