Posts tagged "dining etiquette"
February 6, 2017
Some Valentines Day ideas and etiquette tips that will leave a lasting impression with your sweetie!
- Valentine’s Day is a busy day for restaurants so if you’re planning on taking your date out for a special dinner, make the reservation now. Today. It’s not surprising that all the good restaurants book up far in advance and you don’t want to find yourself running through a drive-thru with your date. That would NOT be romantic, and it may be your very last date. 🙂
- If you’re checking out a new place for dinner, be sure to give some thought to how you’ll get there and where you’ll park. This will avoid being late for your reservation.
- If you’re buying flowers, red roses are classic, but to go the extra mile, consider your loved one’s favorite flower. You’ll definitely gain some points for paying attention if you arrive with a bouquet of her favorites.
- Instead of spending hours sifting through store-bought (often-generic) Valentine’s Day cards, why not create a video message or create a Lovestegram! With a Lovestegram, you can send a Valentine’s Day photo album to your love that is completely personal.
- Just because you’re on a tight budget, doesn’t mean you can’t plan a special evening with your spouse or significant other. Cooking together, 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 and a bouquet of fresh flowers.
- If you’re looking for a special gift that costs very little, consider this handmade treasure. What better way to share how much someone means to you than a “10 Things I Love About You Jar!” Just jot down all the reasons the person is special to you (and it can be more than 10!) and put them in a jar. Fancy it up with some fabric and you will have a personal gift that they will never forget!
If you do plan an evening out at a restaurant, keep your phone turned off, or, at the very least, out of sight. If it’s out of sight, you’ll be less tempted to check it. Many times I’ve witnessed couples, seated at a beautiful table in a nice restaurant, each of them off in their own world – on their cell phones, texting or chatting with someone else! If you’re expecting an urgent call, ask to be excused and take your call away from the table, in privacy.
Another tricky question I get this time of year is around splitting the check – or “going Dutch.” The answer to this is simple, for Valentine’s Day and any time of year, “Whoever does the asking, does the paying.” And if you have a coupon deal, best to save that for a night out with your friends.
Lastly, bad manners are a big turn-off, so be very mindful of your manners from the moment you greet your date. Chewing with your mouth open, talking with your mouth full, and shoveling your food into your mouth will not impress. Men, keep the simple things in mind: opening the door for your date, pulling out her chair if the wait staff doesn’t do it for her. Courtesy and respect will never go out of style.
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 in Everyday Etiquette and tagged manners, dining etiquette, Valentine's Day etiquette, courtesy
April 7, 2014
I’m a huge fan of OpenTable, for so many reasons. You can search for a specific restaurant to make a reservation, or key in an area to find restaurants that have availability for a specific day and time. You can also tailor your search by price and cuisine, and get a preview of special offers around specific holidays.
For sales people meeting with clients for business lunch or dinner meetings, this makes it so much easier to ensure that the client receives all the information they need prior to the meeting. Once you book the reservation, a confirmation is sent to your email and you can then just forward the details to the client.
I use the OpenTable app all the time and it’s great for finding those unique restaurants that you may not know existed. When I was in Toronto for a speaking engagement I was planning lunch with a friend who I know liked interesting experiences. I checked OpenTable and found a chocolate and tea place nearby. And what a cool place it turned out to be! The restaurant was decorated in a modern style, but with a twist. On the walls was a collection of beautiful antique teapots and the glass display case was filled with Technicolor macarons and other delectable goodies!
If you’re trying to make an impression, or want to share a unique dining experience with a friend or a client, OpenTable saves you time and allows you to discover hidden dining treasures. It takes going to a restaurant out of the realm of something you “need” to do and makes it much more delightful.
OpenTable is also testing out another feature that I think will be a huge hit with diners. They recently launched a pilot program in San Francisco that enables you to pay your bill via the OpenTable iPhone app. After you book your reservation you’re asked if you’d like to pay for your meal using the app. If you agree, you simply scan your credit card using the app and your card remains on file. At the end of your meal, just open the app to see your bill. This new feature takes the guesswork out of how much to tip, as well. Just tap a button for 15 percent, 20 percent, or higher – and you’re done. A receipt is then sent to you so you can keep it for your records.
Another benefit? You can earn dining rewards points when you make (and honor) reservations made through OpenTable. Get paid to dine out? Now that’s pretty cool!
Of note: It’s even more important than ever to keep the reservations you’ve booked through OpenTable – or cancel them if your plans change. If you rack up “no-show,” your account will be banned.
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Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged dining etiquette, OpenTable
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
September 12, 2011
I was married for 23 years and when I was first separated I felt very uncomfortable about dining alone. Just asking for a “table for one” –never mind sitting alone at the table—was enough to put me into a tizzy. I imagined everyone was looking at me . . . and feeling sorry for me because I was eating ALONE! Even if they weren’t looking, there was this feeling that they were.
In those days I opted to eat alone at home instead, but as I needed to travel more, I had just two choices: eat in a restaurant or go hungry! At times I would have been better off to go hungry. Sometimes I just felt so out of place.
May I Serve You?
I’ve discovered that restaurants typically take two approaches to single women, if it’s not business as usual. Either women alone are seated at a poor table, or they are treated extremely well.
