Etiquette for Men - Dining, The Last Chapter

Wrapping up the last chapter of the dining experience to elevate the normal man to the ultimate gentleman (at least during a meal), I will go over some small but important "rules" that will dictate whether or not you are the toast of the evening or never invited to eat a meal in public again!

Okay, so you have sat down at table, identified all utensils, drinks, appetizer, desserts, bread and you are ready to get down!!!! You are hungrier than a hostage but wait, when is it appropriate to start eating?  The safe and easy answer to remember is to start eating when others do.  In a group setting and hot food is involved, if at least two people are seated then you can begin eating.  If everyone is seated and at least 3-4 people have been served in a group of more than 4, then you can start eating.  A group of 4 or smaller, please wait until everyone is served.  Bottom line, do not be the only schmuck eating at the table.

In most settings, a prayer will be said and this is initiated by the host but it can also be given by anyone at the table and it should be done before the food is served.  When offering a toast, this can happen anytime (best when glasses are filled) and can be done by anyone.  It is customary for a guest to toast to the host for the meal and hospitality.

Elbows!!!!!  Elbows on the table while eating is a no-no! However, there are exceptions to the rule; elbows on the table during a conversation (between meals, courses, or during post-meal coffee/tea) is allowed.  Reaching across the table over others is a definite negative; if something is out of your reach, ask the person closest to pass it around the table for you. 

Tips while you are eating:

• No playing with the table utensils, bread, etc
• Sit up straight in the chair, no slouching
• When speaking, attempt to use your "inside" voice
• Try your hardest to not sneeze or cough at the table; if it happens suddenly, place face into the inside of your elbow.  If you have liquids dripping from your noise, excuse yourself to the restroom
• Never, ever, ever tilt back your chair
• Yes, really, chewing with your mouth open is disgusting!
• Noises while eating is a negative
• If you notice something in your food, no need to broadcast to the table; discretion is key
• No slurping the soup!
• If a dish is placed in front you first, serve yourself then pass it on
• If a dish is set before you that you do not wish to eat, do not touch it; although it is polite to take at least a little and try it so to not offend the host
• If you have restrictions in your diet, please make arrangements with the host beforehand. If arrangements are not made, you may want to eat before arriving
• If you say no to alcohol, fake it for the night (hold the glass, occassionally putting it to your lips)

When finished with the meal, do the following with your utensils:

Finally, you have done a pretty good job of not embarrassing yourself at the dinner table amongst your colleagues...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Just a couple more tips and you will be ready to go!  Turn off the cellphone or put it on silent and then put it away.  Enjoy the meal and the people around you.  I cannot stand being around people who cannot put down their phone for an hour.  If you have kids and you are worried about them and want to make sure you are not receiving any emergency calls, pull out the phone every once in a while a take a glance.  If all is well, put it away! 

Last, engage the people you are eating with; so many deals have been made at the table, new jobs have been acquired, stock tips have been exchanged when you open your mouth and get to know the people at the table.

Good manners are achieved consistently when they are practiced constantly...enjoy gentlemen!

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