Table Tips

Here are some Tips for the Dinner Table:

• It is best to order foods that can be eaten with a knife and fork. Finger foods can be messy and are best left for informal dining.
• Do not order alcoholic beverages. Drinking too much when dining out is one of the most disliked behaviors.
• Do not smoke while dining out.

• Sit up straight at the table. It makes a good impression.
• When you are not eating, keep your hands on your lap or resting on the table (with wrists on the edge of the table). Elbows on the table are acceptable only between courses, not while you are eating.
• Do not season your food before you have tasted it.

• If food gets caught between your teeth and you can't remove it with your tongue, leave the table and go to a mirror where you can remove the food from your teeth in private.
• Eat rolls or bread by tearing off small bite size pieces and buttering only the piece you are preparing to eat. When ready for another piece, repeat the same process.
• If you need something that you cannot reach easily, politely ask the person closest to the item you need to pass it to you. For example, "After you have used them yourself, would you please pass me the salt and pepper?"
• Never spit a piece of bad food or tough gristle into your napkin. Remove the food from your mouth using the same utensil it went in with. Place the piece of food on the edge of your plate. If possible, cover it with some other food from your plate.

Thanks to: http://www.bsu.edu/students/careers/students/interviewing/dinetips/

Asante Sana, Takk, Dannaba, Arigato, Gracias... Thank-you

There are so many ways to say thank-you, but make sure you thank a person in the right way...

Two important things- sincerity and promptness

· Make sure to send a thank-you note ASAP

o Usually between 7-14 days after the even

· Be enthusiastic but be realistic and don’t gush

Some tips:

· Make it personal but don’t talk about yourself

o Never start the note with “I”

o Use “you” more than “I” or “me”

· Personalize your notes and make reference to person as well as gift

· Always handwrite your notes. Do not type them! If you have poor handwriting, slow down and take your time.

· Use Dark Blue or Black ink- easier to read and has a more professional look

· Refer to the use of money gifts

· Use formal names and courtesy title (Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Dr.)

o For addresses and Salutations

o Salutations can be more personal IF you know the person really well

· Always sign your first and last name if it is a letter to someone you have never met

Did you know that handshaking originated from ancient Egypt and Babylon?

Yep! It was a way of showing that you were not carrying any weapons (and coming in peace). That is why women were not included in handshaking until recently... it was very unlikely for the common woman to be carrying a weapon.

Anyway, here are some tips about handshakes:

• use a firm grip... do not limply hold the hand, but do not have bone-crushing hold on it.
  

• make sure not to pump repetitively
  

Know that handshake/bowing, kissing, hugging are different in every country, so research before going abroad.



So, gentlemen! When is it proper for you to kiss a lady's hand?

• NEVER!! Men should never kiss a woman's hand, but kiss the air above it. (Now if it is your girlfriend, fiance, or wife that is a different story)

Classy Clothing Comments

Hey guys! Here are a few tips on the best way to dress:

• Make sure to adjust what you wear for each situation
• Think first and ask for guidance when you are not sure
• Always dress on the side of conservatism if you're around new people or unfamiliar situations

• Do not go overboard with jewelry... especially those pieces that rattle and clan

• Apply the sniff test for clean clothes!

If you are going for an interview make sure to:

• Cover visible tattoos
• Avoid wearing piercings other than earrings (pair for women and single for men)

What is this really all about??

Hey guys! My name is Allison and I am member of Success Initiative at Wofford College. This semester, my project is hopefully teach myself and others about etiquette.

Etiquette is a very useful tool in life. There are so many ways for embarrassing situations to happen if you do not know the correct way of acting, dressing, and communicating.

So in this blog, I am going to be providing a few tips per week to help you all brush up on your etiquette. I would love to have people ask questions about specific things they want to know and I will find the answer to their questions. This is a learning opportunity for you and for me. So, ask away!