Search Results for "dining etiquette"
September 25, 2014
When you sit down for dinner at a restaurant, do your eyes dart around the table, wondering which bread plate and water glass are yours? Do you wonder when to start eating—or who pays the bill – when dining with a group of people? And then there’s that extra fork! What in the world is it for, you wonder! Have no fear – I can help you master your dining skills and be more confident, whether you’re entertaining business clients or spending time with new friends.
On October 29, I’m hosting a three-hour dining skills workshop that will help you navigate dining etiquette challenges and give you the know-how you need to succeed in today’s business world.
In this dining etiquette workshop you will learn:
- Host and guest of honour duties
- Toasting etiquette
- Napkin know-how
- Various styles of eating: American, Continental & Asian
- How to be silverware savvy
- …and much more
Register before September 30 to take advantage of special pricing!
Learn how to be comfortable and confident in any situation when dining with others, hosting a dinner, or making a toast.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged dining etiquette workshop
April 11, 2013
Today’s blog is a guest post provided by Phoebe Yu.
So you’ve mastered the ancient art of chopsticks-fu, and can order your way out of a dimsum cart. But Chinese dining is more than delicious food and fragrant dishes. Eating together is a highly social activity, which is why dishes are always shared and individual portions don’t exist. The round table and round plates and bowls as well, symbolize harmony and union.
Therefore, it’s good to keep a few things in mind when eating out at a Chinese restaurant, to preserve the social harmony of the dining table.
Here are some dos and don’ts of Chinese dining:
- Do be polite and always think of others before yourself. This is probably the most important rule of thumb that you can stick to, and it is probably the root of all the other rules of Chinese dining etiquette.
- The head of the table sits farthest away from the door or the crowds (in a crowded restaurant).
- Do serve others first before yourself. Once the dishes start arriving, don’t put the food in your plate first, but start by serving the others in your table. In typical Chinese dining fashion, the eldest is normally served first. Same goes when pouring the tea.
- Don’t hoard. You typically take small portions from the communal dishes so that everyone else has a chance to try the food.
- Don’t turn the Lazy Susan while someone else is taking food from the communal dishes, but wait for them to finish. And the Lazy Susan always goes clockwise.
- Don’t use your chopsticks to poke and inspect the food in the communal dishes. Instead, just take the piece or the portion you want and transfer it straight to your bowl.
- Don’t leave your chopsticks standing vertically on your rice bowl, but use the chopstick rest on your table.
- Don’t take the last piece. Instead, offer it to others.
- Do cover your mouth with your hand or napkin when using a toothpick, so that other people don’t see the food stuck in your teeth. However, in North America it is considered impolite to use toothpicks at the table to remove lodged food particles. Instead, excuse yourself and use the restroom.
- Finally, always fight for the bill and offer to pay. However, the Chinese have a perfected system in place when it comes to bill payment. So although one person pays this time, the other will get the bill for the next time. And they usually remember who paid the last time, so the bill payment is fairly rotated among friends.
It’s important to note though, that you won’t be expected to learn all the rules or subtle nuances of Chinese dining etiquette. As long as you stick to these general tips, your next Chinese dining experience should come as a breeze!
About the author: Phoebe Yu is a Vancouver-based writer. To learn more, visit her at: yuphoebe.blogspot.ca
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Posted by Margaret in Dining Etiquette and tagged chinese dining etiquette
March 8, 2012
If you have a business dinner coming up and you want to impress your boss or a potential client, you can avoid dining blunders–and ensure business success at the table–by following these dining etiquette tips.
The Dos
- Do eat something before you go to dine with a client or someone higher in rank in your organization so that you won’t appear too hungry.
- Do avoid talking with your mouth fill. Take small bites, and you’ll find it’s easier to answer questions or join in table talk.
- Do wait until you have swallowed the food in your mouth before you take a sip of your beverage.
- Do remember that with place settings, spoons and knives are on the right and forks are on the left. Solids (food) are always on your left and liquids (beverages) are on your right. An easy way to remember which plate or water glass is yours is to think B.M.W – From left to right it’s bread, meal, water (B.M.W.)
