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Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Dining Etiquette Tips You Can’t Afford to Overlook

25 Oct 2012 By: Diane Gottsman

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!
These dining etiquette tips are sure to keep your dining experience on the right track!

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

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Also, the nice thing about interviewing etiquette experts was they all returned my call. Thanks @Debretts @williamhanson Laura @PolishedManners and @DianeGottsman for bringing some clarity to protocol chaos

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Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, sought after industry leader, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas,
a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training.

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