Deborah OConnor August 12, 2013

There are many business situations that require your knowledge of diningetiquette. If you are not prepared, you can be embarrassed and doirreparable harm to your reputation. Let’s take a look at some of thesepotential get-togethers:

Dinner at the Boss’s House:

• This can be a nightmare if you are not prepared. You need to make sure yourspouse or significant other represents you well. Often times you are not seated next to your partner, so make sure that he/she knows what to say and more importantly what not to say.
• Dress tastefully and be well-groomed
• Bring a hostess gift such as a bottle of wine, candy, or unusual boxes of tea
• Compliment your host and hostess on their home
• Don’t discuss business unless the boss brings it up
• Eat what is served to you unless you have an allergy or medical problem. If you don’t like it, simply eat what you can and make it look as if youare enjoying the meal
• Remember that you and your companion are being observed so be conscientious and courteous
• Don’t rush off after dinner. Stay and talk over coffee if appropriate. On the other hand, don’t overstay your welcome
• Send a thank-you note that includes both the boss and his spouse

Company Picnics:

• This is usually a family-friendly event. Even so, it is still business so be mindful of your manners and those of your family.
• Mingle with everyone and introduce your family
• Keep your children under control and emphasize to them that their behavior is important
• Try to relax and have a good time

Dinner where you are the only woman with a group of men:

• This can be a tricky situation because as the only woman you are alwaysfirst to order drinks and dinner and this sets the pace for the entiregroup
• If you have the opportunity, ask your boss to set the standard for what to order and how much he wants to spend. If you start out ordering steakand lobster, everyone else gets the idea that the sky is the limit. Ifyou order chicken, this is letting everyone know not to go overboard
• If you order expensive champagne, you’ve let everyone at the table know that they can also order expensive wine
• Remember, the host that is paying for the meal should receive the wine list and he or she orders the wine.
• If in doubt, simply tell the server that you haven’t decided yet and toplease go on to the next person and come back to you later.

Cocktail Parties:

• Whether at a colleague’s home or at a bar, cocktail parties are frequently used to combine business with leisure. Many people forget how to behave atthese events.
• Always RSVP if appropriate
• There will be a variety of drinks available and it is up to you to controlyour alcoholic intake. Many a career has been ruined due toover-imbibing. It is rightly assumed that if you cannot control yourdrinking, you probably cannot control your business as well.
• Dress appropriately. If this is an after-work event, business attire isexpected. If it is dressier, dress modestly. This is not the time forwomen to bring out their sexy attire. Remember, you will be judged.
• Once you arrive, work the room. Mingle with everyone and meet new people.Cocktail parties are stand-up events, so keep moving and introduceyourself to everyone if possible.
• Do not flirt. If you do, people will notice and it will be noted, and not in a good way.
• Do not be the last to leave. An hour or two is usually plenty of time to socialize.
• Write your host and hostess a thank-you note.

Knowing your proper business etiquette will help you immeasurably. With a little common sense, you can master these social situations withpanache and flair.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skillsnecessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contactat:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz