Career Services

Etiquette Dinner

Buffet Etiquette General Social & Dining Etiquette Rules Table Manners Eating Restaurant Etiquette Dress Code Making Small Talk

Walk around the buffet to see your options before you fill your plate

Always get a new plate when you return to the buffet

Never reach around someone else at the buffet Keep the line moving, make your selections

quickly so others can get their food Do not ever touch any of the food with your

hands. If there is not a utensil, ask for one.

Be sure to return serving utensils to the appropriate dish to avoid cross contamination

Place your napkin on your chair when you go for seconds to indicate that you are returning

Turn your head away and sneeze or cough in your elbow

Do not ask for leftovers

Dress Code: determine what is required based on the invitation or suggested by the host/hostess

Arrival: always arrive at least 10 minutes early Gift: feel free to bring the hostess a gift Seating: do not sit down until the host or hostess

asks you to Follow up: send a thank you note to the hostess

following the dinner, a phone call is also acceptable

Food◦ Served from the left◦ Removed from the right◦ Always say “thank you”◦ Don’t spread butter or dips from the bowl, transfer to

your platePassing Dishes/Food◦ Pass food from left to right◦ Pass both salt and pepper together when asked◦ Set any passed item on the table rather than hand to

hand◦ Use serving utensils at all times

Unfold your napkin & place it on your lap Keep your elbows off the table Do NOT talk with your mouth full Chew with your mouth closed Mingle but don’t talk excessively Don’t clean up spills with your napkin &

don’t touch items that have dropped on the floor

Don’t make loud noises

Do not blow your nose at the dinner table Do not use a toothpick, floss, or apply makeup Say “excuse me” or “I’ll be right back” before

leaving the table Do not stack or push dishes away Put your phone away!!

Don’t be greedy—don’t overfill your plate Don’t talk with food in your mouth Taste your food before seasoning it Don’t blow on your food to cool it off Always scoop food away from you Cut only enough food for the next mouthful Don’t make a scene if it’s something you don’t like Break bread into small pieces and then butter it

Let hostess know well in advance of dietary restrictions

Don’t play with your food/utensils Pace yourself If you’ve used your utensils, don’t place them

back on the table Make sure that everyone is served before going for

seconds

Always leave a tip! (20%+) 25% for extraordinary service The amount you tip reflects the total price before

gift certificates, etc. 10% is a standard tip at a buffet type restaurant 15-20% is appropriate at cafes and coffee shops Plan ahead for large groups so you do not have to

discuss the bill at the end—watch out of gratuity added

It’s better to over dress than to under dress

Anchor Reveal Encourage Repeat

Observe Listen Compliment

Be the host of the conversation, not the guest Ask open-ended questions Ask clarifying questions Be active, not passive, in the conversation Strike a balance between talking and listening,

questions and statements

How do you like working for your company? What’s your primary role at your company? What projects are you working on right now? How did you get involved in your field?

Wear conversation piece (interesting accessory, name tag)

Exhibit friendly body language

Offer your name even if you think they may already know it

Don’t give one word answers

S.O.F.T.E.N.◦ Smile◦ Open posture◦ Forward lean◦ Touch (hand shake)◦ Eye contact◦ Nod