Dining Etiquette

Etiquette associated with dining extends from the moment you arrive until you leave and even sometimes into the next day. You may be expected to arrive later than the nominated time (~ 20 minutes), or conversely, you may be expected to be very punctual. Contrary to both the above, other dining invitations allow guests to arrive at any time in the evening and then leave.

Custom may dictate you take a present for the host family or only for the host. Giving a present to the wife of the host can be considered insulting if approval for doing so has not been given by the husband first. Taking a present of wine to a dinner party can be insulting or greeted with delight. To a Frenchman, he may think you are suggesting he does not provide wine of sufficient quality, to a Muslim it would be insulting to his faith. Whereas, to an English host, a present of wine would be very acceptable.

Other types of presents such as flowers may be more appropriate (be careful about the number and/or type of flowers in the bouquet) or alternatively, a beautifully wrapped present may be best, eg. Japan. Dinners may be preceded by hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Do you help yourself or wait for the hostess to offer them?

Alternatively, you may go directly into the dinner after some small talk.

For a full formal type of dinner you may need to find your placename on the table or you may be directed to a specific chair by the host or hostess. Once seated, it could be bad manners to rest your hands in your lap. As a rule, it is generally best to keep them above the table. In The Netherlands custom dictates that the host tells the guest when to start eating. Toasts made may require you to clink your glass against everyone's else's so no-one is insulted. Often you are required to give a complimentary toast and possibly make a small speech. Sometimes, there are national drinks, eg. Tequila in Mexico, which have specific drinking rituals. For drinking Tequila, a pinch of salt is put on the back of the hand, then licked off in one motion followed by a drink of the Tequila which is than followed by sucking on a wedge of lime. If you are entertaining or being entertained in a restaurant there are also specific aspects of restaurant etiquette, eg. taking or serving food from a dish, passing a dish around the table, etc. Calling a waiter or waitress done incorrectly, could unintentionally insult the staff that could lead to poor service, possibly jeopardising the success of the evening. For example, in Thailand calling a waiter/waitress, you say "nong". This actually means little brother/sister. One thing you do not do is raise your hand. That is considered to be impolite.

Hopefully the above will give you some insight to the somewhat supple cultural intricacies that when you have the knowledge, you can employ to help establish and build a successful and long lasting business relationship. In our next article we will discuss the aspects of greetings, negotiation and finally symbols, superstitions, colours & numbers. Remember, individual detailed country business reports are obtainable from businesstravelogue's web site 24/7 and delivered within minutes to your desk.