Good table manners can help you to best represent yourself at a business luncheon, holiday party or even a relative’s home. On the other hand, poor manners at the dinner table will reflect badly on yourself and the company, organization or family you represent. That’s why it is essential to know the generally accepted expectations surrounding your upcoming mealtime event. In this post, I’ll give some valuable specifics that you can immediately implement at your next important function.
Navigating the Table with Poise: Tips for Success
- The host or person who invited you to dinner or the event should always be the first one to begin eating, to lead everyone to the table etc.
- In a personal setting, pull out the chair for your host. In a business setting, open the door for your host but do not pull out his or her chair.
- Check on dietary restrictions.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Know your utensils and how to use them.
- Remember where plates and glasses should be placed on the table.
- Always break bread with your hands.
- Know the resting positions of your utensils.
- Never stack dishes on top of each other.
- Never ask for a “to go box” unless dining with close friends or family.
- Please and thank you are a must and you should never complain about the food.
- When dining in a business setting, remember, you are not attending for the food.
- Guys — button your coats.
- When you are a guest in someone’s home, always take a gift for the host.
- When you participate in a business dinner or are the guest of a charity event, always write a Thank You note.
- It never hurts to place a Thank You call, but never thank by text or email.
- When you have a job interview, always write a Thank You note to the company after the interview.
- When dining with grandparents, relatives or family, take the time to say Thank You or leave behind a note of thanks.
- Do not be afraid to ask the waiter to explain a dish on the menu.
- When you do not know, ask!
- Sit straight in your chair.
- Never put your cell phone on the table.
- Elbows may be placed on the table before food is served, but not afterwards.
- Indigestion is not an appropriate topic for dinner conversation.
- If you cannot chew a food item, slide it back onto your fork and place it on your dinner plate.
- Rolls always should be broken into bite-sized pieces.
- Pizza should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Fried chicken should be eaten with a knife and fork.
- Spaghetti is eaten by winding it around a fork and pushed against a large spoon. If a spoon has not been provided, ask for one.
- Hold a stemmed water glass by the bowl, not the stem.
- Salt and pepper are passed together.
- Never play with your food or utensils.
- Always thank the host for the meal.
- Never leave the table unless absolutely necessary.
- For females, always wear a closed-toe shoe in business settings.
- It is best practice to dress more formally than what is expected.
- Keep a mirror, tissue and lipstick in your purse. I also recommend a small toothbrush.
- Return all text and emails within 48 hours.
- Above all, respect your family. If they call or text and you are busy, send a text or email to schedule another time. This is respect! Many times, grandparents are kept out of the loop. Above all, respect with response.
- Personnel matters should never be discussed at the dinner table.
- Make sure any person you are texting understands your abbreviations.
- Always ask questions.
- Always answer the phone with “Hello, this is ________”.
- Never eat while on the phone.
- End all phone calls with Thank You.
- Never write anything on an email or text that you would not want published for the public to see. Live righteously!
- Ask before you borrow anything and always return it.
- Do not use your parents as a resource for a bank or cleaning service.
- Always stand when anyone enters your home.
- The rules for giving up your seat in a business or airplane setting:
- The elderly
- The handicapped
- A pregnant woman
- A mother with a small child
- Anyone who seems to be having difficulty standing.
Need an Expert to Assist You with Table Manners or Etiquette Classes for Adults?
Lisa Burdette is a Dallas, TX Etiquette Expert who has coached individuals, corporate teams and business professionals. Lisa’s training in social skills, table manners, workplace etiquette etc will set you up for success in 2024.
But wait, there’s more. In addition to business etiquette, The Dallas School of Etiquette also helps parents by offering “manners for kids” classes so children can learn how to properly behave in society while young.
Looking for a custom solution for your business or school? Lisa loves to customize her classes to meet her client’s needs. Send a message via our Contact page to request your private or group session with our etiquette expert today!
