Dinner parties have always been a perfect way to build personal and professional relationships. You get to learn more about your friends and colleagues in an informal setting.
However, while attending a dinner party, you need to be well-versed with proper dinner etiquette. Believe it or not, dining skills can say a lot about your personality and can make or break your impression in front of your friends and colleagues.
Also, modern etiquette is much more than just learning how to use the right cutlery and napkin protocol. Keep scrolling through the article to learn more about proper dining etiquette to impress your host and fellow companions.
- Respect the time
Punctuality is a trait appreciated by many but possessed by a few.
The golden rule says that guests must arrive 5-10 earlier than the scheduled time for the dinner party. It shows how much you value the host’s time. And if, for some reason, you feel that you may not be able to make it on time, make sure you inform the host and apologize later.
- Adhere to the dress code
Adhering to the dress code is a must-know modern etiquette. You wouldn’t want to show up in something that becomes the talk of the dinner. The key to dressing properly for the dinner party is to analyze the occasion. For instance, if you meet a client over dinner, dressing business casual is your best bet.
In case of an informal celebration such as anniversaries or birthdays, women can go for an evening dress while men can opt for a casual suit. Additionally, make sure the outfit you choose is comfortable enough to get you through the evening.
- Choose the topic for conversation wisely
Dinner is a great opportunity to connect with people and share your thoughts. Thus, it is important to choose the right topic while having a dinner table conversation. Also, the topics depend on your relationship with the other person.
For instance, it would be best to stick to topics such as travel and music with someone you just met. Topics such as politics, religion, and finances could make people uncomfortable and strike unwanted debate.
- Eat only when everyone is served
Although many restaurants prefer serving everyone’s meal at the same time, it may not always be the case. If you get your meal first, it is polite to wait until everyone is served. If the host insists you start your meal, you can take small bites and wait for your companions to get their meals served.
- Be mindful of your cellphones
Texting and calling while having dinner with your friends and colleagues is considered rude. That’s why make sure your cellphones are on silent and stay in your pocket or purse. If you feel the need to attend a call or text, it would be best to excuse yourself to avoid disturbing your companions.
That’s a wrap,
Learning about dinner etiquette is essential as it allows you to put your best foot forward during a social gathering. So, use the tips mentioned above to make the best impression during dinner parties.
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