There are many things to consider when dining out for business or with friends, and although straightforward, it is a good idea to think about the night ahead and plan. Following these guidelines will help you navigate dining experiences with ease and ensure you leave a positive impression.

Before the Dinner

• Be Prompt: Always aim to arrive on time. If you’re running late, inform the host or call the restaurant.
• For Larger Parties: If your group has more than four people, wait at the bar until the host arrives, as there may be seating arrangements.
• Settle Bar Bills: If you order a drink at the bar before your group arrives, pay for it before joining the table.

During the Dinner

• Follow the Host’s Lead:
• Ordering Drinks: Take cues from the host when it comes to ordering cocktails or wine.
• Ordering Meals: Try to order within the price range of what the host is ordering.

Basic Etiquette:

• No Phones at the Table: Keep your phone away.
• Introductions: If you ask the waiter’s name, share yours too, but don’t overuse their name as it can seem condescending.
• Conversation: Engage with those seated next to you as well as across from you.
• Stay with safe topics: theatre, film, books; no politics or religion.
• Silverware Use: Start with the outermost utensils and work your way in.
• Passing Food: Pass food to the right and offer to hold the dish for the person next to you.
• Salt and Pepper: Pass them together and taste your food before seasoning it
• Wait to Eat: Wait until everyone is served before starting to eat, unless the host instructs otherwise.
• Resting Silverware: Place used silverware on the side of your plate, not the table.
• Dropped Silverware: Leave any dropped silverware on the floor; do not bring it back to the table.

Pacing and Finishing:

• Try to keep pace with the group, finishing around the same time as the host.
• Dirty dishes will be cleared once everyone is done.

After the Dinner

• Smooth Departure: Know when it’s time to leave, ensuring your departure is as courteous as your arrival.
• Express Gratitude: Say good night to all the people you engaged with and give special thanks to your host. Sending a written thank you is always suggested and appreciated, but an email will suffice if you don’t have the address.