- Do leave your plate where it is when you have finished eating–with the knife and fork in the 10:20 I am finished position. Place the tips of the utensils at 10 o’clock and the handles at 4 o’clock.
- Do look into, not over, the cup or glass when drinking.
- Do butter bread on the plate, never in midair.
- Do remember your posture at the table. Sit up straight, and keep your arms (including elbows) off the table.
- Do leave dropped silver on the floor. Quietly signal the wait staff to bring another piece.
- Do remove an object such as a bone or gristle from your mouth with your thumb and index finger and place it on the rim of your plate.
The Don’ts
- Don’t, in serving, overload your plate.
- Don’t, in eating, overload the fork.
- Don’t mop your face with your napkin.
- Don’t saw the meat in a back and forth motion. Stroke it toward you.
- Don’t touch your face or head at the table.
- Don’t reach across the table or across another person to get something. If it’s out of reach, ask the closest person to pass it to you.
- Don’t pick your teeth at the table, either with a toothpick or with your fingers. If something gets caught in your teeth, excuse yourself and take care of the problem in the privacy of the restroom.
- Don’t push your plate away from you when you’ve finished eating.
- Don’t gesture with your knife, fork, or spoon in your hand. If you’re not using the utensil, put it down.
- Don’t eat your neighbor’s bread or salad. A right-handed person reaches to the left across the dinner plate to eat salad. The bread and butter plate is placed slightly above the salad plate. (Remember, solids [foods] on the left.)
Etiquette knowledge has always been a valuable business tool. Being able to handle yourself well at the dinner table is at least as important as your skills in a boardroom.
“They don’t teach etiquette anymore, but if you ever have to choose between Incredibly Advanced Accounting for Over Achievers and Re- medial Knife and Fork, head for the silverware.” Harvey MacKay
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Posted by Margaret in Dining Etiquette
September 4, 2020
Remember the days when dining out meant socializing, networking, or just enjoying a pleasant experience? These days, our restaurant meals have to be so much more than that — they have to be a safe experience for everyone involved, from patrons to waitstaff to the chefs in the kitchen.
Health and safety has to come first if we’re to beat the virus and keep our beloved restaurants open. A COVID-19 case can shut down an establishment and threaten lives and livelihoods. How can you accept this responsibility while still using your dollars to support your favorite restaurant? As with so much in life, it comes down to etiquette: Show respect for others by following the rules.
Tip #1 – Stay home if you are not feeling well
You might be asking, “Shouldn’t this go without saying?” But after months of staying at home, it’s so easy to write off a little nagging cough or a tickle in your throat for the promise of social interaction and a delicious meal. If you have even the slightest suspicion that your health isn’t 100 percent, stay home.
Tip #2 – Bring your phone
For years, I’ve been advising clients to avoid their phones while dining to remain fully present. But the pandemic has upended even my most hard-and-fast rules! Your phone is now a multi-use tool: You can use it for contact-less payment or to order (we’ll get to that in a second). Just be sure to clean it properly when you get home.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Edge, Etiquette Tips, Everyday Etiquette and tagged Covid-19, Masks, dining, restaurants, QR code reader, sanitizer, pandemic, Corona virus
April 4, 2019
It’s a great time of year to take to the open seas! Before you step on board, here are a few cruise ship etiquette tips to help you and your fellow shipmates create an amazing cruise experience!
Courtesy is Key
Think of your ship like a floating hotel, except with thousands of other people! Every little courteous gesture goes a long way on board. If for example, there’s a line at the elevator, taking the stairs burns off some calories from the chocolate lava cake. If you are a slow walker, have mobility issues or your party has a stroller, move to the right side of the narrow hallway to let others pass by (midship cabins also offer the shortest walk to the elevators).
Catching some downtime in your cabin after an excursion? Speak a little quieter than normal as your neighbours may have the same idea as you!
