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COURTESY COACH: The Five Most Essential Rules of Table Etiquette
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The Tea Party Company
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Apr 24, 2005 21:37 PDT
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Reminder: NATIONAL TV-TURNOFF WEEK!
THE FIVE MOST ESSENTIAL RULES OF TABLE ETIQUETTE
UPCOMING EVENTS OF COURTESY COACHING
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“It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanisms of
friendship.”
—Colette (1873-1954)
“Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and
getting dollars back.”
-Thomas Sowell (1930 - )
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NATIONAL TV-TURNOFF WEEK!
Don’t forget, this is National TV-Turnoff Week...give it a try and once
you’ve completed a week’s worth of ‘screen free’ time, we’d love to hear
from you and hear how it went!
For more information about observation of this week, log on to
www.tvturnoff.org.
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AND NOW A NOTE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BAD TIMING
Every Sunday, my husband and I take a few moments to review the upcoming
events in the week ahead. And today, as you can guess, we were reminded
that it is the week that our family will try to be TV-Free. And then I
also noticed that it’s the week that I’ll be appearing on Fox 2 News at
noon to help spread the word about our Courtesy Coaching for Business
program. Sheesh. And so...for those local residents here in
Southeastern Michigan, I would like to hereby write you a ‘free pass’
from TV-Free week to tune in to my interview with Pallas Hupe–please
check it out!
But for those of you who will miss it, I wanted to pass along a bit of
the information that I plan to share with viewers. The fact is that as
our schedules become more and more crowded, a larger portion of our work
is likely to get piggy-backed onto a meal. Whether it’s a ‘power lunch’
or coffee with a potential client, dining with someone that you’re
trying to make a positive impression upon can be a daunting task for
those who are out of practice.
Even more intimidating is the fact that there are literally hundreds of
rules regarding table etiquette...where do we begin?
I have found that there are five rules which are a great starting point
for mastering mealtimes. One of the biggest reasons that I like this
list is because these rules apply to ANY dining situation from barbeque
ribs at a picnic to having tea with the Queen. And while these rules
alone are not all that you should know about dining etiquette, you’ll be
well on your way if you practice them at every meal!
1. When in doubt, WATCH THE HOST. Instead of jumping right into a
meal, take your time and resist the temptation to rush. When we rush,
we’re more likely to make an embarrassing mistake such as grabbing the
wrong fork or putting our napkin in our lap too quickly (at fine dining
establishments, wait staff will often do this for you). If YOU are the
host, take your guest to a restaurant where you feel at ease.
2. Be aware of your entire body: Back and shoulders (nice and straight,
no slouching over the plate), mouth (no talking with food in your mouth,
chewing quietly), elbows, etc.
3. Table Talking: Using kind language to not only your dining
companions, but also the wait staff is a sign of a calm and refined
demeanor. Use phrases such as ‘Yes, please’ and ‘No, thank you’ and
‘Excuse me’. Avoid too much information when rejecting offers for
certain menu items (no need to tell everyone at the table about your
lactose intolerance, for example).
4. Napkins: Discreetly placed on your lap before the first bite is
taken and remain there throughout the meal. When leaving the table, it
is left loosely folded to the left of the plate.
5. Gracious guest: Wait until everyone is seated and served to begin
eating. If you are the host, it is appropriate to give a verbal cue to
guests that they may begin which can vary from a brief prayer to a
simple ‘Enjoy!’ or even a toast, depending upon the time and place.
When you are a guest, always remember to thank your host and do not
leave the table without excusing yourself.
For more information, please visit our website at www.courtesycoach.com.
NEW! Lunch-and-learn training sessions for your office staff. A fun
and interactive learning experience! To schedule, please call us at
586-246-3123.
For a free, downloadable Mealtime Map, please click on
www.teapartycompany.com/mealtimemap.pdf
SPACE STILL REMAINS in the final Spring session of our ‘Cultivating a
Culture of Courtesy in Detroit’ seminars. Monday, May 2nd at 11:30 am
at the Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center. The fee is $65 per person,
pre-paid. Call 586-246-3123 for information (bring your office--group
rates apply!)
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TRAINING EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
Space is still available in the Birmingham Community Education Classes
for Middle School Students: The three-week course begins Monday, May 2nd
from 4:30-5:30pm at Derby Middle School. Visit www.communityed.net to
register online.
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The mission of The Courtesy Project is to Cultivate a Culture of
Courtesy where individuals work, live, play, and learn.
Our training improves work skills by improving life skills!
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