Health and Fitness

Etiquette means nothing more than common sense that call on one to be consdierate, polite and appropriate. Beyond that it is up to the individual or the circumstances. In your circle, a smart dinner out will call for a jacket with jeans while in other circles, a black tie would be appropriate. Here are some commonly accepted dos and don'ts.

SIMPLE GOOD MANNERS

1. Respod to any invitation you receive to dinner.Do not assume the host knows to expect you.

2. Never take a guest along unless the host has okayed this or the invitation indicates that you may take guests. If you are the host and a guest has turned up with a friend, be polite to the unexpected friend and raise the issue with your inconsiderate guest some other time.

3. Dress appropriately as per the invitation or the venue. Never try to outdress the host.

4. Be punctual. If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late, please call and infom the host.

5. It is a good idea to take a gift for the host or hostess flowers, chocolates or wine bottle.

6. Allow the host to suggest where you should sit.

AT THE DINNER TABLE

1. Once seated, spread the napkin on your lap and use it occasionally to wipe your lips and fingers.

2. If you are dining at a restaurant, take your cues from the host when ordering. Let the host suggest something to drink and and never pick the most expensive drinks or dishes. The host will order the wine. If you are unfamiliar with any dish, please ask the waiter to explain.

3. Whilist eating, rest the knife and fort on either side of the plate between mouthfuls. when you have finished eating, place them side-by-side at the center of the plate.

4. If there's something you don't like, do eat at least some of it or make a pretence of eating some of it. You may leave some food on the plate and indeed, you should never polish off everything and leave the plate so clean it looks as if you have been starved for days.

5. Use the cutlery from the outside in. Most three course meals will require that you use the smaller fork and knife for the starter or the soup spoon for a soup course, followed by the bigger cutlery for the main and the cutlery at the top of the plate for dessert, or just the fork if it's cake or pastry.

6. Don't start eating before the signal from host.

7. Do not burp, slurp or make loud smacking noises with your lips. And never talk with your mouth full. Do not lick your fingers or pick your teeth (if toothpicks are provided at the end of meal, use them discretely using the napkin to shield your mouth or leave the table and do this in the bathroom).

8. Ask someone to pass any item that you may need from the table if it is not within reach. Do not lean over any guests or stretch across the table to get at something.

9. If you've really enjoyed you meal, compliment the host/chef.

10. Thank the host at the end of the evening.

COMPLAINTS

1. Never get loud or aggressive. If you are the host, quietly point out anything you are unhappy with, be discreet and do so with the intention of resolution.

2. If yor are a guest, it is best to not say anything unless the dish is inedible or badly cooked; then point it out to the host and let them raise the issue.

TIPPING

1. Give what you believe the staff genuinely deserve nothing if the service was appealing, and up to even 25% if the service was exceptional. 10% or 15% is the expected norm.

2. If the service charge is included in the bill, you are under no obligation to add a further tip unless the service was so good that you feel compelled to add another 5% or 10%.