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A Comprehensive Guide to Dining Etiquette

Program Duration: 2 hours

Objective: To teach participants proper dining etiquette and manners, including the use of cutlery, posture at the table, table talk, napkin etiquette, managing mishaps, and do’s and don’ts.

Materials Needed:

  • A dining table with chairs
  • Plates, forks, knives, spoons, napkins
  • A variety of foods, including difficult-to-eat foods like lobster and artichokes
  • Water and glasses

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the program
  • Review the agenda and objectives\
  • Emphasize the importance of proper dining etiquette in both personal and professional settings

Proper Use of Cutlery (20 minutes)

  • Explain the proper placement of cutlery on the table
  • Demonstrate the proper use of each utensil, including forks, knives, and spoons
  • Discuss how to cut difficult-to-eat foods like meat and lobster
  • Provide examples of common cutlery mistakes and how to avoid them

Posture at the Table (10 minutes)

  • Discuss the importance of good posture while eating
  • Demonstrate the correct way to sit at the table\
  • Provide tips on how to maintain good posture throughout the meal

Eating Difficult Food (15 minutes)

  • Demonstrate the proper way to eat difficult foods like artichokes and shellfish
  • Provide tips on how to avoid making a mess while eating
  • Emphasize the importance of being confident while eating difficult foods

Table Talk (20 minutes)

  • Discuss the art of small talk and conversation starters
  • Explain how to keep the conversation flowing without dominating the discussion
  • Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate topics of conversation

Napkin Etiquette (10 minutes)

  • Discuss the proper placement of napkins on the table
  • Demonstrate the proper way to use a napkin
  • Provide tips on how to handle a dropped napkin

Managing Mishaps (10 minutes)

  • Discuss common mishaps that can happen while dining
  • Demonstrate how to handle spilled food or drinks
  • Provide tips on how to apologize for a mishap and move on

Do’s and Don’ts (10 minutes)

  • Review common do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette, including cell phone usage, tipping, and appropriate behavior
  • Emphasize the importance of respecting others while dining

Conclusion (5 minutes)

  • Summarize the key points covered in the program
  • Encourage participants to practice good dining etiquette in their daily lives
  • Thank participants for attending the program and answer any remaining questions


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