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.

Spring Dining Etiquette Suggestions

20 Feb 2023 By: Diane Gottsman

Hints of Spring’s arrival are slowly emerging—it officially begins March 20—and the warmer weather opens up all sorts of dining possibilities. If you’re looking forward to a special meal, whether fine dining or something more casual, knowing what to expect will make you feel more comfortable and confident at the table. Here are a few Spring “Dining Etiquette Must Knows” to take with you.

Spring Dining Etiquette | Rose buds on a blue luncheon plate in a dining room decorated for spring

Spring Dining Etiquette Suggestions

Make a Reservation

Any time of the year it’s best to use an app or place a call to make a reservation for a particular time slot. If you have to cancel or are running late, don’t forget to let the restaurant know of your change of plans. Believe it or not, they might remember that you were the one who held a table and “no showed” the next time you visit their quaint little bistro on the corner.

Arrive Early to Confirm the Table

Getting to the restaurant too early is not recommended, but a few minutes before your reservation to confirm your table is located where you requested (indoors or out) is always suggested. Ask for a table away from the front door, the kitchen, and the restroom where there is high traffic and more commotion. Give your guest the best seat by allowing them to look into the center of the room, rather than facing a wall.

Savor Seasonal Flavors

Mixed salad leaves with berries, avocado and honey-mustard dressing

You probably know by now I am a tea lover, and Spring is a lovely time to sip something floral or fruity. Rose petal, lavender, hibiscus and cherry set the tone for a beautiful day. When filling your plate, ask your server for their in-season recommendations. In Texas, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, pomelos and more are ready to be enjoyed. Don’t shy away from trying something new.

Wear Your Favorite Color

Did you know there is research that suggests wearing colorful clothing can actually improve your mood? I always knew that orange lifted my spirits! It’s called Dopamine dressing and it’s a bit more scientific than I am explaining, but it has to do with associations, driven by personal and cultural experiences. It’s a good conversation starter! Even if you are not going out someplace “fancy,” make the evening special by choosing an outfit that will boost your spirits. Fun and laughter are contagious.

Know the B – D Rule and Other Dining Tips

Feeling confident that you know how to set a table also means you will recognize where your bread plate and water glass are placed. A few simple rules will allow you to enjoy your meal without wondering if you are doing something wrong at the table.

Here are a few table tips:

  • The guest orders first but the host should be ready to make a few menu suggestions to allow the other person to know the limits of their hospitality.
  • Alert server of serious allergies.
  • Remove the lemon from the side of the glass.
  • Practice your wine glass wisdom – hold all stemmed glasses, both red and white, with 3 or 4 fingers, by the stem.
  • Hold and use the utensils properly – index finger lined with the spine of the knife and fork.
  • Use the Rest and Finish signal, even if the server is not familiar.
  • Pass the salt and pepper together.
  • Gristle is removed with left hand, index finger and thumb, covered by right hand and foreign object is placed discreetly on the plate.
  • Do not blow or sniff into your napkin.
  • Refer to the staff member assisting you at the table as a server, not a waiter. The term is more respectful.
  • Tip generously. The standard is between 15 to 20%, err on the side of more than less.

Use Cellphone Courtesy

For a couple of hours, concentrate on the person seated directly in front of you. Turn your phone off or set it to silent mode. If you have children, of course, you will have to check it periodically, but don’t make it the center of your attention when dining out. Make thoughtful conversation and aim to make a favorable impression on your table mate, even if you have been married for 20 years!

Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

An hour and a half to two hours is standard for a special dining experience. On a busy night, you may feel a bit rushed as the restaurant has booked your table for the next reservation. After you have paid the bill, lingering too long is impolite. On the other hand, if you are still ordering food and drink, you should enjoy your meal to the end without feeling rushed. Once the bill has been paid, however, it’s time to wrap it up within ten or so minutes to be considerate of fellow guests who are anxiously waiting.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

You may also like The Etiquette of When You Should—And Shouldn’t—Send Food Back at a Restaurant. See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost. 

Signature

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.