Ok , so many of us have been through this , formally and informally.
Lets share what we know of the decorum of attending business meals..
Something tells me this will be interesting read lol
Re: Etiquette to attend business dinners ..
Being in IT I have not been into dressing formal at any occasion. I never got any stares or any negative feedback because I would find many like me at any party.
Re: Etiquette to attend business dinners ..
Its easier to attend business dinners with colleagues .. Its harder when its with formal clients . I just find it hard to manage the whole formal discussion along with any kind of food other then tea or coffee ! But I know my boss used to be so at home with the whole idea and I could see him enjoy his meal while having a proper heavy business discussion !
This is the reason I try to stay away from ordering heavy food and just go with soups or salads , the easy food items that wont involve any kind of embarrassing situations !
Also I feel its a waste to have a business sign off or paper work done at the end of the meal, better get it done earlier and then have a stress free meal !! Though my colleagues didnt agree with that lol
Re: Etiquette to attend business dinners ..
Have been attending business dinners for many years.
assuming its a proper sit-down at a restaurant or during a conference etc
obviously situation appropriate attire and the proper dining etiquette is required, so not going to go into what fork to use for what. how to eat soup, or butter bread...although many people get it wrong. Also for all acchay bacchay and bacchian here, I will not have to go over choice of beverages, when appropriate etc
but a few hints
1- avoid food items that are rather involved to eat..examples, lobster, spaghetti, shellfish in shell in general, whole fish...now if you are adept at filleting the fish well enough to get all the bones out, fine, same with spaghetti or other long pasta, bone-in chicken.. if you are comfortable with it go for it. but whole crabs, lobsters etc are just way too involved. ..some salads can be annoying too big leafs, chunky or slippery whole veggies on it.
2- avoid messy finger foods and handheld foods, sandwiches dont usually work well, ...let me qualify, hoagies, huge burgers, cheesesteaks, gyros..the more toppings, the worse it is. a simple prawn mayo is fine
3- pace yourself, so you are not done while everyone is just halfway through, or you are sitting there with a full plate of food
4- take the client's lead in terms of what type of item is being ordered, price wise..especially if client is paying :D - or your seniors. if you are the guy who will be making the first choice, go for something mid price so ppl dont feel uncomfortable ordering a more expensive or cheaper item - This can be less of an issue if there is a pretty tight relationship.
Re: Etiquette to attend business dinners ..
awesome points @X2 , thanks so much :)