Formal Gives Way to Chic
Left your ball gown at the cleaners? Not to worry! The dress code on most nights nowadays is Smart Casual and Above. Many cruise ship lines have given Formal Night a modern luxury reboot with Evening Chic night. Men can wear dark jeans with a button-down shirt and blazer and women wear cocktail dresses. Dressier is perfectly fine, but more importantly, feel free to leave the tux and gown at home. Daily programs delivered to your stateroom identify the type of evening planned. You can always check out the dress code online before you embark for more details on cruise ship etiquette. Lastly, swap out your sand-covered flip flops for dress shoes when you head to the dining room.
It’s Food O’Clock
Cruises are known for outstanding buffets and restaurants. Most food, and occasionally alcohol, is already paid for so it’s easy to overindulge, especially since you’re in vacation mode! Remember that too much food or alcohol can enhance the effects of rocky seas and it would be no fun at all to spend your vacation recovering in your cabin. Go ahead and sample items you normally wouldn’t make at home, just remember they won’t run out of food so eat when you are hungry.
Poolside Politeness
Do you enjoy getting laps in early before you head off for a couple eggs bennie? Fantastic – you’ve got lots of pools to choose from! Just make sure you take your towel, flip flops and sunscreen with you afterwards rather leaving them on a chair to seat-save. The next person heading to the pool area will thank you.
Keep An eye on your children
Do you struggle to find activities for your children while on holidays? Most cruise lines have wonderful childrens programs that allow the parents a few hours of fun in the sun while the kids are safe at play. For age appropriate activities, consult the Guest Conduct Policy to find interesting activities for them to do. When not under the supervision of the cruise crew, be sure to keep an eye on your kids so that they are safe and not disrupting other passengers. Cruises are not a vacation from parenting (no matter how good the spa is…)
Timing Is Everything
Cruising means disembarking at exotic ports of call, learning new cultures and treating yourself to new life experiences. You and the other 2,000 people. If you leave the ship when it’s at a port of call, think twice about indulging in another mai tai if you are cutting it close. The ship WILL leave port on time. You don’t want to be that couple that are running down the boardwalk as the ship is pulling away from the dock. Know the time zone you are in so others aren’t waiting for you.
The Tipping Point
Generally speaking, most cruise lines have a set tipping amount that gets automatically added to your account. The amount is a reasonable, per person, per cabin figure and covers the dining staff and cabin steward. Introduce yourself to your stateroom steward. They will help make your cruise memorable, keep your room clean and provide you with any information you require.
For off ship excursions, read what is customary for the countries you are visiting. In countries like Canada and the USA, leaving a tip is the norm. But you might be surprised to learn that in some countries, tipping is not customary, or it is built into the cost of the meal. If you are not sure, better to leave 10% at the minimum to be safe.
Be Social
Take a photo of yourself and your group as your ship is leaving the embarkation port and share it on your social media profiles. Remember to hashtag the name of your ship so others on board can follow. Use this opportunity to ask cruise-related questions, meet new friends and learn about shore excursions. Cruise ships not only suggest it but welcome it!
No matter if this is your first cruise experience, or your 20th, cruising has become a way of life for the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Keeping cruise ship etiquette in mind will make your cruise memorable and fun!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Dining Etiquette, International Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged travel, cruise ship, cruising, cruise etiquette, international
February 6, 2019
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are probably planning a romantic night for your loved one. Valentine’s Day means different things to different people – depending on how long you’ve been together and how serious the relationship is. Traditionally, it means chocolate, flowers or a romantic evening out at an upscale restaurant. This time-honoured tradition can usually fit into most budgets but planning a romantic evening can also be memorable if you consider what your partner really enjoys but does not get to do as often as they like.
Planning a personalized Valentine’s Day outing shows that you took the time to organize a day or night out that is meaningful to them. Cooking his favourite meal with soft music playing in the background is very romantic. Make the evening special by getting dressed up, lighting some candles and setting the table with your best china. Perhaps a picnic in the park with her favourite dishes and a nice bottle of wine followed up by activity she enjoys like cycling or visiting an antique market nearby. Handmade cards and love letters tucked in the picnic basket would be a great hit! E-cards by Hallmark and Blue Mountain are also a good option. Just keep the presents like that new car battery for another occasion!
