Essential business dine-in etiquettes

Business lunches are an integral part of the business. You should not try to escape them. At one's place, they give you a chance to impress your client and secondly they may get you an opportunity. However, it is a tricky process and you need to maintain your professional image.

Top catering companies in London kleep organizing corporate events in the city. If a business lunch makes you nervous, this dine-in etiquette guide will help you sail through it.

·         It is important to shake hand with anyone sitting on the table before having a meal. Also, you should introduce yourself first. Let the host sit first and you keep standing till the time. When everyone is seated down and your host has moved to his or napkin, pick your napkin and place it on your lap. If someone is late and arrived after you have seated down, you must stand up to greet him or her. It is considered a polite gesture.

·         Don’t ask the waiter to explain everything on the menu. You may ask for one or two things only if you are allergic to some particular ingredient. Being too picky and noisy may annoy your host or guests.

·         Try to match your order with your host’s line if he has placed his order first. Of course, take care of the prices as well. Never order the costliest dish when you are on a business lunch. Also, never order foods that are difficult to eat such as spaghetti and burgers. These dishes have a messy reputation. 

·         It is advised to follow your host’s line while ordering alcohol as well.

·         The beverage is always placed on the right side of the plate. Never pick your colleague’s glass by mistake.

·         Make sure to try a little of everything ordered. Eating steak and potatoes and leaving the veggies behind gives an unsophisticated (juvenile) impression. Also, take care to not indulge so much on food.

·         Eat slowly and chew properly. Take small bites of your food. It is not considered good to play with your fork and utensils and never hold a spoon or fork while talking.

·         One should not discuss controversial topics like religion and politics over lunch. If someone else brings up the unwanted topic, change it to something subtle politely.

·         If something comes up and you need to leave the table while having lunch, place your napkin on the table and push your chair behind. It automatically means that you need to excuse yourself, you do not need to announce it.  

·         Direct your cough or sneeze to your left shoulder and cover it with your left hand so that your right-hand remains germ-free. 

·         Keep your elbows off the table, it is not considered courteous.

·         If you drop your fork or spoon on the floor accidentally, keep it lying there and use a fresh one.

·         Never talk with food in your mouth.

Whether the event is organised by the best caterersin London or it is an in-house event, following these tips will help you shine in your professional space as well. There is this simple rule “Practice good manners and use common sense.”