Have you ever been to a business dining event where you just didn't know what fork to use? To order a glass of wine or not? Well here is my advice for the occasion. Good Luck and check out the sources for more in-depth reading.
To adhere to proper etiquette standards in a business environment, it is always helpful to have knowledge of general etiquette practices. “To be successful in business, your business dining skills during a business meal must be on par with your professional skills” (Etiquetteoutreach.com) There are a few different scenarios for business dining. There are Banquets, Business dinners, and business luncheons. The most formal is usually the banquet, with the luncheon being the least formal. Some of the rules for proper etiquette also change depending on whether you are the boss, or if you are the client or if you are trying to woo a client. When I was young my father instructed me to never put my elbows on the table, do not take a bite until the host takes their first, follow the host’s lead for ordering, order something that is tidy to eat, napkins go in your lap, hold your utensils properly, and when you are finished, place the knife and fork diagonally across the top of the plate; place them parallel never in an “X”. These have been my constant companions for years, not much changes for a business setting.
Invitations if you are the recipient of an invitation follow the guidelines on the invite and be early. If you are the one wanting to extend the invitation it is good to take a moment to think of the context: “When inviting someone to lunch, be respectful of his or her time and position. If inviting a superior you don't know well, don't risk being presumptuous--you might opt for suggesting coffee instead.” (Browning, 2012). Keep in mind that in most circles, the one who extends the invite is the one who pays the bill, now there are exceptions; such as a group of colleagues going out together, if Dutch treat is stated upfront, then there shouldn’t be any worries and most restaurants will do separate checks if requested.
Seating, don’t be the first one to take a seat if you are not the host or guest of honor. If there are seating arrangements, then sit where your place card puts you. While some sources agree with my father’s advice of the host (read: your boss) ordering first, if you are taking a client out to eat, Eliza Browning at Inc. suggests letting the client order first so that they are not inhibited by your choice. Generally for beverages it is quite appropriate to order an ice tea, generally avoiding alcoholic beverages is a good rule of thumb, especially at lunch, if you are unsure, abstain from the spirits (Lubin & Bhasin, 2012). Sometimes it is appropriate for a little bit of adult indulgence, go for a glass or wine or a nice lager; save the tequila shots for your high school reunion they are vulgar and unprofessional. On television colleagues are always shown ordering martinis or another classic cocktail after hours, it should be noted that this is on the occasion of drinks after work, not a dinner setting. If you are a friend of Bill, or Bill W., just order a club soda at drinks and an ice tea at a dinner or luncheon.
Napkins do go in your lap, Business Etiquette Consultant Phyllis Davis has an entire paragraph on the proper way to place the napkin while it is on your lap, at the very least, don’t leave it on the table, it is very uncouth, also if you must get up from the table do not put your napkin crumpled on the table top, place it on your chair. A majority of business dining settings will have formal place settings. There are many charts available describing which utensil to use and so forth, but they are often very complicated, etiquette is an art, not a science. “If you’re confused about which silverware to use, use the piece of silverware farthest away from the plate but if it is too much, try and remember to work from the outside in.” (Griffin, 2008). There is a diagram included just before the bibliography.
There are plenty of books available on etiquette; and quite a few on business etiquette. There are also seminars and other programs that can be attended, such as the ones at the American Academy of Etiquette (Richey) or at Etiquette Outreach in Manhattan (Etiquetteoutreach.com). It should go without saying that you should follow a conservative dress-code that is reflective of the event, and that speaking with your mouth full or chewing with it open has not been acceptable behavior since before Kindergarten.
Formal Table Setting. Obtained from "http://tablewarerentals.com/images/formal_place_setting.jpg"
Works Cited and Consulted
Browning, E. (2012, May 25). Business Lunch Etiquette.Retrieved June 2013, from Inc.: http://www.inc.com/eliza-browing/business-lunch-etiquette.html Cavallari, D. (n.d.). What Is Business Dining Etiquette? Retrieved June 2013, from wiseGEEK: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-business-dining-etiquette.htm Davis, P. (n.d.). Banquet Dining In American Business. Retrieved June 2013, from Video Jug: http://www.videojug.com/interview/banquet-dining-in-american-business-2 Etiquetteoutreach.com. (n.d.). Business Dining Skills for Professionals . Retrieved June 2013, from World-Class Business Etiquette: http://www.etiquetteoutreach.com/business-dining-etiquette-tips/ Griffin, K. (2008, May 12). 10 Things You Should Know about a Business Lunch.Retrieved June 2013, from Corporette: http://corporette.com/2008/05/12/10-things-you-should-know-about-a-business-lunch/ Lubin, G., & Bhasin, K. (2012, April 19). 29 Rules Of Etiquette For Your Next Business Lunch.Retrieved June 2013, from Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/rules-of-dining-etiquette-2012-4?op=1 Richey, L. T. (n.d.). Business Dining Etiquette. Retrieved June 2013, from American Academy of Etiquette: http://www.professionaldevelopmentmatters.com/business-dining-etiquette.html