Being the Perfect Host

The last blog taught you the key elements for being the perfect dining guest. Once you’ve advanced in your career (partly due to your excellent guest etiquette, no doubt!), you’re now the one hosting the meal. Remember, a great host takes care of every detail for guests – just as if you were hosting at your own home. So read on, and you’ll be as good a host as you were a guest.

Pick a great restaurant for business. Ideally, choose a restaurant you know to have excellent food and service. Your image is on the line! Also, always consider your guests’ food preferences. Don’t choose a restaurant that doesn’t have vegetarian options if you know one of your guests doesn’t eat meat. What about the atmosphere? Ideally, you need an environment quiet enough to discuss business, but not so quiet that your every word will be overheard.

An onsite visit eliminates uncertainty. Make a reservation a few days in advance. Use your name, as well as the company name (this puts the restaurant on notice that this is a business meal). If you are not familiar with the restaurant, it’s a great idea to drop in before the event and introduce yourself to the staff that will be assisting you. Request a table that is away from any doors, the restrooms, and traffic paths.

Confirm and avoid disappointment. Confirm with your guest(s) the morning of (or the day before if your chosen meal is breakfast) in order to avoid being stood up. Always program their office and mobile numbers into your own phone, just in case an emergency arises.

Be early. Because you’re the host, it’s not good enough simply to be on time. You need to be early in order to make sure everything is perfect before your guest arrives.

Meet and greet. When you arrive, don’t be seated – wait instead for your guest to arrive. Let the host(ess) lead your guest to the table first, and offer them the prime seating.

Assist with ordering. Help your guest by making a recommendation of the restaurant’s specialties. Encourage a first course if you have the time. Don’t forget that, as the host, you should order last.

Be responsible. As the host, you are responsible for the comfort of your guest throughout the meal. Make them feel special! If you see that they need something, such as a refill, you should be the one to notify your server.

Paying gracefully. A great way to avoid the awkward moment when the bill arrives, is to arrange for payment in advance. Simply give your credit card to the maître d’ before your guests arrive and request that they add the customary tip. You’ll be able to sign and go with no fuss.

Parting with graciousness. You should always walk your guest to the door. Get extra credit by walking them to their car or assist with hailing a taxi. Take your leave with a great handshake.

Hopefully, we’ve equipped you with all the knowledge you’ll need to be the perfect guest and host and your next business meal.

Coming soon—Summer starts on June 21^st! Check back next week for Connie’s blog on how to maintain your professional look with the 3^rd piece without having a heatstroke.

Being the Perfect Guest

Whether you are beginning the interview process or already have your own corner office, knowing the ins and outs of dining etiquette is a must. Remember that dining for business is always an opportunity for you to reaffirm your professionalism image and demonstrate perfect etiquette. Let’s save the nuts and bolts of navigating the table setting for another blog, and focus today on the specific responsibilities we have when we are the invited guests to a business meal.

• Your first responsibility. Above all else, BE ON TIME! Do you know exactly where the restaurant is? How long will it take to get there? In rush hour? Do you know where to park? What about valet service? This is information that you need to find out BEFORE the meal.
• Research ahead. Nothing is more annoying than dining with someone who can’t decide what to order. Every reputable restaurant has a website these days so do some reconnaissance ahead of time! Having a good idea of what you’d like to order in advance allows you to appear confidently decisive at the restaurant.
• Order Well. Have the sensitivity to think about cost when you are not paying. Don’t order the most expensive item on the menu unless your host has specifically recommended it to you. Avoid anything that is messy, can splatter, or is greasy. If possible, order something you can cut with your fork. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things. If your host takes you to a nice Italian restaurant, don’t insult them by ordering a hamburger.
• Don’t be high maintenance. Everyone has their likes and dislikes; however, there’s no need to broadcast your own pickiness. If you have a food allergy or a specific diet restriction (vegan, diabetic), quietly mention it to the waiter. Yet another reason to check out the menu in advance! Being high maintenance sends a message to your host (and others that you’re dining with) that you’ll be high maintenance in the office as well.
• Converse. Duh. This seems obvious, but is important for a variety of reasons. If nothing else, leaving the responsibility of talking to the host will mess with the pace of the meal. If they’re constantly talking, they’ll be finishing their first course while you’re waiting for dessert. Keeping a good flow of conversation is the responsibility of both the host and the guest. A good tip: Depending on what industry you are in, browse the online versions of the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal and brush up on current events. These two periodicals (or one more suited to your career) will definitely provide good topics for conversation.
• Compliment the host. “Thank you for choosing such a great restaurant!” or “What great service!” are pleasantries that indicate your appreciation for the event. After the meal, remember to thank three times for maximum impact. 1) Verbally as you are leaving, 2) in an e-mail upon returning to your office, and (here's the clincher) 3) again by handwritten note on nice card stock.

Stayed tuned for our next blog on how to be the perfect host!