If you choose to go the traditional
route of dining out, keep these tips in mind:
- Make reservations early: If you have a favourite restaurant
that you would like to take your romantic partner to then don’t wait until the
last minute to book that reservation. Chances are that if it’s your favourite,
then it’s other peoples as well as you don’t want to be caught having nowhere
to share your special evening.
- Be on time: Valentine’s Day is not the time to be
late. Make sure you are on time to pick up your date or be on time at the
restaurant.
- Turn your cell phones off: It goes without saying that you should
always give your date your undivided attention, and most especially on such a
romantic day as Valentine’s Day. Turn your cell phones off—and leave them off
the table–so you’re not tempted to check sports scores during dinner or your
favourite food blog!
- Mind your table manners: As with any time you’re sharing a meal
with someone, be sure to bring along your best table manners. Chewing with your
mouth open or shoveling food into your mouth is NOT romantic. Place your napkin
with the fold towards your body and keep the used side between the fold.
- Fine Dining Knowledge: If you are at a five-star restaurant
for the first time, perhaps check out the menu ahead of time. This is
especially true if it’s a cuisine that you are unfamiliar with or the menu has
items written in French! Not only will you learn about any signature dishes,
but taking that extra step learning how to pronounce the menu items will earn
you extra bonus points with your date and show that you took the time to do so.
- For the men: Remember the simple things, like
opening the door for her, helping her with her coat, and pulling out her chair
for her if the wait staff don’t do it for her.
- Who pays? Many women are still looking for
that knight in shining armor–chivalry is desirable. However, modern etiquette
dictates that whoever extended the invitation should be the one picking up the
tab.
If there is not currently a romantic
partner in your life, you can always participate in this year’s Random Acts of
Kindness Day on Feb 17, 2019 . There are various categories you can choose from to
pass along kindness to others.
Wishing you all a very happy (and romantic) Valentine’s Day! Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day memory you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Valentines Day, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips
October 23, 2014
One of the most fascinating things about traveling is being able to immerse yourself in another culture. The customs, culture, gestures and what is considered their social “norms” are so interesting.
This summer I had the opportunity to travel farther afield than I normally go. I spent nearly a month visiting Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo.
In Tokyo, one of the most densely populated urban centers of the world, there is a definite feeling of respect for one another. A limo coach picked us up from the airport to take us to our hotel. And as the bus pulled away, the three attendants who had loaded our baggage bowed to the bus in perfect synchronicity.
Everything seemed quite orderly from the airport, to the streets to the train stations. Pedestrians wait patiently for the light to change before crossing the street and stay to the left on wide sidewalks to allow others to pass.
When traveling, we are exposed to so many new ways of doing things. And these cultural distinctions are often an improvement to some of the everyday things we encounter at home. A new way to look at something we do out of habit or because that’s how we grew up doing it! Wouldn’t it be great if we could pack some of those “new ways” into our suitcase and incorporate them into our lives at home?
Here are a few of the cultural distinctions I noticed during my visit:
- In North America, when we are given change back from a purchase, the clerk typically places the bills in your hand and then drops the coins on top. Or hands you the bills with the coins on top. Either way it leaves you with your wallet in one hand and the bills and change in another.
How do you get the bills and change in your wallet? And thus begins the juggling. Sometimes you end up tossing the loose change to the bottom of your purse so you can deal with the more valuable bills. And I’ve seen gentlemen shove the whole wad of money into their front pocket.
In Tokyo, there are change trays everywhere. Larger than those used in North American restaurants, the change trays sit on the counter by the cashier ready for you to place your money in. When you’re done the clerk picks up the tray and sorts out the money, makes change in the cash register and places your change nicely back in the tray and sliding it back to you. Then you are free to pick up either your change first or your bills and place them into your purse or wallet systematically. Much handier!
- If you’re dining in Japan, your place setting will always include an oshibori. The moist hand towels are used before meals, and they are presented everywhere—at restaurants, coffee shops, Internet cafes, hotel lobbies, and in homes. Generally, the towels are heated, but during summer months you are often provided a cold towel. We learned that our server was waiting for us to use the oshibori as a signal that we were ready to order. (I’m glad someone pointed that out to us!)
