Comments on: 10 Things You Should Know about a Business Lunch

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:20:13 +0000

Agreed! I am working on a survey on a few “controversial etiquette” subjects, particularly “The Napkin” and am contacting every consultant, trainer, professional in the industry that I can find for their comments so I will duly note your preference.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the percentage is and using it as a guideline in teaching. It might sound like a dental commercial, “9 out of 10 etiquette professionals prefer napkin on the table” (or chair), but I’m truly interested in the statistics on some of these subjects.

By: Arden Clise

Arden Clise — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:43:33 +0000

Hi Magnolia Etiquette,

Nice to “meet” you too. Yes, there are many etiquette rules, but the bottom line is if we treat others with courtesy and kindness we are doing well.

There is indeed much disagreement about the napkin. My etiquette trainer also subscribed to the napkin to the left of the plate when getting up during the meal. I had to differ. But hey, if the napkin doesn’t get thrown on the floor we’re doing well. :-)

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:05:11 +0000

Hi Arden, nice to meet a peer in the industry and thank you for clearing up some of the confusion. However, as a graduate of The American School of Protocol and fellow etiquette professional, I don’t think we are EVER going to clear up the controversy of the “napkin on the chair”. :-) I wish we could, but there is too much myth and disagreement abound on that one. I am sure there will be comments in here about “getting a life” if this is all we have to talk about; but you and I both know, as many do, that proper table manners and dining etiquette can make or break a deal so, while my advice is “left of the place setting area” always; I am just happy if people hold their utensils properly, use proper Silent Service Codes, and chew with their mouth closed.

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:48:00 +0000

You are right Delta – if there is that much damage to a napkin, let’s hope it wasn’t a business lunch! However, napkin goes to the left of the “place setting” when finished, not on the plate (if there is one still there). :-)

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:34:13 +0000

Also, as it relates to the “napkin in the chair”; while there are a few etiquette consultants promoting this method, most experts would agree that a dirty napkin should not be placed on a chair as it can soil the upholstery of the chair. Napkins are placed to the left of the plate, slightly rumpled when temporarily leaving the table or when finished with the meal.

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:33:44 +0000

By: Magnolia Etiquette

Magnolia Etiquette — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:29:43 +0000

In formal dining, a salad course should be served with a salad fork and a salad knife. Not only might the lettuce be served as a “wedge salad”, but the knife is used as a “fence” to push other small pieces of salad ingredients against the fork. :-)

By: Jonnie Fox Flanagan

Jonnie Fox Flanagan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:27:03 +0000

By: Jonnie Fox Flanagan

Jonnie Fox Flanagan — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:26:40 +0000

By: Healthy Networking Relationships

Healthy Networking Relationships — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:15:51 +0000

[...] Watch your table manners when you’re out, and don’t drink to excess. (And this is a minor note, primarily because I couldn’t think of anything else to use to illustrate the post, but it probably isn’t the best idea to order “young” drinks like Midori Sours if you’re out with older friends — if you can order what they’re having. Pictured: Midori Sour, originally uploaded to Flickr by Nicole Lee.) [...]