Dining Etiquette

Valentine’s Day Savoir-Faire

Posted on by admin
dining etiquette
26
Dec

Valentine’s Day evokes love and sweetness in our hearts. It’s a time for romantic dinners, champagne, and truffles.

Part of the romance of dining is impressing your date with proper table manners. The way you behave while dining is a reflection of your character, charisma, and competence.

Years ago, I was invited to Valentine’s Day dinner by a charming colleague. I enjoyed his engaging conversation and humor as we awaited our meal. Within minutes of receiving bread, the date soured.

Cutting bread, he palmed the whole loaf. Yuck…food faux pas! Then, he double-dipped the bread into our shrimp garlic olive oil appetizer and placed his dirty napkin on the table.

dining etiquette

Shaking my head, I wanted to scream, “Why are you touching and double-dipping the bread!” Good manners prevailed since he didn’t know better.

So the story ends…I never dined again with this colleague despite numerous requests. We were so socially disconnected, it was like watching two ships passing in the night.

Make your Valentine’s Day Sweet by following these savoir-faire tips:

  • Arrive on time for dinner reservations. If you are meeting your date, arrive 15 minutes early to survey the restaurant and make adjustments.
  • Don’t place your cell phone, keys, purse, or case on the dining table. It’s rude and unsanitary. Silence or Turn Off your cell phone.
  • Keep your napkin in your lap until it’s time to leave the table. Don’t wipe your mouth, face or table with your napkin. Never spit food into your napkin.
  • Don’t pick your teeth, floss, blow your nose, or take medication at the table.
  • Don’t place used silverware on the tablecloth. If you drop utensils, don’t pick it up. Ask the waiter for clean silverware.
  • Ladies: Don’t put lipstick on at the table. Gentlemen: Don’t sling your tie over your shoulder or tuck your napkin in your shirt. Bibs are for babies.
  • The person who extended the invitation pays the bill, including gratuity. The standard tip is 18% of the total bill and 20% or upward for “fine dining” restaurants.
  • Express gratitude and thank your date for a lovely evening. It’s the thought that counts.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Click Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette to learn delightful dining etiquette tips, social graces, and table manners to help you comfortably interact in a business or social setting, boosting your self-confidence, savvy, and leadership skills. In today’s business world, more and more business is conducted over restaurant tables than boardrooms. Part of the professional process is being able to understand proper table etiquette and how to present oneself in a sophisticated and proper manner while eating.
Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette is required course material for Austin Community College Hospitality Management Program.
Shawn E. Gilleylen is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. She is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm specializing in business etiquette training and workplace communication. Shawn helps businesses ensure best practices become standard procedures which result in enhanced customer experience, efficient operations, and higher profitability. Shawn keynotes at conferences, conducts etiquette trainings/workshops, and one-on-one coaching.
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