Mealtime Etiquette

Table etiquette is the

courtesy shown by

using good manners

at meals

Good table manners help put you at ease in social situations

Many business transactions take place over meals. Often, when companies consider an applicant for a

job, the interview may include a meal

Why do you think it is important to have good etiquette during times

like these?

Basic Etiquette

Before eatingPlace the napkin on your lap before your

start eating

If there are six or fewer people at the table, wait until

everyone is served before you begin to eatYou may reach for

serving dishes as long as you don’t have to lean across your neighbor

What is the best way to get something you cannot reach?

While EatingDon’t talk with your mouth full

Ever had a hard

time getting food on

your fork?Put ‘problem foods’ on your fork with a piece of bread. If you don’t have that, use the

tip of your knife.

Break bread into smaller pieces before buttering it or eating it

Cut food into small pieces before eating

Sit up straight when you eat and don’t

lean on your elbows

After EatingNever leave a spoon in your

cupWhen you have finished eating, place your fork and knife on your plate,

pointing toward the center

Do you think people from all over the world have the

same kinds of mealtime customs?

Restaurant Etiquette

Restaurant etiquette involves the same good manners that you use

anywhere elseStill, there are a few basic guidelines that deal with situations found only in

restaurants.

What kinds of situations do you think these include?

When You ArriveA reservation is an arrangement

made ahead of time for a table at a restaurant

When calling to make your reservation, you must give:

Your name The number of people in your

group

The time you plan to arrive

Unless a sign states otherwise, never seat yourself

The Meal Have you ever been confused or did not know something on the menu?

When dining out, don’t be afraid to ask a few

questions

Knowing restaurant policy can help you avoid an embarrassing and uncomfortable

situation

What kinds of questions can you ask regarding the check?

Communicating With Servers

It is important to be polite to servers!!!

How should you try and get your server’s attention?

The proper way to catch your server’s attention is by calmly raising your hand

Paying the Check How do you handle paying the check when you go out to eat with

your friends?

Gratuity is extra money given

to the server in appreciation

for good service

Sometimes the tip has already been added in on

the check

What do you think is a good percentage of the total bill

to tip?

A standard amount to tip is 15 percent

Complaints and ComplimentsIf you have any complaints about the food, you should

tell the server

If nothing is done, complain to the manager

Compliments are just as important to the manager as complaints!