Eating out is always an experience, whether that is good or bad or whether it’s a fancy five-star resort or a cozy corner cafe. There’s something exciting about dining out. Maybe it’s the communal nature of the meal, or maybe it’s not having to cook or clean. Whatever it is, most people would opt to eat at their favorite spots than anywhere else.
Amidst all the excitement of menu choices and mouth-watering aromas, it’s easy to forget about the invisible menu of manners. Sure, you’re eating, but people should see you eating and not hear you eating. This and so many more are the unspoken etiquette rules of dining, whether fine or regular, that we’re bringing to light.
So, let’s dig into some etiquette rules to ensure you are as appealing as the entrées when you do eat out.
RSVP? Yes, Please!
Whether it’s a dinner invitation or a reservation at a chic cafe, confirming your attendance is the first step in dining etiquette. It’s like giving the host or restaurant a little heads-up that you’re coming to enjoy their culinary delights. And if you need to cancel? Do it with enough notice as well. No one likes preparing a banquet for a ghost!
Punctuality Makes Perfect
Arriving on time is not just polite; it’s expected, especially if you’re dining in a group. Nobody wants to nibble on breadsticks while waiting for stragglers. Remember, the symphony of dining begins when all the instruments (or diners) are in sync (or at the table).
Dress to Impress (Appropriately)
Sure, it’s not the Met Gala every evening, but dressing appropriately for the venue shows respect for both the establishment and your dining companions. No need to don a tuxedo at the taco stand, but maybe save the flip-flops for the beach barbeque.
Napkin Know-How
Before the meal comes, you’ll need to prepare to receive it. Once seated, start by unfolding your napkin and placing it on your lap. This isn’t just a ritual to keep your lap free from spills; it’s the flag of fine dining, signaling you’re ready to embark on your culinary journey. And if you need to leave the table momentarily, place your napkin on your chair as a polite “brb.”
The Silverware Symphony
Navigating a table set with more silverware than a pirate’s treasure can be daunting. Remember: start from the outside and work your way in with each course. And no, using a soup spoon for your dessert isn’t a revolutionary act; it’s just confusing. A little research into the different types of silverware can save you a lot of embarrassment.
The Art of Ordering
This might be the most important part of the evening. Ordering food, especially at a fine dining restaurant, is like casting for a movie: everyone should have a role that suits them. If your friends are going light with salads and soups, it might not be the best night for the triple-decker burger. Balance is key, and harmony on the table leads to happier bellies. However, if you play your ordering cards right, your companions may think you’re a savant.
Conversation: Keep it Light and Polite
The dinner table is not the place for heated debates or airing personal grievances. This isn’t an episode of The Real Housewives. Stick to delightful topics and pass compliments to the chef like you’d pass the salt—freely but politely. Laugh, engage, and ensure your voice isn’t the main course.
Mind Your Mobile Manners
Our smartphones are like extra utensils these days, but they don’t belong on the table. So, endeavor to keep your phone tucked away and on silent. After all, the world won’t crumble if you’re away from your Instagram feed for an hour, but your dining companions’ impression of you might!
Take a Smoke Break
If you need to take a hit of your vape juice, kindly excuse yourself to the restroom or the designated smoking area of the restaurant. You should not blow vapor, no matter how sweet-scented, into the faces of your companions. That would be considered very rude.
Savor the Experience, Not Just the Food
Eating out is a sensory experience. Take the time to really enjoy each dish, the ambiance, and the company. Good dining is not just about filling up; it’s about creating memories around the table.
Thank Your Host
- Whether it’s a waiter, who’s been tending to you on their feet all day or a friend who organized a group dinner, a heartfelt thank you goes a long way. It’s like leaving a little sparkle where you dined.
- Conclusion
- So there you have it, folks! Dining out with etiquette isn’t about stiff rules; it’s about ensuring everyone around the table has as fabulous a time as you do. Now, go forth and feast with finesse!
