PowerPoint Presentation

Mealtime Etiquette

Table etiquette is the courtesy shown by using good manners at mealsGood table manners help put you at ease in social situationsMany business transactions take place over meals. Often, when companies consider an applicant for a job, the interview may include a mealWhy do you think it is important to have good etiquette during times like these?

2Basic Etiquette

Before eatingPlace the napkin on your lap before your start eatingWait until everyone is served before you begin to eatYou may reach for serving dishes as long as you dont have to lean across your neighborWhat is the best way to get something you cannot reach?

While EatingDont talk with your mouth fullBreak bread into smaller pieces before buttering it or eating itCut food into small pieces before eating Sit up straight when you eat and dont lean on your elbows

Restaurant EtiquetteWhat kind of examples can you think of?

When You ArriveA reservation is an arrangement made ahead of time for a table at a restaurant When calling to make your reservation, you must give:Your nameThe number of people in your groupThe time you plan to arriveUnless a sign states otherwise, never seat yourself

Communicating With ServersIt is important to be polite to servers!!!How should you try and get your servers attention?The proper way to catch your servers attention is by calmly raising your hand

Paying the CheckHow do you handle paying the check when you go out to eat with your friends?Gratuity is extra money given to the server in appreciation for good serviceSometimes the tip has already been added in on the checkWhat do you think is a good percentage of the total bill to tip?A standard amount to tip is 15-20 percent

Complaints & ComplimentsIf you have any complaints about the food, you should tell the server If nothing is done, complain to the managerCompliments are just as important to the manager as complaints!

Mealtime CustomsFamily MealsEating together is important to a familys social healthHow many of you eat meals together as a family?To help make the most of family meals, it is important to keep a positive mealtime atmosphere and pay attention to the tables appearance.

An upbeat atmosphere can be as essential to your familys health as nutritious food isWhat are some interesting topics that you have or can discuss with your family?People who read or watch television as they eat pay little attention to what and how much they eat

Mealtime Atmosphere

Setting the TableHow the table looks at mealtime can be as significant as how the people around it behaveTable settings include the following:Tableware- includes any items used for serving and eating foodServing pieces- platters, large bowls, and other tableware used for serving foodCover- the arrangement of a place setting for one personTable-Setting BasicsThe cover is usually on the table before people sit down to eat.The plate goes in the center of the cover, about 1 inch from the edge of the tableArrange flatware in the order in which it is used, starting at the outside and working in toward the centerForks go on the left of the plate, knives to the right (knife blades face IN!!)

Settings for Family MealsMost families choose simple table settings for everyday mealsFor most meals, you need at least a dinner plate, fork, knife, teaspoon, and beverage glassServing Family MealsThere are two common styles of serving food, they are family service and plate serviceFamily ServiceThe cover is set with the necessary tableware

The food is placed in serving dishes and passed around the table with people helping themselvesThe main advantage of family service is that people can serve themselves the amount they want

Disadvantages includeHot dishes left on the table may cool to room temperature allowing bacteria to form

Difficult to practice portion control which leads to overeating

Excess food left on a plate must be thrown away which wastes both food and money

Plate ServicePlate service is generally used for family meals and in restaurants Food is placed on the plates directly from the containers in which it was cooked and the plates are then brought to the tableThe only exception is saladPlate service saves cleanup time more than family service doesSalad dressing should be served separately so that people can use the amount that they want

Serve dessert after the dinner plates, salad bowls, and serving dishes have been cleared from the table