Dining Etiquette 101 Megan Allen BSFCS Department of

Dining Etiquette 101 Megan Allen, BSFCS Department of Foods & Nutrition University of Georgia March 27, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Etiquette for Specific Food Items • • Asparagus Bacon Berries Bread Cheese Chicken Corn on the cob

Etiquette for Specific Foods • • • French fries Pasta or spaghetti Potatoes Salad Soup

Thank You! Happy Dining!