This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Published on August 7, 2019, dining etiquette is a crucial aspect of social interactions, and mastering it can make a significant difference in making others comfortable and avoiding embarrassing situations.
For instance, it's essential to know that your water glass is always placed on your right, and you should not drink from another glass. Similarly, it's customary to wait for the host to begin eating before you start your meal.
RSVP, which stands for 'répondez s'il vous plaît,' or please respond, is a polite way to confirm your attendance at an event. It's usually sent within 24 hours of receiving the invitation.
However, many people ignore basic dining etiquette, which can lead to awkward situations. To help you navigate a dinner date with confidence, here are some essential lessons:
Lessons for a Memorable Dinner Date ¶
- The host should always be in charge, selecting an appropriate restaurant and making reservations ahead of time.
- It's considered impolite to pull out someone's chair for them, regardless of gender.
- When dining with others, it's a good idea to have the same food options as your guest, making them feel comfortable and included.
- Knowing the proper locations of utensils is essential, with food placed to the left of the dinner plate and drinks to the right.
- Using the 'BMW' acronym can help you remember where your plates and glasses are placed, with bread and butter on the left, the meal in the middle, and water on the right.
- When breaking bread, it's customary to use your hands and tear off a piece at a time, rather than using a knife.
- Knowing the 'rest' and 'finished' positions can help you communicate with your server, with the rest position indicating that you're taking a break and the finished position indicating that you've completed your meal.
- It's considered impolite to stack your dishes, as this is the server's responsibility.
- Finally, it's essential to use your napkin correctly, blotting the sides of your mouth rather than using it as a tissue.
