Lay you fork and knife diagonally across the plate, side by side, pointing at 10:00 and 4:00 on a clock face.When you are finished, leave your plates in the same position, do not push your plates aside or stack them.American Style: Cutting the food with the right hand and holding the food with the left, then switching hands to eat with the right hand.Continental or European Style: Cutting the food with the right hand and using the left hand to hold the food while cutting and when eating.It is polite to leave some food on your plate. Gently stir your soup to cool it instead of blowing on it.Do not cut bread with a knife or eat whole. Bread should be eaten by tearing it into small pieces, buttering only a few bites at a time.Do not use excessive amounts of sweeteners - no more than two packets per meal is the rule of thumb.If someone has asked you to pass these items, you should not pause to use them. Pass salt and pepper together, one in each hand.If you are the individual starting the passing of the bread basket, first offer some to the person on your left, then take some for yourself, then pass to the right. Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk with food in your mouth.Eat slowly and cut only a few small bites of your meal at a time.Wait for everyone to be served before beginning to eat, unless the individual who has not been served encourages you to begin eating.Avoid ordering items that are messy or difficult to eat (i.e.While it is best not to order alcohol even if the interviewer does, alcohol, if consumed, should be in moderation. Do not order the most expensive item from the menu, appetizers, or dessert, unless your host encourages you to do so.You should then place your napkin on the table as well. When the host places their napkin on the table, this signifies the end of the meal.Place your napkin on your chair, or to the left of your plate, if you leave the table as a signal to the server that you will be returning. The napkin should remain on your lap throughout the entire meal.Typically, you want to put your napkin on your lap (folded in half with the fold towards your waist) soon after sitting down at the table, but follow your host's lead.Text-Only version of The Formal Table Setting for screen reader users Napkin

Set the utensils on your plate, not the table, when you are not using them.

Do not talk with your utensils and never hold a utensil in a fist.For example, if you have two forks, begin with the fork on the outside. When presented with a variety of eating utensils, remember the guideline to 'start at the outside and work your way in'.

Wait 15 minutes before calling to check on the arrival status of your dinner partners.Have proper posture and keep elbows off the table.Do not place any bags, purses, sunglasses, cell phones, or briefcases on the table.Arrive on time and call ahead if you know you will be late.Move on to the next group or individual, follow up with promising contacts, and assess how you can improve your performance. Always offer your contact information and know when it is time to go.Ask people questions about themselves and the work they do. Look for visual cues to join the conversation. Wait until there is a break so you can introduce yourself. Avoid approaching two people engaged in deep conversation.Don't forget to introduce yourself to the host/hostess and don't interrupt conversations. You can eat and drink while sitting, but it is always better to stand and greet.Hold a drink in your left hand so that you have a dry hand to offer a firm, not crushing, hand shake. If you are standing, have only a drink or food in one hand, never both. Follow the lead of the majority of individuals in the room and the following basic tips: Reception or social hours are typically for the purpose of networking for jobs and entertaining clients. » View a quick video on business/dining etiquette. Although common sense is often your best guide, the following suggestions will help you stand out as a polished professional. Proper etiquette is essential for making a favorable impression at both lunch/dinner interviews as well as in social business situations.

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