Dining Etiquette 101: Before You Even Sit Down
Image Credit: Our etiquette mini-series kicks off with pre-meal dos & don’ts.

Picture this: you’ve been invited to a fancy client dinner, or maybe it’s a first date at that buzzy new restaurant. The food hasn’t even landed yet, but — surprise — your behaviour is already being noticed. Dining etiquette doesn’t just start when the soup arrives; it begins well before you pick up a fork.

Here’s your cheat sheet to getting the first act right.

RSVPs and dietary quirks

Got an allergy or restriction? Flag it when you RSVP — not when you’re already at the table. Think of it as giving your host the courtesy of time to plan, rather than springing it on them at the eleventh hour.

Who pays (and who definitely doesn’t)?

  • Golden rule: the person who issues the invite pays. Period.
  • At a job interview? Don’t reach for the bill or the tip — your only task is to say “thank you” and follow up with a note within 24 hours.
  • On a date? Whoever initiated picks up the cheque. (No, splitting it six ways with the calculator app isn’t chic.)

Arrival matters

Turn up on time. If you’re running late, a quick call goes a long way. And when you do arrive, greet the host, make eye contact, and resist the urge to dive straight for the bread basket.

Your stuff ≠ table décor

Phones, purses, sunglasses, laptops — keep them off the table. If it buzzes in your pocket, deal with it after the meal, away from the table.

Napkin know-how

When you sit down, place your napkin neatly on your lap — don’t snap it like a magician’s trick or tuck it in your collar. Bonus tip: wait for the host to unfold theirs first, then follow suit.

Sit tall

Good posture signals confidence. Slouching signals boredom. And yes, elbows off the table while eating; in between courses, resting them while chatting is perfectly fine.

The Takeaway

Think of pre-meal etiquette as your warm-up act: small cues that set the tone for the whole evening. Nail these, and you’re halfway to being the person everyone actually wants at their table.

Next up in our series: what happens once the plates land, including ordering like a pro, decoding cutlery, and surviving soup. Stay tuned.