Dining etiquette is a set of rules that govern proper behavior at the table when eating at home or in a restaurant. Some key elements of dining etiquette include seating positions at the table, understanding the proper table setting and order of utensils, eating slowly and with good posture, using napkins correctly, avoiding cell phones and controversial topics during meals, and expressing gratitude to the host after the meal. Dining etiquette helps make a good impression at business meals and social occasions.

1. DINING ETIQUETTE
PRESENTED BY: PRESENTED TO:
DATE:

2. BACKGROUND
 DINING ETIQUETTE IS AN AREA OF ETIQUETTE WHICH PERTAINS TO DINING, WHETHER AT HOME OR OUT IN A
RESTAURANT.
 ETIQUETTE IN GENERAL IS A SERIES OF SUGGESTIONS AND RULES FOR BEHAVIOR WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO
ENSURE THAT PEOPLE BEHAVE CONSISTENTLY AND WITHIN THE NORMS OF POLITENESS.
 MANY PEOPLE RECEIVE SOME ETIQUETTE EDUCATION AS THEY GROW UP FROM FAMILY MEMBERS AND
TEACHERS, AND IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO TAKE CLASSES WHICH PROVIDE INSTRUCTION IN ETIQUETTE.
 IN SOME COMMUNITIES, IT IS TRADITIONAL TO TAKE CLASSES, OFTEN IN PREPARATION FOR A DEBUT INTO
SOCIETY.
 THERE ARE SEVERAL KEY ELEMENTS OF DINING ETIQUETTE AND THEY ARE FURTHER EXPLAINED IN SLIDES
BELOW.

3. INTRODUCTION
 Dining etiquette is a set of rules and
customs that control accepted behavior
in particular social groups or social
situations, especially when dining out or
in a formal setting.
 Dining etiquette is essential for making a
favorable impression at both
lunch/dinner interviews as well as in
social business situations.

4. SEATING
 Knowing where to sit at the table is
important.
 At a business meal, men and women seat
themselves. However, it's wise to ask an
older female, whose standards may be of
a previous era, if she would like her chair
held.
 It's never wrong to ask any woman, "May
I hold your chair" Nowadays, everyone
agrees that holding the door for the next
person is still a nice gesture.
 Sit about 2 flat hands away from your
stomach away from the table.
 The host or the most senior person
usually takes the head of the table.

5. TABLE SETTING
 Understanding the proper table setting
helps you navigate through the meal.
 Utensils are placed in order of use, from
the outside in.
 When presented with a variety of eating
utensils, remember the guideline to
"start at the outside and work your way
in".
 For example, if you have two forks,
begin with the fork on the outside. Wait
for everyone to be served before
beginning to eat.

6. EATING
 Eat slowly and cut only a few small bites of
your meal at a time.
 Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk
with food in your mouth.
 Pass food items to the right.
 Do not order the most expensive item from
the menu, appetizers, or dessert, unless your
host encourages you to do so.
 While it is best not to order alcohol even if
the interviewer does, alcohol, if consumed,
should be in moderation.
 Avoid ordering items that are messy or
difficult to eat (i.e. spaghetti, French onion
soup).

7. POSTURE
 Maintaining good posture at the table
shows respect and attentiveness, so good
posture must be practiced.
 If not eating, place your hands in your lap
or rest your wrists on the edge of the
table.
 The no-elbow-on-the-table rule applies
only when you're actually eating, but not
when you're conversing.
 Whenever your utensils aren't in hand, it's
OK to put your elbows on the table and
lean forward slightly, It shows you're
engaged.

8. NAPKIN
 Place your napkin in your lap
immediately upon seating.
 If there is a host or hostess, wait for them
to take their napkin from the table and
place it on their lap.
 Please, don't tuck your napkin into your
collar, between the buttons of your shirt,
or in your belt.
 If you need to leave the table for a few
moments, put your napkin on your chair.
 When you are finished with your meal
and preparing to leave, loosely fold and
place your napkin on the table.

9. CELL PHONES
 In social business situations, it is polite to
keep your cell phone on silent or vibrate
mode.
 You can simply avoid using your phone
during the meal. Thus, say no to cell
phones.

10. CONVERSATIONS
 Engage in polite and appropriate
conversations during the meal.
 Avoid controversial topics and focus on
getting to know others.
 Make good eye contact.
 Don't forget to introduce yourself to the
host/hostess and don't interrupt
conversations.

11. GRATITUDE
 After the meal, express gratitude to the
host or the person who invited you.
 Send a thank-you note or email within 24
hours.