How to Maintain Business Lunch and Dinner Etiquette

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose the place very carefully to show your respect to the partner.

   If you never been there before, check the place few days before the chosen date (comfort, suitability, smoking/non-smoking place/tables, terrace, menu suggestions etc.).
   
   In case of any doubts, consult the management.
2. 2

   Step 2: Whether a female or not

   If you arrive together and you are the organizer, you enter the door first (an old gesture: you are protecting your guest). ,,,, Do not place them on the tabletop.
   
   Never put them on the floor. , Remembering your attire, order something that will cause as little mess if it is spilled or dropped as possible.
   
   For example, women's attire with ruffles near the throat is not easy to keep clean. , Do not partake. , Though it may be paid later by your company, do not splurge just because you can! Dessert is not needed unless the business you need to accomplish has not been finalized yet. , Subduing your urge to get what you want is not as important as fitting in with the business at hand you need to master.
   
   Knowing if your business guests are vegetarians, vegans, or other dining preferences are will help in pre-planning your meal. , This makes for easy, casual conversation, though keep away from spicy foods. , A straight frame of mind is more important.
   
   However, a nice wine that complements the meal may be needed, though ask the others at the table their preference.
   
   Alternatively, order one on the fine dining list that is generally accepted.
   
   Knowledge beforehand of the type meal being served and pre-choosing the wine will impress the others dining with you. , Positive points are to be introduced before the first course is served.
   
   Any negative conversation is to be handled quickly after the first course has mostly been consumed. ,, Then work your way in for each dish served. , Do this unless a knife is needed, in which case, use with the non-dominant hand only, then place the knife on the upper farthest angle of the plate after cutting. , Use a spoon to scoop up soup/cream and place in your mouth, then return the bowl to original position. ,
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   Step 3: the organizer shall arrive always first.

4. 4

   Step 4: If the company is mixed

5. 5

   Step 5: the inviter enters first (if a female

6. 6

   Step 6: she shall be followed by the husband/partner/senior manager of the company) then the ladies

7. 7

   Step 7: after them the senior of men

8. 8

   Step 8: other men

9. 9

   Step 9: and the youngest is the last.

10. 10

    Step 10: Men shall help the ladies by the wardrobe/cloakroom.

11. 11

    Step 11: A nice gesture to draw the chair for the ladies

12. 12

    Step 12: giving them a chance to seat first.

13. 13

    Step 13: Place purses or clutches on a nearby unused chair.

14. 14

    Step 14: Choose food that won't create a mess.

15. 15

    Step 15: Beware of food of any kind that cause gas.

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    Step 16: Be frugal and sensible with your meal choices.

17. 17

    Step 17: Order similar

18. 18

    Step 18: if not exactly the same as they do

19. 19

    Step 19: to ensure compatibility.

20. 20

    Step 20: Encourage those from out of town to enjoy foods common in your part of the country.

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    Step 21: Do not order hard liquor.

22. 22

    Step 22: Start with positive conversation.

23. 23

    Step 23: Keep the non-dominant hand in your lap at all times possible.

24. 24

    Step 24: If confused about what utensil to use

25. 25

    Step 25: start from the outside.

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    Step 26: Use one hand to scoop up food only.

27. 27

    Step 27: Tilt the soup or ice cream bowl gently away from body.

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    Step 28: Keep all bites of food smaller than mouth size

29. 29

    Step 29: for easy consumption.

Detailed Guide

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