Tips for dining politely at a business meal, from etiquette guru Darcy Matz:
If you plan on paying for the meal, give your credit card to the maitre d' beforehand —that way, nobody misses a beat or argues over who pays.
If the invitation includes the word "formal" (or even "semi-formal"), men should wear ties. Women can't go wrong in black dresses.
Face the room's doors, if you're the host, so guests see you when they arrive.
Don't touch your hair or put on lipstick at the table.
Don't blow your nose at the table. The only exception is if you have a cold or allergies.
When getting rid of things like fruit pits, remember: how it gets in your mouth is how it gets out, even if that means using your fingers.
Avoid lobster and crab — they're messy and attention-grabbing.
If you order a baked potato, eat out of it. Don't mash it up, eat the skin or peel away the foil.
Tell someone if you see spinach in his teeth. The person gets one swipe of the teeth with their tongue to remove the food; if that does not work, he should go to the bathroom. Do not try to instruct someone in removing it.
Leave a little something on your plate — don't scrape it clean!
If you don't like the food, cut it up, pause to talk and eat a few bites. Remember, this isn't about you.
Don't send food back if it has a hair in it. Only make a fuss if the problem is serious and might harm others, such as if you see glass in the food.
Don't take the last piece of bread.
Don't dip anything in your coffee, and remember saucers are for utensils, not spills.
