OVER THREE EDITIONS of this series, we’ve taken you from RSVP to ramen slurps, covering all the tricks of dining etiquette. Now it’s your turn: can you walk the table-talk without tripping over soup spoons?
Grab a pen, or just tally in your head. Answers at the end.
1. RSVP rules
When should you mention dietary restrictions?
a) At the RSVP stage, ideally a week in advance
b) When the food is served
c) Halfway through dessert
2. Who pays?
At a business lunch, who’s responsible for the bill and tip?
a) The person who extended the invite
b) Whoever ordered the most expensive dish
c) Split six ways, calculator app in hand
3. Soup etiquette
Do you scoop towards yourself or away from yourself?
a) Towards
b) Away
c) Doesn’t matter, just don’t slurp
4. Bread roll basics
What’s the correct way to eat it?
a) Butter the whole roll at once
b) Break off bite-sized pieces and butter as you go
c) Skip the butter — it’s a carb crime anyway
5. The salt & pepper shuffle
If someone asks for the salt, what do you pass?
a) Just the salt
b) Salt and pepper together
c) Whatever’s closest to your hand
6. Napkin know-how
Where should your napkin go if you step away mid-meal?
a) On your chair
b) On the floor (gravity will take it)
c) Back in your bag
7. Global quirks
In Japan, slurping noodles is…
a) Rude
b) Respectful
c) Just noisy
8. Thank-you timing
After a business meal or interview, when should you send a thank-you note?
a) Immediately after dessert
b) Within 24 hours
c) Never. Awkward!
***
Answers
1-a | 2-a | 3-b | 4-b | 5-b | 6-a | 7-b | 8-b
Scorecard:
- 7-8: Table-manners master! Invite yourself to dinner, you’ll be fine.
- 5-6: You’re a solid diner; just keep an eye on the bread basket.
- 3-4: You need a refresher. Start with our Part I-III guides.
- 0-2: Oh dear. Maybe stick to take-out?