The evening is set.
Dinner at a fabulous "hot spot".
Are your table manners up to snuff? These tips may be old hat to some of you, or maybe you have forgotten a few things along the way.
"Brush ups" are always a good thing! Here are my top 7 tips to keep you looking savvy while dining 1.
Cell phones on a date do not make for a great evening.
You want to be able to concentrate on one another, not on who may call or text you.
If you must check messages, do so in the restroom, not at the table.
2.
Don't act like "it's all about me, me, me".
Engage your date in conversation that is balance concerning both of you.
You are there to learn more about each other, right? If friends are along, include them in the conversation too.
3.
Gobbling food like you have not eaten in a month is very un-sexy.
Hungry is one thing, acting like you just got off "Survivor" is another.
Eat at a moderate pace so you can still have conversation.
Stay focused on date during dinner, ask how their food is.
And try to smile between bites.
4.
Cut food up one piece at a time before eating.
Bread should be broken into small bites, one at a time, then buttered and eaten.
No slathering the big hunk of bread with butter then stuffing it in your month.
5.
Food stuck in teeth? "Get ye to the restroom", pronto.
No excavating expeditions at the table.
Always carry a toothpick or floss.
And don't use the "ol' straw trick" as a toothpick.
Keep breath mints handy too! 6.
Dining with a view? Always seat your date with the best view, even if it means missing seeing the score on the TV in the bar.
7.
Napkins should be left on the chair if you need to excuse yourself.
Soiled side down preferably.
No one wants to see gravy stains.
When the meal is finished, loosely place napkin on the left side of plate, not on the plate as you push away saying, "Wow, I am full".
Definitely uncool.
Napkins should not be used for blowing your nose either, uber gross.
Are you nodding your head that you knew this info, or have you been enlightened? In any case, enjoy yourself at your next dinner date!