- While in Tokyo I noticed most coffee shops and in small eateries the norm is tables for one. In North America, singleton spots are usually just at a counter or bar. We make the assumption most people come in pairs. Not so in Tokyo. During daytime hours eating alone was more common than not. And people seemed to appreciate being able to enjoy their food or beverage and simply connect with their thoughts.
There is always something we can learn from the way others live their daily lives.
Have you been travelling lately? Was there one thing about the culture that surprised or delighted you?
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Posted by Margaret Page in Everyday Etiquette and tagged cultural etiquette
September 4, 2014
Do the words “job interview” make your heart race and your palms sweat? You’re not alone. Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, preparing for a job interview can unnerve you.
If you have a job interview scheduled, here are some things you can do before, during and after your interview to shake off the nerves and make a positive impression.
BEFORE YOUR INTERVIEW
- Do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company you are interviewing with. Learn about the company’s culture and find out the dress code. If you’re unsure, choose to dress “up” rather than dress “down.”
- Organize your portfolio, and bring along a copy of the job description and a fresh copy of your resume.
- A day or two before your scheduled interview, scope out the location. This will help you determine your travel time, as well as where to park when you arrive.
- Make sure that your car is clean. Sounds odd, I know, but sometimes employers look at how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll manage your job
DAY OF YOUR INTERVIEW
- Choose an outfit that is clean and doesn’t need repair. Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes and extravagant jewelry. Ladies, choose a modest outfit—something that is not too revealing.
- Skip the cologne or perfume. Many people have strong allergies to scents and you d you may be in close quarters with your interviewer.
- Make sure your hands are clean and manicured. If you wear nail polish, go for something understated and neutral.
- Remember this: “To be early is to be on time and being on time is to be late.” Arrive early enough so that you can take a moment to stop by the rest room to check your hair, teeth and clothing.
- Stand up when being introduced to your interviewer. Make eye contact, shake hands (depending on the culture – in North America, palm to palm with two quick pumps.) Greet the person and say how pleased you are to meet him or her. Research shows that that the first impression, or first seven seconds, shapes outcome.
- Follow the interviewer and sit down when you’re invited to do so.
- Never place your handbag or briefcase on the interviewers desk or the conference table. We recommend that ladies bring a clutch and place on lap or behind back on chair.
- Relax. Avoid fidgeting or shaking your leg up and down. Relax, sit up straight and be confident.
- If being interviewed during lunch or dinner, observe all dining etiquette rules. Follow your host’s lead. Avoid ordering alcohol, unless of course you’re being interviewed for a position in an alcohol-related industry.
- Listen carefully to the questions and answer confidently. If you don’t know an answer, be honest and simply say that you don’t know.
AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW
- Within 48 hours of your interview, send a handwritten thank you note to the person who interviewed you. To make it more personal, and make yourself more memorable, refer to an incident that occurred during the interview.
When it comes to job interviews, being prepared and knowing the job interview etiquette tips ahead of time is a great start! Be confident and you will shine!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business Etiquette and tagged job interview etiquette
November 21, 2013
It’s a great time of year to take to the open seas! When you embark on a cruise vacation, don’t forget to pack your manners!
Before you step on board, here are a few cruise etiquette tips to help you — and your fellow shipmates– avoid rocky seas.
Be courteous
You are on a floating hotel, with thousands of people for a week. This is the time to really roll out the manners. If for example, there’s a line at the elevator, take the stairs. When in your cabin, keep your voice down. The walls are thin and your neighbors can hear you! If you are a slow walker, move to the side of the narrow hallway to let others pass by—especially if it’s a rocky night at sea!
Follow the dress code
Check the dress code so you don’t make fashion faux pas. Refer to your ship’s daily program for appropriate attire for the evening’s activities. Many cruise ships have formal nights and on other nights, after 6 pm, many of the ships have specific recommendations on appropriate attire for the evening.
Example: jeans or cutoff shorts are not likely to be appropriate attire in the main dining rooms in the evening. The dress code information for each cruise line is typically available on their website so it’s best to check before you pack so you’re not stuck for something to wear!
