Business Dinner Manners Done Right

<section class="wp-block-reyrey-js-section"><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-column"><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">When was the last time you thought about proper dinner etiquette – certainly not in the dining hall or when you and your roommates order take-out, right?</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">I can tell you my first time of having to use proper dinner etiquette in the “real world” came unexpectedly during a business trip. As a new employee, I was excited to travel to a new place and interact with colleagues and customers. I was feeling more and more confident as the trip carried on.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">At the peak of my confidence, I attended a formal dinner at a <a href="http://www.reyrey.com/roadtoresults/roadshows_home.asp" target="_blank">road show</a> the company was hosting. “Nothing to sweat” I thought before I entered the dining room. All I needed to do was follow what everyone else did. How hard could it be to put a napkin on your lap and chew with your mouth closed anyway?</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">I quickly found two problems with this theory. First, unless you already know what to do with three forks, two glasses and an extra plate on the side – putting a napkin on your lap is not going to help you. Second, I was seated next to a customer. That only increased my nervousness. The situation made me feel like I had the solo on center stage and just forgotten my lines. It really surprised me how much being unprepared for this experience impacted my confidence.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">If I were to go back and do it all again, I would have brushed up on formal dining etiquette before the trip. Granted, the first time doing anything can make you uneasy, but it’s also a matter of knowing what to expect. You don't have to be able to name all of the utensils, just know which ones to pick up first and when.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Some tips for a formal dinner:</span></div><ul class="List-Container undefined"><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>If there is a host or hostess, follow their lead. They will indicate when you should sit as well as when to start eating.</div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>Place your napkin on your lap. It is considered customary, and has the added benefit of protecting your clothes!</div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>If multiple courses are offered, there may be multiple sets of silverware. Rule of thumb is to start from the outside and work your way in. Each course will use a fresh set of silverware. Dessert silverware may be hiding out above your plate.</div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>If plates of food are being passed, always pass to the right. Only use the serving utensils provided, never your own personal silverware.</div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>If there are waiters bringing out each plate, they should serve you from your left. Be prepared when plates are incoming.</div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div>It is generally considered polite to wait until everyone has been served. If you're at a larger event with multiple tables, wait until the entire table has their food.</div></li></ul></div></section>