Dining Etiquette 101

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Dining Etiquette 101

• Megan Allen, BSFCS
• Department of Foods Nutrition
• University of Georgia
• March 27, 2012

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Outline

• Reservations
• General rules
• Napkins, Silverware, Dinnerware
• Serving, Passing, Eating
• Table Manners
• Paying the bill
• Etiquette for Specific Food Items

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Reservations

• Stick to it
• Call ahead if late
• Cancel in advance
• No-show fees

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General Rules

• Dress code
• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Wait for host/hostess to sit down
• Prayer or blessing
• Always join in with a toast
• Coffee or tea
• Gifts
• Should not expect to serve
• Thank you note

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Napkins, Silverware, Dinnerware

• Remove napkin when seated
• Napkin remains in lap until end of meal
• Loosely fold napkin when excusing yourself from
  the table

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Napkins, Silverware, Dinnerware

• Cutting Methods
• American style
• Continental/European style
• Once used, utensil should not touch the table
• Signal that your done
• Unused silverware should be left on the table

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Serving, Passing, Eating

• Dishes are served from the left and removed from
  the right
• Always say please and thank you
• Butter, spreads, or dips should be transferred to
  plate before eating or spreading
• Pass food from left to right

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Serving, Passing, Eating

• Do NOT talk with food in your mouth
• Taste food before seasoning
• Do not blow on food to cool
• Cut only enough food for the next mouthful
• Eat a little of everything on your plate
• Pace your eating
• Do not play with your food or utensils

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Table Manners

• Keep elbows off the table and keep left hand in
  lap
• Do your best to mingle with everyone
• Do not clean up spills
• Loud eating and coughing
• Turn off your cell phone

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Paying the Bill

• Tell waiter when check should be separate
• Consider significant price differences
• Always leave a tip (vary from 15 25)
• Waiter 15 20 (25 for extraordinary service)
• Coat check 1.00 coat check
• Car attendant 2.00 to 5.00

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Etiquette for Specific Food Items

• Asparagus
• Bacon
• Berries
• Bread
• Cheese
• Chicken
• Corn on the cob

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Etiquette for Specific Foods

• French fries
• Pasta or spaghetti
• Potatoes
• Salad
• Soup

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Thank You!Happy Dining!