general ettiquete tips for dinner?

Question

i just need to know something that I might be missing in ettiquete

Answer 1

What to wear? THere is n othing wrong with calling your hostess, (not host - Hostess), and asking about attire - and really LISTEN to what she says - better to err on the up side of fashion that the down side. Business casual is usually appropraite for informal gatherings for men - dockers & sport coat - and loafers. Women sweater, & pretty blouse, pants or skirt - (Wear something that makes you look good - and feel GREAT!!! - and COMFORTABLE!!! - same for shoes too.

OK. If you are going to be a table guest at someones home as a single male or as the male in a couple, it is customary to bring a gift of wine or sherry or port. Do not expect that your homage will be served at the evenings repast, as the table wines will most surely already have been selected to compliment the evenings dining courses.

If you are a single lady or the female half of a couple a simple bouquet of seasonal fdlowers iand greens in a florist horn is a customary gift to the hostess.. Again do not expect to see your floral offering in the dining room, perhaps in a sitting area or and ante area where you will all gather for after dinner cocktails and dessert later.

Arrive on time. " Fashionably Late" is annoying, and insulting to a chef planning a 6 course meal around fresh pate' de fois grasse, lobster bisque soup with white truffes, a safron laced salad of white asparagus tips braised sea scallops, a raspberry sorbet with triple chocolate mouuse, a n entree' of squab poached in peach & kiwi sauce with roasted peppers, and mulberry pulenta & creme fresh. (It's not like you can just turn down the heat on the pot pies from 350 to 275, until the Anderson's show up. So if you want to be invited back, be on time.

If Nothing is said with regard to cocktails, assume your host is pouring, but (BYOB) just to be safe - and check with your date - and make sure to bring along whatever she likes so that you don't end up making a booze run in the middle of the evenings festivities. Leve your liquor in the car boot, and if the quiestion come up, or it's obvious that every one else brough their own spirits, you can always excuse yourself, apologize to you partner of the evening with a " Pardon me Dear I forgot the libation in the Car", I'll be right back". Face saved, - Huzzahs all 'round. (God all this is a bloddy burden isn't it?)

Right so before dinner is the usual milling about the host and Hostess' Manse - complimenting them on the ole pile, the lovely art, sipping on sherry or ale or some such nasty rot, - or perhaps weak coffee, God love the host who has a beer in a fridge down stairs in the bar. You make polite conversation, and usually end up in one of the rookms that your directed to, (usually not the kitchen - which is larger that your apartment - and also occupied by more people that you know). If you want to continue sleeping with the lovely lady you brought , becuase you really didn't want to do this alone, DO NOT abandone her to the "Ladies" for the evening, she may have more in common with the men - anyway stick by her side - unless SHE cuts YOU loose.

Anyway. At table, men seat women to either side of them first. If the gathering is very large, and you are sitting at assigned tables in assigned seats - with name plates at each position, (Of course), the males should introduce themselves to the women fiorst, and then intro duce the women to each other,

Many of the Rules of ediiquette come from the middle ages, from the Frech Court at Versailles, among others. You can see the reason behind many of the customary etiquette rituals - are derived from simple necessity, as we proceed.

But tonites table is small - 12 couples, Seating: Men sit to the right of their ladies, (This keeps their sword hand free). Ladies are seated first. (This way a Knight is not trapped by the voluminus gown of the lady should he need to rise quickly to defend the King).

The Table settings are more modern affectation, which we will abrevieate here from right to left you will have dessert spoon, soup spoon, table spoon, table knife dinner plate, then dinner fork, (2-3 tines), salad fork, (3-4) tines, and relish fork, (small fork 3 with a spoon bowl end and 3 short tines). Above the silver and plate setting from right to left id Wine glass, water glass, bread & butter plate & small bread knife. (Generally coffee cups & saucers are not part of settings . These are brought out after dinner upon request. As THe silver for a course is used that silver is removed. with the dishes associated with the course.

"Passing At Table" Generally, theonly items that are passed at a waited table are condiments: Salt & Pepper, butter, creme fresh, sugar. Everything else is delivered by wait staff, - Over the LEFT shoulder -- (again free of the right / sword hand. It was not uncommon for a Knight's lady to carry an ornate bag in which a variety of items were carried - such as a scent bottle, and usually a jewel encrusted dagger - a gift from her knight. This "gift" was often refered to as "The Pledge". And no greater honor could be given to a woman by a Knight that "The Pledge" for it was that alone which protected his vulnerable left side in settings like this, (other than in battle). Supposedly if you look closelly when ever you see a Knight seated, with his lady at his side, she will be on his left, and in he hads she will be clutching a bag, and her left had will be in the bag, (supposedly holding the hilt of the dagger at the ready. Supposedly all waitstaff knew of this tradition, and man and woman alike maid sure never to spill a drop on a knight for fear of being gutted by his lady befor the second drop could touch his tunic.

