5 Tips To Keep In Mind For Fine Dining with Friends
Often, eating out at fine restaurants causes more stress to people than being able to enjoy your evening in a pleasant environment. This is because of the etiquettes that they must keep in mind for fine dining. If you have a special evening booked at a fancy restaurant and need some tips to create the best impression among your colleagues and friends, here are some of them that you can follow to make your experience all the more enjoyable.
- Maintaining a formal dress code
Whether you are going with your family or friends, or you are attending a formal lunch or dinner party, it is compulsory to attend the party at fancy restaurant in formal attire. In case you are attending a formal lunch, the same dress code as what you would wear to your office will do. Men must be smartly dressed in a jacket and tie. Women can wear business suits or a formal dress.
- How to call for your waiters attention
While many individuals may be used to calling for their waiters attention by shouting out, or clicking your fingers, this is simply unacceptable when dining out at a fancy restaurant. Rules apply that you must raise your right hand, with your index finger pointed upwards. Waiters at these restaurants are trained to keep a vigilant eye out for their customers making this signal and are always prepared to serve them. It is extremely important to keep your voice down when addressing the waiter and talk in a polite and respectful manner.
- The rules of cutlery
Many people find themselves at a loss when facing various types of knives, forks and spoons at fine dining restaurants. Tables are set for right handed people, so the basic rule would be to have all your forks set on the left side of your plate, and your knives and spoons set on the right side of your plate. The basic rule is to go from the outside towards then inside; this means your first meal should be taken with the cutlery on the furthest end and then work your way inwards with every meal.
Do not use your hands during any part of the meal. In case your cutlery falls to the ground, do not attempt to pick it up. The server will attend to you immediately. Do not use your fork for shovelling up food, and always use your knife and fork together on the plate. Once you are done with your meal, place your cutlery in the center of the plate.
- The napkin
Before starting your meal, unfold your napkin and place it on your knees. You can use your napkin to dab your mouth, but never to wipe your hands or mouth. In case you need to leave the table, place the napkin on your chair and not on the table. At the end of your meal, refold your napkin and place it on the left side of your plate, but not on your plate.
- Basic table manners
There are a few basic table manners which should be followed whether you find yourself at home or a fine dining restaurant. Always sit upright, and keep your elbows off the table. Do not make a noise while chewing or sounds of your cutlery hitting your plate. You must eat with the right hand and drink with the left hand. When enjoying a sip of your drink, look downwards at the glass and not towards your companions.
These are some of the most basic tips that can be effective when you are at a fancy restaurant.
These can save you from unnecessary embarrassment and ensure you create a good impression amongst your group.
