A meal is an important component of our business, social and religious lives. We have business meetings over lunch. Clients have a light chat and chew before or after a presentation. Friends, business associates gather at a restaurant during the week. Churches send invitations to anniversary banquets, holidays dinners and breakfasts. A layover between flights is an opportunity to have a meal. During all these occasions and countless more, we eat with people. What a wonderful opportunity to get to know others AND for them to get to know us. The time will come when we celebrate at a formal table.
Our manners at the table reveal much about us. The subtleties of the eating ritual can make or break, impress, or repulse others. Poise at the meal table is important. Even our children benefit when they observe the graciousness of parents at the dinner table.
Consider the following suggestions:
- Try a little of all that is served to you (unless allergic); never overload your plate.
- Wait until food is swallowed before sipping your beverage; take a quick sip if food is hot.
- Look into, not over, your cup or glass when drinking.
- Your bread plate is always on the upper left of your table setting.
- To take medicine, repair make-up or attend to a stain on clothes, excuse yourself and go to restroom. Do no personal grooming at the table.
- Posture- sit straight and keep arms (elbows included) off the table.
- Take small bites of food; do not talk with a mouthful of food.
- To clean your face, always go to the restroom instead using your napkin at the table.
- Stroke the knife towards you when cutting meat.
- Close your mouth when you chew.
- If food is too hot, do not blow on it. Wait until it cools.
- Do not touch your head at the table.
- When you have finished eating, leave the plate where it is.
- Waving your knife, fork, or spoon when talking can be awkward.
- Excuse yourself and go to the restroom to wipe off a stain on clothing.
- Excuse yourself and speak directly to the manager or maître d about food preferences or to make a complaint.
- Place no personal items on the table (eyeglasses, keys, purses, etc.).
- Bon Appetit!
Reflections
When and where was your last formal dinner? What items above would have been helpful to you then?
When and where is the next one? From the items above, what is beneficial for you to know?
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associates
Next Step Associates
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President
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