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Dining Dilemma What If’s Good etiquette is always about being able to handle the what if's. So, what if… • Your guest is late? Call their office to make sure they're on their way. If they've left, you're welcome to sit at the table. If after 20 minutes they have still not arrived and you have other appointments, you're ok to leave. Leave word with the matre’d, call your guests office and leave a message. You may also want to tip the matre’d for holding your table. • You need to make a phone call at the table? If you are paged or need to make a call, the rule is to never leave for more than a few minutes, otherwise it's rude. No details need be given when you excuse yourself. • You have a visitor to the table? As the host, you should get up and greet the visitor. However, it's not necessary for you to introduce them to your guest. It can be disruptive and a time constraint. You can acknowledge them but try not to engage in conversation. • You need to go to the restroom? The rule is to never leave for more than a few minutes otherwise it's rude. No details need be given when you excuse yourself. • Your client’s phone rings at the table? First rule is to obviously turn your phone off, but if it does ring, politely ask your guests if they'd care to be excused to take the phone call. This may be disruptive. • Your pager goes off? This is more forgiving as many people use them for emergencies such as doctors. Excuse yourself table to make the call. No details need be given when you excuse yourself. • If you have to leave the table, where does your napkin go? The napkin stays on your chair when you leave the table. This is because no wants to see a soiled napkin. If it stays on the table, they'll be forced to view it. • You have a meeting outside of your city? Check with the concierge of the hotel. They are familiar with all hot spots and can make reservations for you. They can be a wealth of information and make you look good. Don’t forget to drop off a tip in a sealed envelope when you arrive for help given. • Someone has food in their teeth? Discreetly tell them without making a spectacle of it. If you have food in your teeth and can’t swipe it away quickly with your tongue, then politely excuse yourself from the table. • Can’t reach an item? Ask the person nearest to you to pass it to you. Avoid reaching. • Drop your silverware or napkin? At home, pick it up but don’t use it. At a restaurant, don’t pick it up but ask the waiter for another. • You must sneeze or blow your nose? Turn your head and cover your mouth and leave the table if it persists. Never blow your nose at the table. • What if I get a seed or bone in my mouth? Remove it with your fork and place it at the edge of your plate or bread and butter plate. • You spill something? Help clean it up if it’s not physically on someone else, but also call the waiter for assistance.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
