Personal Impact International » Dining Etiquette

Dining Traditions vs. Casual Lifestyle

Kimberly — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:00:16 +0000

Although dining etiquette and many dining traditions may not seem crucial while eating in front of the TV, our table conduct is still considered important during social, business and formal occasions. Whether we like it or not, how we conduct ourselves at the dining table can and will likely influence others’ perception of us, impacting our business and social relationships. It is considered a sign of respect and can build or break down rapport… So why take chances? For more on dining get your copy of Formal Dining for Informal People.

How to Be the Perfect Dinner Party Guest!

Kimberly — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:00:54 +0000

As an image and etiquette consultant, I am often asked to do corporate and group workshops, on the topics of dining etiquette and table manners.

A long time ago etiquette and table manners were established as a way of keeping the peace and domesticating our behaviour. Over time, these rituals were handed down from generation to generation eventually becoming tradition.

However, as the guest, the most important way to conduct yourself at the dining table is not always the way it is described in the etiquette books. And in most cases, manners and politeness will always override the rules. When in doubt, ‘show respect to your host’ and ‘follow their lead’. With this in mind, you will be the perfect dinner party guest.

6 Top Dining Don’ts

Kimberly — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:00:37 +0000

The Christmas Holiday season is also the festive season that will likely lead to opportunities for dining with others. That is unless in years past you made a bad impression… Here are some don’ts to consider.

Don’t chew with your mouth open
Don’t pick your teeth at the table. If something gets stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. Ask the closest diner to pass it.
Don’t put your elbows on the table until the meal is finished and all the plates and cutlery are removed.
Don’t leave your hat on your head, while at the dining table.

For more on this topic see: What Not to Do at the Dining Table. Or to add a little formality to your dining experience see: eBook Formal Dining for Informal People.

Choosing a Restaurant – Who’s Choice?

Kimberly — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:00:22 +0000

When you invite a client for a business meeting at a restaurant your role becomes the host. As the host it is your job to lead the way and make the decisions, even if you are from out of town. Although it is polite to ask the guest if they have a preference on where to dine, never ask the guest to choose the restaurant. This may put him in an awkward position

9 Steps to Breaking Bread with Ease and Grace

Kimberly — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:19:54 +0000

If you have ever been unsure of which bread plate is yours; or whether you are supposed to butter the whole slice of bread. You are not alone. As an etiquette expert many of my clients and friends ask about the etiquette of eating bread and rolls. Here are the steps to take next time you are faced with the challenge of breaking bread.

Your bread plate is the one to the left of your place setting.
Don’t reach; Ask the person closest to the bread basket to pass it to you.
Take the bread or roll and place it on your bread plate.
Ask the person closest to the butter dish to pass it to you.
Using the butter serving utensil (if there is one) or your butter knife (if there is no serving utensil), place some butter on your bread plate.
Rip off a small piece of bread / roll, the appropriate size for one or two bites.
Butter that piece of bread / roll holding it on the plate while spreading the butter.
Eat it with your mouth closed and enjoy!
Repeat…

Use this etiquette for Holiday Dining and Everyday Dining…Happy Holidays!

Cutlery Etiquette How to Make a Great Impression

Kimberly — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:02 +0000

I have travelled quite a bit over the past few years and one of the things I have noticed is that many restaurants have moved away from traditional place settings at the dining table. Although I suspect that this is part of their branding efforts to be seen as upbeat and unique, it can also be confusing and occasionally embarrassing for their patrons. This makes it more important than ever to familiarize yourself with various types of cutlery and know how to use them.
If the table is set traditionally, utensils are used starting from outside the place setting, and working in. If it isn’t use the appropriate utensil.
When holding a knife the fork is always held in the left hand. When in the left hand, the fork is held with the tines facing down. The knife is held in the right hand with the index finger on top. When eating American style after cutting the food, the knife is placed on the upper right corner of the plate and the fork is transferred to the right hand with the tines facing up for eating.

Here are a few more tips:

Only begin eating when everyone has been served. The host picks up his or her cutlery first.
Once a piece of cutlery is picked up, it is never put back on the table. It lies on the plate with the handle resting on the rim.
When taking butter, use the butter knife or serving utensil to place it on your bread plate. Then use your butter knife (spreader) to butter your bread.
Leave spoons on the service plate or saucer. An exception is made if the soup plate or soup cup has no service plate.

If you want to take a break, but don’t want your plate taken away, signal this by placing the fork and knife at right angles on the plate, tines facing down.

When dining American Style, hands go in the lap. Wrists, arms and elbows stay off the table.
When eating European Style, keep hands and wrists above the table at all times.

With either style the elbows stay off the table until the meal has ended.

When the meal is finished, place your fork and knife on the plate diagonally like the 10:20 clock position. The knife sits above the fork with the blade facing toward it. Napkin goes to the left of the plate… never on it. In some regions it is the custom to place the fork and knife vertically in the centre of the plate instead of the 10:20 position.