Tips on eating etiquette. Learn tips on refusing food because of preference or allergies. Learn how to tell your host/hostess that you are vegan so that they may accomodate to you. It is impolite to say that...
It is impolite to say that you do not like what is being served at a meal; however, you are not required to eat something you truly dislike or are not able to eat. Some people have dietary restrictions that stem from medical conditions, religious beliefs, or personal preferences. Never lie when asked if you like the food, instead you can state you are not very hungry or move the food around so it appears that you have eaten something on your plate. If your host has invited you to a meal and made an effort to accommodate you, then you should express gratitude to him or her and not complain.
Gloria Starr, President of Global Success Strategies Inc., consults with many business executives and global dignitaries on matters regarding etiquette and protocol. Starr offers an example of proper protocol, "If there is beef on your plate and you don't eat beef, maybe cut it once or twice so that it looks as if you are eating it, but you don't actually have to eat it." The objective here is to not alert your host or other diners that you are not eating or in any way being disrespectful.
Some people have allergies to peanuts, milk products, or other common food items. If this is a problem for you, you should always inform the host or hostess of this prior to accepting an invitation to a meal. The host or hostess would rather know you are a vegetarian before they have veal cutlets served to you for dinner. Legitimate eating limitations are fine to address but spare your host a lengthy list because you are merely a picky eater. Starr uses the following example, "If I were a vegetarian, I would call the hostess and say that I am delighted to attend and that I am a vegetarian. I would ask if they would be able to honor that or if it makes them feel uncomfortable in some fashion. I could say I would love to bring something that would suit my eating style, if that was fine with the hostess." In many instances, the host or hostess will respect and honor your differences and do what he or she can to best accommodate everyone at the meal. In today's society the trend seems to be leaning more toward acceptance of others without pretense. Communication is critical to reaching harmony and reducing discord.
Never lie and say that you like something that you do not, as it will not come across as insincere and may make your host or hostess suspicious as to whether or not you are truthful in your other comments during the conversation. There is a fine line between telling the complete truth and being diplomatic in certain situations. After a meal you can politely decline dessert by saying you couldn't eat another bite, but without saying that you cannot stand rhubarb pie. This is an example of a socially acceptable excuse to refuse a food you do not care for without insulting your host or hostess. You should never be directly asked if you like the food or why you didn't eat more because it would be rude to request an answer like that. However, if it appears you are singled out to explain your lack of eating you can gently make a vague excuse and divert the topic to something else. If you are offered an alternative meal choice, it is fine to graciously accept, but it is never appropriate to ask for a different entrée once the meal has been served. A host or hostess will not appreciate having to make last minute changes when a simple phone call in advance would have allowed him or her to be better prepared prior to your arrival.
Other tips on eating etiquette include:
* Always be on time.
* Do not bring unexpected or uninvited guests.
* Do not use cell phones during the meal.
* Always use good table manners.
* Do not ask for additional items or portions unless they are offered.
* Never ask for a doggie bag to take with you.
* Thank your host or hostess for inviting you.
