• Never share food at a business meal.
• Never stay beyond the allocated time for a networking event.
• If you're networking with a drink in your hand, always hold the drink in your left hand the whole time. You must keep the right hand free for shaking, and you don't want to offer a hand that's cold and wet from a glass.
• Hold a glass of red wine by the base of the bowl. A glass of white wine should be held by the stem of the glass, since it is chilled and you don't want to warm it with your hand.
• Once you start eating, your utensil should never touch the table again -- that means don't prop up a used knife or fork with half on the table and half on the plate. It should rest completely on the plate.
• If there's a tablecloth and silverware on the table, don't eat with your fingers. But you can use your fingers to break off a piece of bread. (Asparagus, however, may be eaten with your fingers, as long as it is not in a sauce!)
• The only time it's acceptable to pick up a bowl and drink your soup is if it is a clear broth soup. If there's a noodle in it, use a spoon.
• Never cut spaghetti with a knife. You must twirl it with your fork. (It's acceptable to use a spoon to help you twirl.)
• You CAN put your elbows on the table -- as long as its before or after a meal.
• Women: Don't prop your head up with your hands while eating. Men: Don't throw your tie over your shoulder or tuck your napkin in your pants.
• If a napkin or piece of silverware is dropped, let it go! Get the attention of the wait staff to let them know what you dropped so they can replace it. (If it is at a friend's house, pick it up -- chances are they don't have maids to pick up after you.)
• Never pick your teeth with a toothpick (or fingernails) at the table. And ladies should never apply makeup at the table.
• If you have to sneeze suddenly, use your napkin to cover your nose and sneeze away from the table. If you have to blow your nose, excuse yourself from the table.
• Don't sop up the sauce on your plate with a piece of bread.
To signal to a waiter that you are done with your plate, place the knife and fork parallel on the plate at the 4 o'clock position.
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@