Alabama Business Etiquette Expert Dallas Teague Snider on Dining Etiquette

Articles, Ask Dallas, Make Your Best Impression Blog   ·   December 1, 2009

During the Women of Will Leadership Forum this month, a colleague asked me a very important question. While attended an event for her sorority, there was someone at her table that was not served a meal. Everyone else had ordered steak and they were as etiquette dictates waiting for the other guest to receive her plate before beginning to enjoy the meal.

As they were waiting, my colleague inquired about the young lady’s plate and submised that they were indeed working on getting her order as swiftly as possible.

My colleague asked if the rules had changed. Although some rules have changed, the basic rules of etiquette will be timeless.

Unfortunately, this young lady did not understand the etiquette guideline to encourage the other guests to begin their meal. While the other guests continued to wait, their meals became luke warm and the entire evening was tarnished. 

It’s a  fact, things are going to happen. Etiquette is the art of how you are going to handle a particular situation.  The rule when dining out at an event  is to encourage others to begin their meal and not wait. 

Last week, I was out of town on business. Our host joined us after we had already placed our breakfast order. When our food came, we said grace and then again, there was a silent pause. I leaned over to asked if she had the chance to order, and in doing so she replied, “ Oh, please go ahead and eat. Mine will be here shortly.” By asking that questions, I was able to prompt the approapriate reply that let everyone proceed at ease.

Sometimes people do not understand the rules and just need a little encouragement.  Awareness of others is really the mission.

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