Business Dining and Etiquette: A Guide

Business dining can be a daunting experience, especially when navigating the complexities of cutlery and etiquette. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently handle any dining situation, from understanding the correct usage of cutlery to observing proper etiquette.

Cutlery for a Full Course Meal

A full course meal typically involves a variety of courses, each with its own set of cutlery. Here's a breakdown:

• Soup: Use a soup spoon, which is larger than a teaspoon.
• Salad: Use a salad fork, which is smaller than a dinner fork.
• Appetizer: Use a small fork and knife.
• Main course: Use a dinner fork and knife.
• Dessert: Use a dessert spoon and fork.

Remember: Work from the outside in. The utensils farthest from your plate are for the first courses.

Cutlery Placement to Suggest Satisfaction

• Finished eating: Place your knife and fork side-by-side on your plate, with the handles pointing towards you and the tines of the fork facing upwards.
• Not yet finished: Place your knife and fork on your plate in an inverted "V" shape.
• Taking a short break: Place your knife and fork across your plate, with the handles pointing towards you.

Types of Cuisine and Flatware

Different cuisines often require different types of flatware. Here are a few examples:

• French cuisine: Typically uses a variety of forks, knives, and spoons, depending on the course.
• Italian cuisine: Often features pasta, which is typically eaten with a fork.
• Japanese cuisine: Often uses chopsticks, but forks and spoons may also be provided.

Observing Etiquette During a Meal

• Napkin: Unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. When you leave the table temporarily, place your napkin on your chair.
• Chewing: Chew with your mouth closed and avoid talking with food in your mouth.
• Elbows: Keep your elbows off the table while eating.
• Phone: Avoid using your phone at the table.
• Passing food: Pass food to the right.

When to Raise a Toast

Toasts are typically raised at the beginning or end of a meal. Here are some appropriate times to raise a toast:

• To welcome guests: At the beginning of a business dinner.
• To celebrate a special occasion: Such as a birthday or anniversary.
• To express gratitude: To the host or hostess.

Appropriate Things to Toast About

• Success: Of the company or a specific project.
• Collaboration: Between colleagues or business partners.
• Friendship: Between individuals.
• Good health: Of those present.

Conveying You're Finished Eating

• Cutlery placement: As mentioned earlier, place your knife and fork side-by-side on your plate.
• Verbal cue: Politely say, "I'm finished, thank you."

Conveying You're Not Yet Done

• Cutlery placement: Place your knife and fork on your plate in an inverted "V" shape.
• Verbal cue: Politely say, "I'm still enjoying my meal."

Conveying That You Would Like More of a Menu Item

• Verbal cue: Politely ask your server for a refill.

By following these tips, you can confidently navigate any business dining situation and leave a positive impression.