Sitting down at a fancy dinner table with rows of silverware, plates and glasses can be quite intimidating! Especially if the person sitting across the table is a current or potential business partner or client.
Would you know what to do?
Don't worry, we've got some great tips that will make your dinner go smoothly and the business deals flow like the wine!
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when going to a business dinner:
1. Sitting - You should not sit in your seat until your host or hostess has done so. If there is no host, then you should wait for the senior or oldest person at the table to sit first before you sit in your seat.
2. Napkins - As soon as you sit down at the table, your napkin should be unfolded and placed on your lap. To really impress, fold it in half once with the open end of the fold facing away from you. Don't ever tuck your napkin in to your shirt. You aren't at a backyard BBQ.
3. Starting to Eat - Don't pick up your fork and begin eating until your host, hostess, or senior person at the table begins. Most importantly, even if your food comes first and starts to get cold, don't start eating until everyone has been served. If there are a large number of guests, the host may indicate that you may begin before everyone is served. If this is the case, then you should begin.
4. Drinking - Never order your drink until the host or hostess orders first. That will be your indication of what type of business dinner will commense. If the host orders alcohol, you are free to order a glass as well. If they stick to soft drinks or ice tea, follow suit.
5. Thank You - after the meal, it's important to verbally thank your host, while also sending a written thank you letter to their office.
Would you know what to do?
Don't worry, we've got some great tips that will make your dinner go smoothly and the business deals flow like the wine!
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when going to a business dinner:
1. Sitting - You should not sit in your seat until your host or hostess has done so. If there is no host, then you should wait for the senior or oldest person at the table to sit first before you sit in your seat.
2. Napkins - As soon as you sit down at the table, your napkin should be unfolded and placed on your lap. To really impress, fold it in half once with the open end of the fold facing away from you. Don't ever tuck your napkin in to your shirt. You aren't at a backyard BBQ.
3. Starting to Eat - Don't pick up your fork and begin eating until your host, hostess, or senior person at the table begins. Most importantly, even if your food comes first and starts to get cold, don't start eating until everyone has been served. If there are a large number of guests, the host may indicate that you may begin before everyone is served. If this is the case, then you should begin.
4. Drinking - Never order your drink until the host or hostess orders first. That will be your indication of what type of business dinner will commense. If the host orders alcohol, you are free to order a glass as well. If they stick to soft drinks or ice tea, follow suit.
5. Thank You - after the meal, it's important to verbally thank your host, while also sending a written thank you letter to their office.