Why Etiquette and Manners Open the Doors to Greater Opportunities: Part 1

Gloria Starr, Leadership Coach, Executive Presence, Personal and Corporate Image, Business Etiquette and Communication shares her knowledge, wisdom, background and experience with Pearls and Wine on all things etiquette. Gloria Starr is fondly known as Lady Starr in diplomatic circles around the world and is also Private Counsel to Royalty in the Middle and Far East.
One of the easiest and most effective strategies to gain recognition in Affluent Circles is to acquire and use Manners and Etiquette.Â
Food and Dining Etiquette

You may not have been taught how to Dine with Delight, how to use your cutlery in the European way, or how to eat exotic food, but you must acquire these essential tips for greater personal and professional success!
Table Etiquette Tips: The Dos and Don't

* Wait for the host/hostess to pick up their table napkin first. This indicates that the meal is about to begin.
* Your napkin should be folded in half with the fold on your lap.
* Cut one bite of food and eat it, then cut another bite of food.
* Use your napkin before you sip your beverage to avoid having small crumbs in your glass.
* If you are wearing lipstick, I recommend a lip pencil so you will still have lipstick on at the end of the meal.
* Drink your beverages from one place on the glass so everything remains pristine. You do not want lipstick around the entire rim of your glass.
*Do not season your food prior to tasting it.
*The salt and pepper are a couple and they are passed around the table together.
* Pass the food counter-clockwise at a family style dinner.
* No phones at the dinner table or watching television.
* Appropriate conversations at the table include: travel, books, movies and uplifting stories.
* No gossiping, arguing or angry conversations during meals.
I recommend learning the European way of using your utensils with the fork held tines down and in the left hand.
Cellphone Etiquette
