Do:

• • Sit up straight, close to the table;
• • If you aren't sure what to order, follow your host's lead. A chicken breast or vegetable plate is always safe;
• • Stick to soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water. Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks;
• • Cut one bite (meat, fruit, or vegetables) at a time;
• • Dining is not a race to see who can finish first. Eat at the same pace as your host or hostess;
• • Always taste food before you add salt;
• • Go prepared to be conversational;
• • Read the menu quickly;
• • Order a medium-priced entrée;
• • Relax and keep the conversation focused on business-related or casual topics;
• • Table talk should be at maximum volume;
• • Say please and thank you to the waiter;
• • Arrive early if you are the host. Plan to take charge and pay the bill;
• • Order a dish that is easy to eat (no spaghetti or ribs) and moderately priced;
• • Eat! It's OK to eat while others are talking;
• • Thank your host at the end of the meal and follow up with a thank-you note.

Do not:

• • Don't discuss dietary restrictions;
• • Don't begin eating or drinking until everyone else on the table is served;
• • Do not drink from the soup bowl;
• • Never make slurping or yummy sounds (even if the food is wonderful and you're very, very hungry);
• • Don't eat as if this is your last meal. On the other hand, don't dine on half a lettuce leaf.
• • You'll make the best impression by eating like a human---not like a wolf or a bird;
• • Leave the food you don't like on your plate;
• • Play with your food;
• • Complain about the food;
• • Fill your mouth before you talk;
• • Leave food in your mouth when drinking;
• • If you are tired, rest your elbows or head on the table. That's what it's for;
• • Talk about personal relationships, recent parties, politics, sports, or religion;
• • Get too comfortable;
• • Don't support your head up with your hands;
• • Don't get up to leave when you are finished eating. Wait for the others, and then leave with them also;
• • Do not chew with your mouth open;
• • Order before all the guests arrive;
• • Order appetizers or dessert unless the host does. Your meal should not cost more than the host's;
• • Smoke;
• • At lunches & dinner, do not drink until this is offered by your host or until you are given the invitation to begin;
• • Do not ask people, "why aren't you drinking?' or "why are you leaving?". Any questions which might embarrass someone or make them uncomfortable is inappropriate;
• • Allow a business lunch to last more than 1 1/2 hours.

• While Eating:

• • Picking up the dessert dish & holding it in hand while you eat;
• • Using fingers to push food onto your fork or spoon;
• • Salting or peppering food before tasting it;
• • Slurping your soup or coffee;
• • Mixing foods together on your plate.

• With table manners

• • Licking your fingers to remove ketchup or jelly;
• • Pushing your bowl or plate away when you are finished eating;
• • Piling dishes in front of you;
• • Using cell phones, pagers, etc. during dinner;
• • Putting your purse, keys, glasses, backpack or briefcase on the table;
• • Picking your teeth with a toothpick or fingers;
• • Playing with your hair, earring, tie, etc. (any annoying nervous gestures);
• • Blowing your nose at the table;
• • Taking medicine at the table (it's better to go to the rest room);
• • Applying cosmetics or combing hair at the table;
• • Wearing a cap at the table;
• • Scratching your plate to get every last bite;
• • Holding the salt and pepper shakers from the bottom rather than the sides;
• • Leaning over the table with face too close to the plate;
• • Reaching across the table for butter, salt, etc. instead of asking for it to be passed.