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.

• 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.

These days the rules have changed. Although fragrance can enhance our mood and the mood of those around us, for some it can cause allergic reactions, head-aches and nausea. If you love your fragrance, consider those around you when putting it on in the morning.  And just remember, a little goes a long way.

• When shaking hands in western society the hands should be parallel and hands should be clasped web to web. This isn’t the case with all cultures, so it is important to be understanding. 
• If you have small hands and want to make your hand seem more substantial when shaking hands, separate your index and middle fingers slightly with extending your hand for a handshake. 
• If you wear rings on your right hand when shaking hands, you may hurt the other person if you clasp their hand too tightly. This is the same when shaking hands with someone wearing a ring.  
• When seated, always stand to shake hands. This will bring both parties closer to the same level and both will feel more comfortable.

So why is this? I have actually heard two reasons for this:

1. Wine was invented before homes had central heating. Then, room temperature was much cooler than it is today. So because of this, today, when we hold the glass by the bowl, we were actually warming the wine too much, taking away from wine rather than bringing out its best.
2. The second reason that I have heard, is that when we hold the wine glass by the bowl we leave our finger prints. The glass no longer looks pretty or clean.

To be honest, I am not really sure of the true reason for the shift. So how should we hold our red wine glass? I always tell my clients to hold the red wine glass in the way that makes them feel most comfortable. However, when drinking white wine always hold the glass by the stem.

Let’s face it, walking up to a complete stranger and saying hello at a networking event or business mixer can be very uncomfortable.