Business Dinner Etiquette

Business dinners are critical opportunities to build relationships, close deals, and advance your career. Proper dining etiquette demonstrates sophistication and attention to detail that clients and colleagues notice.

Pre-Dinner Preparation

Arrival

• Arrive exactly on time (not early, not late)
• Dress appropriately for the venue
• Silence your phone and put it away
• Research the restaurant and menu if possible

Seating Protocol

• Wait to be seated or ask where to sit
• The host typically sits facing the room entrance
• Allow senior executives to sit first
• Men should assist with seating for women

Table Manners Excellence

Napkin Etiquette

• Place napkin on your lap immediately after sitting
• Use it to gently dab (not wipe) your mouth
• Place it loosely to the left of your plate when finished
• If you must leave temporarily, place it on your chair

Utensil Usage

• Outside-in rule: Start with outermost utensils and work inward
• Continental style: Hold fork in left hand, knife in right throughout
• American style: Cut with knife in right hand, then switch fork to right
• Rest utensils at 4 o'clock position when pausing
• Place parallel at 4 o'clock when finished

Bread and Butter

• Break bread into bite-sized pieces
• Butter only the piece you're about to eat
• Use the bread plate to your left (not right)

Conversation Guidelines

Appropriate Topics

✅ Current events (non-controversial)
✅ Travel experiences
✅ Business trends in the industry
✅ Cultural interests and hobbies
✅ Positive workplace developments

Topics to Avoid

❌ Personal finances or salary
❌ Controversial politics or religion
❌ Complaints about work or colleagues
❌ Health issues or medical problems
❌ Romantic relationships or divorce

Timing Guidelines

• Appetizer/Drinks: Light conversation, getting to know each other
• Main Course: More substantive business discussion
• Dessert/Coffee: Relationship building, next steps

Wine and Beverage Etiquette

Wine Service

• The host typically handles wine selection and tasting
• Wait for everyone to be served before drinking
• Hold wine glasses by the stem
• Don't feel obligated to drink alcohol

Business Considerations

• Follow your host's lead on alcohol consumption
• One drink maximum during business dinners
• It's perfectly acceptable to order non-alcoholic beverages
• Never pressure others to drink

Payment and Closing

Check Handling

• The person who extended the invitation pays
• Don't reach for the check if you're the guest
• Express genuine thanks for the meal
• Offer to leave the tip if appropriate

Departure

• Thank your host personally
• Send a follow-up thank you note within 24 hours
• Reference specific conversation points
• Suggest concrete next steps if appropriate

International Considerations

Different cultures have varying dining customs:

• European: More formal, longer meals
• Asian: Respect for elders, sharing dishes
• Middle Eastern: Right hand for eating, no alcohol
• Latin American: Later dinner times, family-style sharing

Technology Etiquette

• Phone on silent and put away
• No texting or checking emails during the meal
• Take photos only if appropriate and with permission
• Full attention on dinner companions

Remember: Business dinners are about building relationships first, conducting business second. Focus on being present, engaging, and respectful throughout the experience.