A luncheon was held this afternoon for TRIO members to learn proper dining etiquette while being able to practice in real life.  A small group of students gathered together with TRIO Director, Becky Cochran in the private dining room at Emery’s restaurant for a six course meal prepared by the culinary arts students. 

Improper etiquette can ruin your chances for success by putting off potential new bosses, business partners, or clients. Knowing and showing good etiquette not only is impressive, but shows respect and refinement. It’s sure to make you more likeable in both business or personal situations.

When you know what’s expected and how to execute it, you’re going to feel more confident and that’s going to show. If you’re in a situation where you’re unsure of what’s acceptable and don’t know what to do it, it can actually make others uncomfortable as well.

Students learned about proper attire, which utensils to use for what, how to sit, what’s appropriate to order, topics of conversation, the do’s and don’t for casual vs. fine dining, and how to be a gracious guest. 

“I grew up with six brothers, and boy! Let’s just say, sometimes I forget to be proper.” TRIO student Mimi Hiebel joked, “but I think it’s very important to have good etiquette.”     

How’s YOUR etiquette? Take the quiz!

It might seem as simple as having good table manners, but there’s actually a lot more to it than that. Take the quiz to see if you’re ready for tea time with the queen, or if you’re getting escorted out of the next open-bar business event.

Question #1) The company Christmas party is coming up and this year the boss has decided to throw it at his house, he’s really excited. He’s been telling everybody how he shot the goose himself and how his wife will be stuffing it with cranberries, almonds, and saffron. Unfortunately for you, you’re allergic to all the above. Do you:

1.  Tell your boss before hand that it sounds delicious, but you might have to skip the goose due to allergies.
2. Say nothing and try no to bring attention to the fact you’re not eating the prized bird for as long as possible.
3. Bring a small container with your own meat, you should be able to enjoy dinner too right?

Question#2)  You’re about to head over to the party, when you realize the invitation to the boss’s party says it’s business casual.  You walk over to the closet and:

1. Pick out a nice pair of slacks and collared a button down shirt.
2. Your best pair of jeans and a plain, long-sleeved t-shirt.
3. Red and green plaid golf pants, and an “ugly sweater” that has blinking Christmas lights. Tis the season to be jolly!

Question#3)  You’re halfway there when your co-worker calls to say they’re on their way, and mention they just stopped to get a gift for your boss for throwing the party at his place. You hang up and think:

1. I should stop and get him a bottle of wine to show my host that I appreciate him.
2. I’ll make sure to thank him with an extra big thank you when I get there.
3. I’m the guest, my gift is my “presence.”

Question#4) You arrive and notice several bottles on the counter, some alcohol, some punch, some ice water.  Your boss asks what you would like to drink.  You:

1. Ask your boss what he’s drinking and have one of those.
2. Pour yourself a healthy glass of some fancy looking wine, time to drink up.
3. Don’t see anything you like, and ask what else they’ve got in their fridge.

Question#5)  It’s dinner time and everyone is gathered around a large table. There’s a large bowl of potatoes in front of you. Do you:

1. Pick up the bowl and hold it out to the person to the right so they can dish theirs.
2. Dish your own then ask if anybody else would like some.
3. Scoop a large helping then set it back down to see what else you can reach.

Question#6)  Everybody is starting to dig in and it’s getting awkwardly quiet, so to break the silence you:

1. Compliment the dinner and ask about the recipe.
2. Bring up the latest news of the presidential election.
3. Get on your phone to show everybody the funny TikTok video you saw earlier. 

Question#7)  You look down to see that there’s two forks by your plate. You:

1. Pick up the smaller on the outside and start eating your salad first. 
2. Pick up the big one, you need to be able to stab the lettuce.
3. Use the big, and loudly announce that all this silverware is a waste of clean dishes.

Question#8)  Dinner’s almost over and it’s time for desert, a decadent cheese cake sliced into tiny slivers. It’s your favorite flavor too, so you:

1. Only take one slice before passing it on to make sure everyone gets a piece.
2. Quickly count how many slices there are to people and see that there’s going to be piece left over so you take two.
3. Take the biggest pieces of them all, by jolly it’s your favorite, if it runs out, oh well, the other guys should have been quicker on the draw.

Question#9) Finally the meal is done, and the boss’s wife starts clearing the table.  Do you:

1. Stand and offer to help clean up, or help with the dishes.
2. Stack your dishes and carry them to her or the sink.
3. Leave your plate etc. on the table, guests don’t need to clean up.

The moment of truth: your results!

Tally up your answers; each answer’s corresponding # is worth that many points.

• If you got under 10 points- Congratulations, you’re etiquette is impeccable!  
• If you got 10-20 points- You’re got manners, but still need to work on a thing or two.
• If you got over 20 points- Uh-oh…  You definitely could benefit to brush up on your etiquette.  The good news is you’ve got plenty of room for improvement and a good reason to attend the next Etiquette luncheon.

1. It’s polite to tell your host ahead of time if you have any food allergies to give the time to prepare an alternative if they wish so that you can enjoy a meal as intended. Hiding it may result in them thinking you don’t like their cooking.
2. Business casual does not include jeans or t-shirts, sorry guys. Dress to impress, but no need for ties at a business casual.
3. A small gift is a good way to show your appreciation to your host.  A bottle of wine, a candle, or even a thoughtful thank you card or all acceptable.
4. When faced with menu options, or choices between beverages, the rule of thumb is to follow the hosts choice. If there is alcohol, it’s always wise to limit the number of drinks you have, even if it’s an open bar.  You want to maintain your composure.
5. In a setting where a family-style dinning situation, you always want to hold the dish out to the person to your right. They’ll dish theirs, take the bowl and continue the circulation.
6. A good rule of thumb is never to bring up politics or religion.  Controversial issues can flare tempers, and potentially ruin a social event. When you’re at the dining table it’s considered extremely rude to have your phone out. It should be silenced and out of sight.
7. The silverware is usually going to be placed so that you start with your outer silverware and work your way in. When in doubt, look to see which your host uses.
8. Always only take one, even if it’s your favorite. Make sure everyone has gotten a portion before even considering taking a second.
9. It’s always polite to offer to help with the dishes or cleaning up, but it’s up to the host to decide whether or not they’d like to accept it.  

If you would like to learn more about proper etiquette in today’s society for every type of situation, Reader’s Digest has a really informative page.  TRIO plans on having similar events like this in the future. To see if you qualify, or would like more information, contact TRIO‘s department here at NIC.

*THIS POST HAS BEEN EDITTED FROM THE ORIGINAL TO EXPAND ON QUIZ ANSWERS, AND FIX GRAMMARICAL ERRORS 3/21*