ONE of life's real pleasures is enjoying a good meal. It satisfies one of mankind's basic desires. There is an old saying that 'the way into a man's heart is through his stomach.' It therefore follows that if you want to know the true nature of a man, set a meal in front of him; one of the most visible signals of a person's manners is revealed in his or her table manners. Often times, it can make or break a person's social standing. In corporate settings, where business entertaining is a prerequisite, if one is lacking in this basic life skill, it can be an impediment to his or her career.There are rules that govern manners at the dining table ' they aren't set in granite but they are very important nonetheless. They are important if you want to make a positive impression, to be amicable, to be civil and to gain greater influence amongst others around you. The greatest pleasure when it comes to dining is savoring a meal with pleasant company and good conversation ' one must not forget that. However, to enjoy all that, you must begin on a good note. The principle of etiquette ' consideration for others' is the pillar on which dining etiquette is based. Here are some of the basics as they apply to both the guest and the hostess.On Your Mark,It is important to arrive to dinner on time. It is your responsibility as a guest to find out when your presence will be required. Arriving 10 minutes before the set time is prompt enough to keep your hostess relaxed to efficiently carry out her duties. If you have been invited to a person's home for dinner, it is appropriate to arrive bearing a gift. A glass of wine or a box of chocolate is one of the most obvious gifts people choose. Be creative and thoughtful; remember to select a gift you know your host or hostess would appreciate as opposed to what you deem good enough for you. For example, while a bottle of wine isn't a bad choice in itself, there are people who do not drink for either religious, personal or health purposes.Get Set At The Table'It seems, almost silly, that there is an appropriate way to behave before a meal but it follows that if you begin by setting a good tone for the atmosphere, you are most likely to have a pleasant dinnertime. As a guest in a person's home, approach your meal with contained enthusiasm; this is a compliment to the hostess's effort and hospitality. In corporate settings, approach the meal with a casual indifference; you must maintain the air that you are used to three square, tasty meals a day. You might be at the dinner table but don't' forget to mind the business at hand.It is customary for a female guest of honour to be seated at the right of the host and a male guest of honour at the right of the hostess. If there are no place cards and the hostess has made no indication of where each guest should seat, guests should take the most convenient seats. A man draws the chair for the lady at his right and pushes it forward for her before he seats himself.Etiquette guidelines state that the person to be served first at the table is the guest of honour ' female first, the hostess should then proceed counterclockwise to serve her other guests around the table. Her husband, (if this applies) should be served second to the hostess and the hostess served last. The hostess should advise her dinner guests to begin eating after they have been served; in appreciation to the cook, a meal tastes best when eaten hot. As a guest, you may start eating once the person next to you has been served.The proper way to seat on a chair is upright, with your feet placed firmly on the floor. The best place to keep your hands is on your lap. Before the food is served, elbows on the table are permissible; however, once the food is served you may place your hand on the table but not your elbows.Don't be a stranger, introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you and engage in light-hearted conversation. There is no excuse to keep silent or ignore your dinner partners. Having good conversation with your dinner partners is just as important, if not more, as the meal before you.Image and Etiquette addresses general perceptions, societal norms and expectations and personal expressions with the goal to cultivate social graces, suavity and a dignified presence for interpersonal relationships. If you have questions on Image and Etiquette please send them to regalgraces@yahoo.com or SMS 08062280952. Pamela also covers Workshops and Keynote speeches on Corporate Image and Etiquette08062280952 (SMS only).E-mail:regalgraces@yahoo.com
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