Napkins. Napkins go on the lap, not tucked into the shirt - like I do. Even if you happen to have a devious host who invites you all over for spaghetti and bar-b-que ribs.. Follow the lead of those at the party, Feel the mood of things - this may not be the raunchy joke crowd, this maybe more of the we spent our last vacation mountain biking in Peru. So, if possible - agian tourn to your hostess and host and see if you can get a list of the other guests and what they do, and then get on the net - and see what you can find out about you future dinner mates. Now you are not doing an FBI vetting here, and you do not want any one knowing you hired columbo to do a back ground check on them and all their family members & friends, but see if you can find out some thing interesting that made the papers about each one of them, or about some thing each one is interested in. Perhaps One is employed at a booming firm that just broke into the fortune 500 club, or maybe he or she is an avid kayaker, or someome just had a baby, - try to find out something(s) about everyone there - do not forget your host & hostess - and then get them talkig about themselves - and you will be the hit of the party - the one who will be remembered as the nice guy. KMS is a good idea in a lot of social settings, as long as you can get the ball rolling - and get others talking to you. KMS = KKEEP MOUTH SHUT.

Another BIG thing is to figure out a way to remember everyones name - first name anyway - that is KEY in making people feel important - find an assocxiation trick or gimic - but find someting that wooks. A dear friend of mine used to Manage the Elks Lodge in Sioux Falls SD, and Erv could meet 100 new members in a line as they were going into the lodge room to be sworn in to the lodge. He would spend a few moments with each man ask his name, what he did for a living, was he married, if so his wifes name, did he have children? What hobbies di he have? where did he live and so on. Later that evening down in the Main lodge room where the Men's Stag was in full swing erv would stop and congradulate each one of the new Elksand welcome them into the lodge personally, and in his welcome he would without fail manage to recite back to them - to a man - all of the information that they had shared with him earlier that night, - and he could do it 20 years later as well. The trick he said was association. I never had his knack of association but if you want to impress people and make them feel more at ease find a way to remember thier names - and use their names when you talk to them.

THe rest is just good manners. Say thank you and you are welcome. Yes and no, instead of yeah, and no way. Drop the "Ya know" and "What?" after evey thing is said. Knock off the swearing. Drink in moderation - make your drinks very weak, - and water down the wine. You want to be drunk and amusing - save it for the bowling alley.

Know when it's time to retire for the evening, offer to help clean up, if there is anything to be done, THank your host and hostes, ands tell all the other guests how niceit was to have met them, (even if it wasn't).

When you get home , before you go to bed, sit down and write a brief thank you not to you host and Hostess, if you have a thankyou card - even better - if not a nice piece of stationary will do. The get it in an envelope & addressed, and your retrun address on it, and get it mailed at work tomorrow, or monday - show your a class act. Good Luck,

I'm pulling for you.

Answer 2

i am assuming a dinner party? the best etiquette is being a good guest.

its best to forget which fork to use (you can always break ice at parties by asking like you are naive) you can impress them by offering to roll up your sleeves. unless they have paid help then you should always offer help in serving, cleaning, mixing drinks, anywhere you can find a place to offer help do so. if they turn you down the first time an "are you sure" and then dropping it is important -- don't push your help on them but do find someplace else to offer help.

take a gift of a moderately priced bottle of wine that matches your dinner (most abc stores have people that can help you) or a plant like an orchid is good too. nothing wrapped unless it is a birthday or christmas or both. yes it is fine to call and ask what is for dinner AND what the dress code is if any. it is always better to overdress than under-dress.

thank the host, flatter the host, flatter the food, blah blah blah.

"thank you so much for the invite -- your home is so nice -- asparagus is my favorite" -- don't overdo it though.

overall you want to have fun and make a good impression so you can have more fun at more dinner parties. not that many people are paying attention to where the hors doeurves forks are going.

Answer 3

Here you will find tips on dinner table etiquette that will help you through any formal or semi formal lunch party or dinner party.
The 10 easy DO's, and 10 easy DON'Ts of proper table etiquette!

