According to the CDC, more than 161 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated. Understandably, people are anxious to get back to some form of normalcy. After social distancing for over a year and having to order curb service and take out, most people long to reconnect over a meal at a restaurant. As far as dining etiquette goes, most things have remained the same but there are definitely some variations due to the lingering pandemic and, now, the variant, which is still cause for concern. As a dining etiquette expert, here is my advice to help you navigate a night out with your family, a business meal, or a dinner party at someone’s home.
Use the Reservation App
Dropping in for a quick bite at most sit-down restaurants is a thing of the past. Now, you will find long wait times and no available tables without a confirmed reservation. Handle the reservation much like you would an RSVP when it comes to canceling. Don’t forget to officially cancel by phone or the app if you find you won’t be able to use the reserved time.
Stifle Your Sniffles
If you are feeling the slightest bit under the weather, do everyone a favor and stay home. Reschedule your meeting or dinner date for a time when you symptoms are not visible and distracting to others. Even an innocent cough can send the wrong message, and constantly sneezing or dabbing at your nose is an unwelcome distraction. If you must sneeze or blow your nose, excuse yourself from the table and wash your hands. Pulling out a small bottle of sanitizer is not enough for your dinner guests to feel at ease.
Patience is a Virtue
One piece of advice I often share as a dining etiquette expert is to have a small amount of food before attending a business meal or social event. This ensures you won’t be famished and grumpy as you patiently wait for your table. Don’t expect to be seated until your entire table has arrived. This is why it’s important to invite guests who are timely and reliable. Bottle necking at the front door or in the waiting area is no longer an option at most restaurants.
Anticipate Re-Opening Glitches
While restaurants are trying to get back to business, the menu may still be limited and staff may be minimal. Show compassion by being respectful while the establishment works through the kinks to get back to “business as usual.” Don’t fault the server for things beyond their control and make sure to tip respectfully. Everyone is trying their best to navigate this new dining situation, keeping their customers safe, healthy and happy.
Use Common Sense
You may decide you don’t want to unfold your napkin and place your cutlery on the table. The protocol is to put your napkin on your lap when you take your seat. However, if you choose to keep your napkin on the table, shielding the utensils, until the appetizer arrives, do what suits your personal comfort level. Shared plates are another source of contention, and ordering your own meal without feeling obligated to share your favorite entrée with your BFF is perfectly acceptable. You may ask for several small plates to share a dessert but avoid buffets and using universal utensils for now.
Avoid Overstaying Your Welcome
Don’t linger too long after the meal is over. There are fewer tables and staff right now, and your table is considered precious real estate. If you want to visit a while longer, order a round of dessert and a several cups of coffee to keep the service going. As long as the food is flowing you are responsibly singing for your supper. Follow these dining etiquette expert tips for an enjoyable meal with friends and family.
For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like Dining Etiquette Has Changed Due to the Pandemic. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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