Moments of Excellence - DINING ETIQUETTE (Pt. 1)

A sophisticated woman should be fully versed in the details of formal dining and comportment. It is one thing to know how to hold a knife and fork, but it is quite another to know how to feel comfortable in a social setting where dining is but one of several things you will be expected to do. You will learn the proper way to act and handle the intricacies of formal dining and social etiquette. You are visually shown how to set a table, what implements and crystal to use according to course, and how to interact in social situations.

GUEST ETIQUETTE

RSVP
Always RSVP. It is very important to always answer a request for reply whether or not you will be attending an event. Only bring guests if you have cleared it with your host or hostess.

THE DRESS CODE
If you are not sure of the dress code, ask when you RSVP. Nothing can make a woman feel more self-conscious than showing up under dressed or overdressed. If you are unsure and cannot reach the host, it is always better to be under dressed than overdressed.

ARRIVE ON TIME
It is very disrespectful to arrive late to a dinner party. Arrive within 10 minutes of the appointed time. Call your host if you are going to arrive late. If you are invited to an informal party, then you have more flexibility in your arrival time.

THE HOUSE GIFT
When invited to dinner at someone’s house, bring a small gift as a gesture, such as a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of champagne or wine. If the event is more formal, one may want to take a small token with special significance to the host or hostess.

INTRODUCTIONS
Look the other person straight in the eye and give them a warm and sincere "hello." Nothing says more to your audience that you are interested in them and are looking forward to engaging them in conversation. Use first names and the familiar "hello" in a casual setting or if you are of similar age to the person being introduced. In a more formal setting, or when being introduced to an older person, use Mr., Ms. or Mrs. X followed by "How do you do?"

When you do not know, or have simply forgotten someone’s name, and you are in the company of another person where an introduction is required, turn to the person you are with and introduce him or her by name to the person whose name you have forgotten. "I would like to introduce you to my cousin Susanne Major." The likelihood is that the person whose name you have forgotten will turn around and greet the person you are with by saying his or her own name and relieving you of an embarrassing situation. "Hi Susanne, I am Marjorie Scott." The conversation can now proceed comfortably among all parties.

THE HANDSHAKE OR THE SOCIAL KISS
In the United States, handshakes are used. A handshake conveys a great deal about you. An overly firm grip is aggressive and unfeminine. A faint handshake conveys general weakness. Firmly, but gently, take complete hold of the other person’s hand and give it a nice and brief shake. This will convey confidence and simultaneously highlight your feminine wiles.

In some cultures, kissing is the standard social form of greeting, where a handshake would seem too cold or impersonal. Kissing has now caught on in the United States with a light kiss on one or both cheeks (the latter is most common in Europe). It is important to be culturally sensitive when attempting to kiss someone socially. There are cultures and people who find social kissing offensive. Sometimes it is better to begin with a handshake and proceed to a kiss if the other person’s body language indicates receptivity.

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