Last Tuesday I attended a NACE Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay.  The topic of the evening was proper dining etiquette and Constance Hoffman of Social and Business Graces, Inc. lead us down the treacherous road of dos and don’ts.  I was very excited about the evening and came away with several fantastic tidbits of information that I would like to share!

• When attending a networking function be sure to wear a blazer with pockets so that YOUR business cards are at the ready in one pocket and the other pocket is available to for cards you receive
• If you have a drink in one hand and a plate in the other, chances are you are not prepared to shake anyone’s hand.  Try placing the plate on top of your drink…this may take some practice, but will instantly free up your hand for a proper handshake and introduction.
• The dining table is meant to be a place of cleanliness.  That means anything carrying germs should not be set upon the dining table.  This includes but is not limited to: cellphones, wallets, handbags, and keys
• When you are dining with a client, match their courses.  If they order soup, salad and entree then you order soup, salad and entree.  This does not mean you have to consume everything in its entirety, but the act helps set a comfortable playing field for you and your client.
• If a soup bowl has one or two handles on it, then feel free to drink from it like you would any other hot beverage!
• The bread basket is always past around the table clockwise, and the one that begins the passing is the last to take from the basket.

Constance did a fantastic job, especially with a social crowd such as ours.  If you are looking for a lesson on proper etiquette, I highly recommend her!