Handbags/Briefcases

• At a meeting, place on the table only those writing materials, documents or folders that are essential. Samples, etc. can be produced at an appropriate time. 

• At a social meal, nothing other than your food, your crockery and cutlery, and table decorations go n the table. If it’s a business meal, you may keep essential papers on the table, but remember this is not your office, and avoid a paper-spill over. 

• Handbags and briefcases go on the floor, by the side of your chair. Cell-phones, which should either be shut off, or put in a silent/vibrator mode, should be in your bag or pocket, out of sight.