2. DINING MANNERS
What is the Difference between Eating and
Dining ?
Dining is an art !
When you eat, you only please the palate.
3. GENERAL DINING ETIQUETTE
Punctuality
Be on time - no one wants to be
kept waiting.
If it is an unavoidable delay, try to
contact the person.
Greeting and Introduction
A good and firm handshake is
important.
5. NAPKIN
Place your napkin on your lap after everyone at your
table has been seated.
Do not open your napkin in mid-air.
When a meal is completed, place your napkin to the
right of your plate - never on the plate.
6. ORDERING
Follow your host's lead.
If you are guest, avoid being
explorative.
Don’t take a long time to
order.
Consider asking your
host/hostess for a
recommendation before
making your decision.
7. SERVING
Wait for everyone at your
table to be served before
beginning to eat.
Eat slowly while waiting
for their food to be
served.
8. UTENSILS
Two acceptable ways to
use the knife and fork:
ContinentalFashion
American Standard
Do not make a fist
around the utensils
Do not use both hands
simultaneously to hold
utensils and cups.
12. THE ‘PASS’
Do not reach across the table for an
item - politely ask the person next to
you to pass.
Pass “community food” such as the
breadbasket, salt and pepper, and
salad dressing to the right.
Pass it with the handle pointing
towards the recipient
13. SOUP & BREAD
When eating soup, think of making a circle: Spoon away
from you, bring around to your mouth and back to the
bowl.
Soup is taken from the side of the soup spoon - it is not
inserted into your mouth.
14. SEASONINGS & SWEETENERS
Always taste your food first before using any seasonings.
Do not assume it needs to be seasoned.
The rule of thumb is no more than two packets per
meal.
15. EATING
Wait for the host to start eating or
to signal you to eat.
Toothpicks should be used
discreetly and in private; not at
the table.
When sharing a plate of chips or
veggies with a dip or sauce with
others, apply the “Single Dip
Rule” - that is, dip only once
17. WINE ETIQUETTE
Sample Before You
Order.
Politely signal the waiter
alone if you don’t want
them.
Don’t go for alcoholic
beverages in a
professional situation.
18. PAYING THE BILL
You should prearrange how the bill is being paid.
If being treated by someone, always thank them.
Remember to tip your waiter appropriately: 15% for
moderate service; 20% for excellent service.