Business Meals

1. Your social skills and business acumen are evident by your ability to plan and organise, and your level of sophication.

2. Always study the situation from the host's point of view to make you a more confident and knowledgeable guest.

3. The host must ensure that everyone's focus is on the meal, and that nothing distracts its smooth functioning.

4. It is wise not to experiment, but frequent some good restaurants and become familiar with the menu and the maitre d

5. Avoid extravagance. Pick a quality restaurant noted for its good and reliable services.

6. Book a table that is in a quiet corner where business can be discussed without too many noisy disturbances.

7. Arrive at the restaurant well before the guests.

8. Leave instructions at the counter to usher in your guests to your table.

9. You need to stand up when your guests arrive, and wait for them to be seated before you resume your seat.

10. Once seated, unfold your napkin on your lap.

11. If the server comes with an order for drinks, ask your guest what they would like, and if they decline, you too must do so.

12. If you do not take alcohol, you can order a soft drink for yourself.

13. After the first round of drinks, ask your guest if they would like another, and if they decline, ask the server for the menu card, and ask your guests what they would like.

14. At the end of the meal, encourage your guest to have dessert, and later tea or coffee.

15. Settle the bill quiedy, without fiddling around with small bills or change.

16. You have every right to check the bill, and if there is any discrepancy, deal with it after your guests have left.

17. Never bring out your calculator at the table.

18. Remember to tip the waiter generously.

19. Escort your guests to the door, shake hands with them, and thank them for their valuable time.

20. Once your guests have departed, thank the maitre d'.