Manners over Lunch

Recently, I had a Business Lunch and my counterpart was a Rich man in his mid 50's. My parents always taught me that while having food, use only your fingers. literally, food should touch your fingers and mouth. Part of the world where I live, it is very customary to have food using hands only.

But there he was, having his Big Fat Afternoon Lunch. Food was all over his hand. And he was not bothered to do anything about it. As it was a high-class restaurant, there were knives and forks placed exactly as it is. Meat & Salad fork on the left-hand side and knife and spoons on the right side of the plate. Over the years I have managed to learn few dining etiquettes. Here are some of them: -

Position

Seating position should have comfortable distance so that when you bend your elbows, it is in line with knives and forks. Never put your elbow on the table. And never tilt your chair towards the plate.

Napkins

Napkins should be either on your lap or on your neck just tucked below the shirt. When you want to take a pause or refill your plate, simply get up and keep the napkin on the table or on the armrest of your chair in an unfolded position.

Eat and Talk

Well, it is very common that we should never eat with our mouth open. Keep the conversation simple while eating. But in case there is a speech or performance, it is very impolite to eat during the session.

Sounds and Gestures

Avoid making any sounds while eating. You should practice how to make minimal noise while using cutlery. Gestures like rubbing the tummy, hair or lip gestures (in an inappropriate way) should be totally avoided.

Soups

When having soups, avoid slurping noise. Keep the soup bowl on the table and never lift or tilt it.

Mobile phone

Just like any other situation, keep your mobiles in silent mode. If it is unavoidable, take permission from the host to attend the call and get up from the seat to answer it. It will be very rude to keep looking at your phone on a dining table.

Payments and Tips

It will be the host who generally settles the payments after the lunch/dinner. Sometimes the rank of the person will determine the payer.

The advice of tipping. Usually, it is 10-15% of the bill.

Don’t worry in case you make a mistake. Most of them will go unnoticed unless you seek attention. Even most of the people at the restaurant won’t be knowing or following as much as you do. So be confident. But on the contrary note, it would be appropriate to concentrate on your etiquette rather than others.

Have a nice time !!!