
Introduction to the course 'Everyday Dining Etiquette'
'Formal Dining for Informal People' is a 40 page study guide in a downloadable PDF format. It reinforces the learning outcomes of this course and contains loads of supplementary materials.
Etiquette vs. Manners - What's the difference? What's most important?
When dining casually with friends and family, hosts and guests often sit where they want. When dining formally, it may be important to know who sits where... Consider the formal seating arrangements included in this lecture.
Business dining means business! Don't sit in the wrong seat. This lecture includes the do's and the don'ts.
How to take the lead as a host and create a comfortable atmosphere for your guests.
How to ensure respect to your host and the other guests.
Even though Informal and unconventional table settings are very common, there are easy tricks that can help you identify which utensil to use, what comes next and what to expect.
On occasion you may have a more elaborate meal. This lecture expands on common table settings for the formal dining experience.
Wine 101 - what you need to know.
How to help your guests feel more comfortable when ordering a meal.
Believe it or not... knowing what to do with your napkin is a big topic!
In western culture there are two distinct dining styles - American and European (Continental) Dining Styles. This lecture covers the similarities and differences of both.
Utensils are not just tools for eating. The way they are held, the way they are used, and the way they are left at the end of the meal says a lot about the diner and leaves clues for the server.
This lecture is all about what not to do at the dining table and how to prevent an awkward experience for you and your fellow diners.
I'll demonstrate which bread plate is yours and the 9 steps to 'breaking bread'.
Soup comes in many varieties and may be served in various ways. Here are the guidelines for eating with grace.
Eating salad differs based on the type of salad and the chosen dining style.
Soft fish, Solid fish, Whole fish... how to eat it.
Dessert is my favourite course of the meal... here's how to eat it.
Don't get caught at you next formal dinner. In this lecture we will walk through how to navigate a 7 course meal.
The next steps and suggestions for continuing your education
Have you ever been unsure about which bread plate is yours? Where to place your napkin when leaving the table? What the utensils at the top of your place setting are for?
How you conduct yourself at the dining table can influence others’ perceptions of you, impacting your business and social relationships. Everyday Dining Etiquette teaches you dining skills to help you appear more confident and feel more at ease when dining casually or formally, for business or for pleasure.
Master these dining skills – feel more confident and make a great impression today!
‘Everyday Dining Etiquette’ teaches you dining skills you can use every day.
Although the term dining generally refers to the act of eating, we have come to utilise dining as a means to socialise and conduct business. Table manners have a long history, and were established as a way of keeping the peace and domesticating our behaviour. These rituals were handed down from generation to generation, eventually becoming tradition.
Today, with our hectic lifestyles, many of us multitask and eat on the run. Although many dining traditions may not seem crucial while eating in front of the TV or computer, our table conduct is still considered important during social, business and formal occasions. Unfortunately, when we’re unsure how to skillfully navigate a meal, the dining experience can become an awkward encounter.
How you eat and how you behave while dining can leave a lasting impression of you in the minds of those seated with you at the dining table, and those dining around you. Through studying this course and practicing the skills, the everyday dining experience can be an enjoyable one.
Content and Overview
'Everyday Dining Etiquette' is designed for personal and professional development based on corporate seminars Kimberly Law has been presenting since 1999.
This course is designed to be easily understood by beginners, and offer a great refresher for those who need one. It includes both American and European dining styles.
Through lectures, the 40 page supplementary study guide, ‘Formal Dining for Informal People’ and resources, this course provides easy-to-learn skills and strategies to make a great impression every day. Each section offers a short quiz to evaluate your learning progress.
This course, along with self-study of the complementary study guide, ‘Formal Dining for Informal People’ and supplemental materials will set participants on the IITTI track. This course prepares students to write the Dining Etiquette component of the IITTI Level 1 Business Etiquette Certification exam through the Institute of Image Training and Testing International, and expands on these guidelines with additional protocol for elaborate gatherings and formal entertaining. IITTI is an international non-profit organization, that advocates global business etiquette standardization.
Here is what people are saying about Kimberly's presentations:
“For several years as Executive Director of SFU’s Management of Technology MBA program I engaged Kimberly Law to provide workshops on Dining Etiquette, wardrobe planning, and appropriate dress for business to each cohort of MBA students. I found that Kimberly was professional in her demeanor and poised in her presentation… In short, I am happy to recommend her services to others.” ~ T. Brown
“Kimberly gave very practical advice and examples for business meals and other meals." ~ C. Tam
“Kimberly's dining etiquette program is suitable for all professionals or anyone who feels they need a refresher on how to have the perfect table manners for business meals or any other meals.” ~ E. Bail
“I enjoyed the topic about table settings and table manners, since most of the time we don’t know these little details that make a great different in business dining. I will use this for job interviews, business meetings and dining in general.” ~ K. Labastida