As I’ve mention many times before, dining etiquette is a huge interest to most people. Why? Because we have all experienced awkward moments at the dining table. Whether you are a university student, a corporate exec or someone out on a date, having good manners and knowing a few dining etiquette tips will ensure that your experience at the table will be less stressful. Since most second interviews are generally conducted over a meal, you would be wise to take heed to the following tips.
15 Dining Etiquette Tips (You Can’t Afford to Overlook)
1. Wait for your host before placing your napkin on your lap.
2. Keep your elbows off the table.
3. When in doubt, use the “D” – “B” rule. Drinks on right; bread on left.
4. Don’t use your napkin as a hankie.
5. Spoon soup away from your body.
6. “Continental Style” is the most efficient style of dining.
7. Cut only one piece of food at a time.
8. Never say, “Ooh, I don’t like…”
9. Pace yourself. Don’t be the first or last to finish your meal.
10. Pass items at the table counter clockwise.
11. Salt and pepper are sent around the table together.
12. Break off one small piece of bread at a time.
13. Do not butter the entire roll.
14. Do not ask for a doggie bag.
15. Don’t forget to thank your host, in writing, within 24 hours.
And, by the way…no one looks attractive with a toothpick hanging from their mouth. Skip the toothpick!
About the Author:
Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and a popular "go to" resource to the modern executive. She travels nationally teaching corporations and universities in the finer points of manners and protocol. Diane is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas and the resident etiquette expert on a successful morning television show, SA Living, an NBC television affiliate. She is routinely quoted in national media outlets such as Real Simple, HGTV Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, U.S. News & World Report, CBS Money Watch, Kiplinger's and Forbes. The latter publication previously named her blog one of the "Top 100 Websites for Women."
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