Latest "Dining Etiquette" Posts
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
November 23, 2019
During the #Christmas holidays, my high school girlfriends (yes, high school) and our spouses get together for a holiday party. We rotate homes with each couple taking a turn at holiday hosting every five years. When I say ‘hosting’ I mean the host prepares a main dish and the rest bring sides. Easy-peezy, right? When Lesley’s turn rolls around, she starts to hyperventilate just thinking about hosting. What main course could she cook for 10 people — especially with two-months notice?
Hosting a seasonal holiday party for your high school gang should cause zero stress. Being best buds for 40 years means you ought to be able to serve leftover lasagna from five days ago and everybody will still love you! Below are four ways to make sure the dinner is stress free for the host and comfortable for the holidays guest.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Christmas, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips and tagged Christmas, holiday, party planning, hosting, party, dinner party
October 15, 2019
Weddings are probably the most common event where #toasting etiquette comes into play. The emcee, the groom, the best man, the person toasting the bride and even from the bride herself may give toasts. We’ve heard them all, from exceptional toasts to the worst toasts. My work associate told me about her wedding 26 years ago when the best man stood up to toast the bridesmaids. “The bridesmaids look lovely and the food was good.” Wow, OK. Not the worst toast I have ever heard, but certainly not the most exceptional or memorable.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Business, Personal development, Uncategorized, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips, Wedding Etiquette and tagged toasting etiquette, wedding, Toasting, emcee
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 26, 2018
I work with many clients in China and India, two powerhouse markets that celebrate holidays on a different calendar than those of us in North America. I always try to stay on top of international holidays — not only is it a wonderful conversation point, but I enjoy learning about other cultures through their major festivals and events.
Wading into these holidays can be a bit tricky for the uninitiated. In India alone,
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Edge, Etiquette Tips, International Etiquette and tagged courtesies, culture, cultural awareness
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
November 16, 2012
When it comes to tipping, even the most seasoned travelers can be unsure. What you believe to be a generous tip can be perceived as an insult in certain countries. And in still others, offering a gratuity can be construed as rude.
Knowing when to tip and how much to tip can be a bit of a struggle if you’re unprepared. Before you embark on your holiday excursion abroad, take a few moments to review these “around the globe” tips on tipping.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, never leave a tip on a credit card. Your server may or may not necessarily receive it.
In France, the locals usually tip up to 10 percent when dining out—in addition to standard service charges noted on their bill. Visitors, however, are not expected to tip unless the service is excellent.
In most parts of the U.K., service charges are included. If not, then a 10 to 15 percent tip is appreciated. If you are “regular” in the pub, it’s not unusual to say to your bartender “Take one for yourself,” when you are paying for your drinks (ie. Pour one for yourself and add it to my bill.). In the past, the bartender would probably have replied, “Don’t mind if I do,” and joined you in a beer. Today, he would likely have a coke or take the cash and put it in a beer mug next to the cash register!
In Switzerland, most places include a 15 percent service charge on the bill. No additional tip is expected, but in fancier restaurants, or if you receive excellent service, leaving an additional small tip is acceptable.
When dining in Germany, adding a 10-15 percent tip to a food or bar bill is customary.
In Italy, leaving a tip as close to 10 percent is acceptable, but no more.
At restaurants in Turkey, a 10 percent cash tip is appreciated.
In Australia, it’s customary to leave a 10 to 15 percent tip for good service.
In the Middle East, those who provide services tend to reach out for a tip more often, but its customary to tip in small amounts.
In Dubai, you’ll find a 10 percent service charge tacked onto your bill at hotels, restaurants and bars. Typically the tip is divided among the staff.
In Egypt, expect to pay an additional 5 to 10 percent on top of the 5 to 10 percent charge that is already built into the bill. Dollars are often the preferred currency.
At restaurants in Israel, the tip is typically included in the bill, but it’s customary to add a few shekels to the total bill. At your hotel, tip the concierge a shekel or two if the service is excellent; and expect to pay six shekels per bag for porters and four shekels per day for housekeepers.
When dining out in Argentina, it’s customary to round up and add a 10 percent tip. Dollars are recommended and it’s a good idea to keep a lot of change in your wallet as restaurants and shops are not keen on breaking bills.
In Brazil, no additional tips are expected in restaurants, as it’s included in the 10 percent fee.
If you’re dining out in Mexico, be sure to have cash on hand as it’s the preferred method for tipping. Ten to 15 percent is customary. Dollars are accepted, but pesos are preferred.
In South Korea, the only tip expected of tourists is for your hotel porter. Tip the usual $1 per bag.
Travelers to Japan and China are not expected to tip at all—except for in Hong Kong where a 10 percent tip is acceptable. Leaving a tip can be construed as offensive in these countries as it implies that the employee is undervalued by their employer.
Knowing the etiquette for tipping when traveling abroad will save you time, money and maybe even a little embarrassment!
Sources: Conde Nast Traveler; Mint.com.
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Posted by Margaret in Dining Etiquette and tagged dining etiquette, tipping 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
March 5, 2012
Do you wish that you were one of those people who could deliver a clever toast at the drop of a hat? Do you resist the urge to stand and offer a toast because you aren’t sure of the proper etiquette and protocol?
Composing and delivering a toast that is eloquent, poignant, heartfelt or even witty can be a challenge. The ability to deliver a toast is an art. Mastering the ability can turn the simplest occasion into a memorable event.
There are many kinds of toasts but to keep it simple we’re going to focus on the three traditional toasts. They are:
- The welcome toast: Delivered by the host at the beginning of an event.
- The event toast: Delivered by the host or MC acknowledging the guest of honor, event, or occasion. This toast is generally given at dessert of immediately after.
- The thank you toast: Delivered by the guest of honor demonstrating appreciation to the host.
If you want to lift your glass, but are fearful of committing a faux pas, follow these few pointers:
- When giving a toast at a large table, always stand.
- Never tap the side of your glass with a utensil to get attention.
- The host is the one to start the process. If there is a guest of honor, after the host has made the toast about the occasion, the guest of honor may rise and respond with a toast to thank the host.
- Follow the four 4B’s for delivering a successful toast: be prepared, begin, be brief, and be seated.
- Don’t touch your glass while you are being toasted. This is the equivalent of congratulating yourself.
- Do not turn your glass downward if you’re a non-drinker. It is perfectly acceptable to toast with water or any other non-alcoholic beverage.
- And last, but not least: Sip, don’t guzzle.
There are so many occasions where a toast is appropriate and engaging. If you know you’re attending a special occasion, it helps to be prepared. Write down what you intend to say. Keep it short and practice delivering the toast out loud until you feel comfortable and confident giving it.
A well-delivered toast is a gracious gesture that can make a simple moment special.
“No toast except his own should last longer than 60 seconds.”
– Mark Twain
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Posted by Margaret in Dining Etiquette