But first of all, a little general advice on Good Manners:

Always respond to an invitation within a week of receiving it.

Dress according to the recommended (if any) dress code. NEVER attempt to "out dress" the hostess!

Be punctual - never more than 10 minutes late.

If you wish to bring a guest as your partner, good dinner table etiquette demands that you should always check with the host first. If you are the one hosting the party and a guest of yours arrives with an unexpected friend, be polite & courteous with them, and speak with your inconsiderate guest at another time!

It is considered polite to take along a small gift (CLICK HERE for suggestions), for your host and hostess. Flowers, chocolates or champagne are always appreciated.


For tips on Table Setting Etiquette
CLICK HERE


Dinner Table Etiquette - the 10 DO's!
Once seated, unfold your napkin and use it for occasionally wiping your lips or fingers. At the end of dinner, leave the napkin tidily on the place setting.

It is good dinner table etiquette to serve the lady sitting to the right of the host first, then the other ladies in a clockwise direction, and lastly the gentlemen.

Hold the knife and fork with the handles in the palm of the hand, forefinger on top, and thumb underneath.

Whilst eating, rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate between mouthfuls. When you have finished eating, place them side by side in the centre of the plate.

If the gourmet food presented to you is not to your liking, it is polite to at least make some attempt to eat a small ammount of it. Or at the very least, cut it up a little, and move it around the plate!

It is quite acceptable to leave some food to one side of your plate if you feel as though you have eaten enough. On the other hand, don't attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as though you haven't eaten in days!

Desserts may be eaten with both a spoon and fork, or alternatively a fork alone if it is a cake or pastry style sweet.

Should a lady wish to be excused for the bathroom, it is polite for the gentlemen to stand up as she leaves the table, sit down again, and then stand once more when she returns.

Always make a point of thanking the host and hostess for their hospitality before leaving.

It is good dinner table etiquette to send a personal thank you note to the host and hostess shortly afterwards.


For Tips on
21ST CENTURY Dinner Etiquette
CLICK HERE


Dinner Table Etiquette - the 10 DON'Ts!
NEVER start eating before a signal from the host to do so.

Forks should not be turned over unless being used for eating peas, sweetcorn kernels, rice or other similar foods. In which case, it should be transferred to the right hand. However, at a casual buffet, or barbecue, it is quite acceptable to eat with just a fork.

It is not generally regarded as good dinner table etiquette to use one's bread for dipping into soups or mopping up sauces.

Loud eating noises such as slurping and burping are very impolite. The number 1 sin of Dinner Table Etiquette!

Talking with one's mouth full. is not only unpleasant to watch, but could also lead to choking! Definately not a good idea!

Don't stretch across the table crossing other guests to reach food, wine or condiments. Instead ask a guest sitting close to pass the item to you.

Good dinner table etiquette sometimes involves a degree of diplomacy when it comes to the host's choice of food and wine! Even if you feel that you can do better, don't ever offer your criticism. If you feel unable to pay any compliments, at least remain silent on the subject.

Picking teeth (unless toothpicks are provided) or licking fingers are very unattractive! The only exception to the latter is when eating meat or poultry on the bone (such as chicken legs or ribs). In which case, a finger bowl should be provided.

Drinking too much wine can be very embarrassing! Where a different wine is served with each course, it is quite acceptable to not finish each glass.

Don't forget to make polite conversation with those guests around you. Dinner parties are not just about the food, they are intended to be a sociable occasion!

Answer 4

percentage of meal is the in hardship-free words thanks to tip. also, round as a lot because the nearest dollar in case you leave case on the table. on the different hand, minimum provider is envisioned at a buffet, The server is purely not a lot of a "server" yet is better a "flow-fer" or a complicated bus-boy (man or woman?). in the different case, YOU do many of the artwork. i ought to not in any respect even evaluate 20% at a buffet. My customary is 15%, yet at a buffet i flow 10%.

Answer 5

Use your cutlery from the outside in.
Do not pick your teeth or belch at table.

But if you live in the USA all bets are off.

Answer 6

Well I WAS going to give some tips,but Blahblahblah beat me to them,lol.

Answer 7

I was chastised for blowing my nose on the table cloth.really they do wash em,whats the big deal

Answer 8

*Chew with your mouth closed, dont put your elbows on the table, dont burp out loud, and use your napkin.*

Answer 9

15% tip always......20%+ for good service. Please, Please, Always tip the waitress. They make less then minimum wage

And just use good table manners.......