In many restaurants, if you’re a woman dining alone and you ask for the table by the window–you’re certain to be told that it’s reserved. On those occasions when you discover one of those restaurants that DO treat solo diners well, you’ll find that they go out of their way to make you feel more comfortable–even bringing you the latest newspaper to read! (Now THIS is a place I’m telling my women friends about because that’s what we do – share information!)
Do’s and Do’s of Dining Alone
Here are a few do’s for dining alone to help ease any discomfort:
- Do call and make a reservation (even for one!). Request a table with a view of the room (not hidden away in a corner by the kitchen!)
- Do bring along your iPad (I do!) or Kindle. It’s a great time to read or write.
- Do dress up. Even though you’re not accompanied by a date, you can still show it off! It feels good to look good!
- From time to time it’s OK to look at other diners …. And even smile!
- Do leave your cell phone in the car or turned off in your handbag. Enjoy your own company. And let others around you enjoy their conversations without listening to you chatting on the phone. They say if you can’t have a romantic dinner by yourself than you can’t have one with someone else either!
- Eat slowly. Take your time and enjoy the evening. How often do you get uninterrupted reflection time?
The last piece of advice is this: “Remember the tip – and make it a good one.”
People that work in restaurants claim that men are better tippers. My friend Heather thinks women are just more practical. We can’t be swayed by a great set of legs! I think women are really just better at gauging how well wait staff are doing. If we tip well, we are fans, and we will tell everyone we know—probably for years and years!
Are you a woman who dines out alone? Do you have any tips you can share that will help others feel more comfortable? Share in the comments below!
Bon appétit!
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Posted by Margaret in Dining Etiquette and tagged dining etiquette, restaurant etiquette, women dining alone
May 4, 2011
I’m back in Canada now, after spending 3 (wonderful) weeks in The Netherlands. I didn’t get to take as many pictures as I would like, but this picture of me eating the herring I had just purchased from a street vendor got me thinking about how unique each culture is when it comes to specific etiquette “rules.”
The Dutch, for example, take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect you do the same. If you’re going to be late for a business meeting while in The Netherlands, I suggest you call ahead with an explanation as to why you’re delayed. And if you have to reschedule, don’t be disappointed if it takes you weeks to arrange another meeting. The Dutch lead busy lives and have full agendas.
In The Netherlands, food doesn’t play the major role in hospitality, in comparison to other cultures. It’s not considered essential to serve a meal to a guest as a way to make them feel welcome. If you are invited for a meal, be sure to take a small portion of food to begin with. If a second portion is offered, it’s polite to accept.
Keep your hands on the table at all times – never on your lap during a meal. But, like your mother probably told you when you were a kid, “Keep your elbows off the table.”
It’s proper etiquette in The Netherlands to use a knife and fork to eat all foods, including pizza, sandwiches, and fruit. But then, that brings me back to the picture of me eating the herring with my hands, now doesn’t it?
There are street vendors in the squares and along the bridges at the canals, and in most towns selling herring. It’s quite the thing in The Netherlands. Wherever you find groups of people congregating, you can be sure there is a fish wagon nearby.
The raw herring is deboned by skilled fish handlers. The skin and tail is removed and the fish is served with raw onions on a paper plate. The Dutch way to eat the fish is to pick it up by the tail, tilt your head back and let the fish slide into your mouth. So, that’s what I did!
I love exploring what other cultures have to offer. Being open to our cultural differences, and embracing their customs is a great way to learn more about each other. And eating raw herring on a street (sprinkled with onion, of course) is the way to do in the Netherlands!
You know what they say…”When in The Netherlands…”
Have you experienced a cultural tradition you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments below!
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Posted by Margaret in International Etiquette and tagged dining etiquette, business etiquette, cultural manners, cultural traditions, International protocol, multi-cultural etiquette, multicultural manners, pickled herring, The Netherlands
March 18, 2011
I came across an article the other day that reminded me of an etiquette question that I get asked all the time.
Question: “When you invite someone out to lunch, are you supposed to pick up the tab?” (The answer to this question might surprise you!)
Answer: If you invite someone to lunch or dinner, you should always expect to pay.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a business lunch or dinner with an old friend the same etiquette rules apply. You invite. You pay.
You wouldn’t invite a friend to your home for supper and expect her to bring their share of food with them, would you? Bringing a bottle of wine to dinner is nice gesture (and much appreciated by every hostess I’ve ever met), but even when you’re entertaining at home, you should expect to foot the costs for the entire evening. Be prepared! Don’t assume your guests will show up with your favorite bottle of Cabernet or a plate full of gourmet brownies.
Now that I’ve shared the “you invite, you pay” rule of good manners, I’ll share an exception. If you and your girlfriends regularly “do lunch,” with an understanding of how the bill is split, you are not expected to foot the bill EVEN if you chose where to meet for lunch.
Now, I’m dying to know. Do you agree with the answer? Do you pick up the tab when you’ve invited your neighbor to lunch? Love to hear your thoughts. Share in the comments below!
Do you have an etiquette question for Miss Maggie? Feel free to post your question below and we’ll share the answer in a future post!
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Posted by Margaret in Ask Miss Maggie and tagged etiquette tips, good manners, dining etiquette