Don’t overindulge
Most food, and sometimes alcohol, is already paid for and so it can be easy to overindulge, especially since you’re in vacation mode! Remember that too much food or alcohol can enhance the effects of rocky seas and it would be no fun at all to spend your vacation recovering in your cabin. Additionally, the floors on the ship can become slippery and you wouldn’t want to risk a fall.
Don’t be a seat saver
Saving the lounge chairs by the pool is a no-no in cruise culture, and yet I see it happening every time I take a cruise. Just because you’re the early bird, doesn’t mean it’s polite to pile your towels and sunscreen on a chair and then skedaddle to breakfast. If you’re not using the chair, be polite and leave it available for others.
Keep and eye on your children
If you’re on a family cruise vacation, remember that it’s not going to be a vacation from parenting. Most cruise lines have wonderful children’s programs that allow the parents a few hours of fun in the sun while the kids are safe at play. When not under the supervision of the cruise crew, be sure to keep an eye on your kids so that they are safe. Not only is it unsafe for them to have full reign of the ship, it can disrupt the enjoyment of the other passengers on ship.
Wait your turn
Disembarking the ship when you are at a port of call can be downright frustrating. Everyone wants to get in as much time as they can during the short time ashore. Be patient. It’s all part of the journey, so you may as well just breathe and enjoy it.
Arrive on time
Speaking of disembarking, if you leave the ship when it’s at a port of call, be wary of the time. The ship WILL leave port on time. You don’t want to be that couple that are running down the boardwalk as the ship is pulling away from the dock.
Know what to tip
All ships have their own policies, so be sure you review these before you leave the house. A good rule of thumb is to tip each person who has helped you on the ship – and it’s per person, not per cabin
And don’t forget the three “C’s at sea: Let consideration, courtesy and civility guide you on your journey!
Safe travels!
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Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette and tagged cruise ship etiquette, travel etiquette
June 11, 2013
In the first part of our global etiquette tips series, we talked about the highly publicized cultural faux pas made by Microsoft tycoon, Bill Gates. His one-handed shake “shook up” the Korean culture.
Even if you’re a seasoned traveler – or a billionaire – the most subtle of misunderstandings in cultural differences can cause a stir. Differences in things as simple as office etiquette and opinions on the correct level of business formality can cause tensions.
When doing business globally, it’s important to remember that the expressions we use in the Western world may mean something entirely different in another country. Did you know, for example, that when the Japanese use the expression “sitting near the window,” they are referring to employees the company is retiring?
Here are some other global business etiquette and customs to consider:
In the Middle East, the right hand is the only hand used for eating as the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and is considered unclean. Shaking hands or handing an item to someone with one’s left hand is considered an insult.
When in Greece, Turkey or Bulgaria, note that shaking your head to indicate a negative response means the opposite!
In Japan, it’s best to avoid wrapping gifts in red or white as the as the color is associated with funerals and weddings. In China, red is considered lucky, so a good choice for gift wrapping, but skip the white paper as white is used in funeral and connotes death.
Also note the following dining customs when doing business in Asia:
Don’t rest your chopsticks vertically in your rice bowl. Stowing chopsticks in this way is considered impolite. The sight of two upright chopsticks in a bowl is a harbinger of death as it’s reminiscent of the incense sticks that the Chinese traditionally burn in veneration of loved ones.
If you’re dining with a group of people, a good rule of thumb is to order dishes equivalent to the number of people in your party, plus one. Makes sense as you want to ensure you have enough food. But if you’re in China, and the number of people in your group is an even number, this formula will put you at an odd number of dishes—which is a ‘no-no’ in the country. An odd number of dishes symbolizes death.
Exploring the world, whether for business or for pleasure, is such a wonderful way to be exposed to new and exciting cultures. Before you pack your bags, make an effort to learn a little about the culture and customs of the people you’re visiting. They will value you all the more for your efforts, and you’ll avoid Bill Gates moment!
Would love to hear about your travels. Share with us in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in International Etiquette
