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.

Black being the darkest colour is also the most authoritative colour. If you want to come across commanding and have others follow direction that you give without question, black is definitely your colour.  However, that might not always work in your favour. What about those occasions when you are trying to create rapport and you want interaction? Looking authoritative can be good, but in this situation it might be over-kill. Because black is such an authoritative colour, it can also be very intimating.

If you like black but still want interaction with others here are my suggestions:

• When interacting with clients or subordinates break up the black. Instead of dressing in head to toe black, wear black dress pants and a coordinating jacket in a different colour or the other way around.
• Keep the black suit for those times when you are interacting with others in top leadership positions.
• If you want to come across authoritative but a little more approachable, try navy instead. In navy you will still maintain an appropriate level or authority and others will trust that you can do the job. However, because blue is the colour of trust, others will trust that they can open up and ask questions.

• Choose quality over quantity.
• Buy quality fabrics and timeless styles – the best you can afford.
• Choose all-season natural fabrics such as lightweight wools, fine cottons, and silks.
• For a better fit, Make small alterations to the sleeves, hemline and the waistline.

Your clothing will look and feel more expensive and you will look like a million bucks!

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.

As an image consultant, I have made a few embarrassing mistakes of my own. One day, I ran down to the grocery store to grab a few things. Wearing sweats and no make-up, I ran into a past client. Oops! You never know where or when you might bump into someone important.

Even though there are days when I would rather not dress for success, I have learned the hard way that I really do need to look the part. Even though we may not care how we look, others might. For more on how to make the right business impression see ‘Upwardly Mobile Clothing for Upwardly Mobile Women’