At the dinner table
By Jean
Photos by Yao Fan

相信很多从事涉外交流的朋友经常有同样的困惑, 什么才是得体的西餐礼仪? 何种举止才能合乎西方礼节? 上周六双语周刊英语俱乐部在厦门索菲特大酒店凯撒三西餐厅举办的"西餐礼仪"沙龙满足了广大会员的需求. 酒店总经理麦洛杰先生和市外办欧美处游黎萍女士以自身丰富的经验为听众解疑答惑.



How do you improve your table manners and behave well when you have dinner in public? One of the most practical lectures that CT English Club has held in Sofitel Plaza Xiamen last Saturday has definitely offered some hints.

Since table manners has become one of our hottest topics, and with the increasing development of Xiamen's communication with the Western world, dozens of participants crowded into Caesar's on 3, one of the best Western restaurants in town, with great curiosity to learn more.

They definitely weren't disappointed. One of the two specially-invited hosts, Mr Roger Mair, General Manager of Sofitel Plaza Xiamen, delivered a wonderful speech, during which he shared many detailed do's and don'ts about table manners with CT Club members and other participants. Meanwhile, Madam You Liping, Deputy Director of the Division of European, North American & Oceanian Affairs, Foreign Affairs Office of the Xiamen Municipal Government, told the participants lots of interesting stories about the proper and improper ways of dining that she has encountered during her work.

The salon reached its climax when one CT Club member was invited to practice his table manners under the instruction of the hosts. He discovered his mistakes and corrected them step by step with help from the two experts.

One member practiced his table manners under the instruction of the hosts.

Making a good impression
Jessie (businesswoman)

If you were in a luxury restaurant with some very important partners, and you suddenly realized that you had a problem with the way that you were behaving, how would you feel? To be honest, I had such an experience when I took my first business trip in the U.S.A. I can still remember how embarrassed I was at that moment. Although I was instructed by some kind people, step by step, I couldn't help but feel that I was being impolite and I have never enjoyed business dinners because I always worry about making mistakes.

After that ordeal I began to take every opportunity to learn about Western dining etiquette. So it was with great interest and tons of questions that I attended the lecture about table manners organized by Common Talk.

It was really lucky for us to have Mr Mair, a gentle and handsome Swiss man with a friendly smile as our teacher. I was all ears in the lecture and tried to remember his every word. I think I've found the answers to most of my questions.

As a businesswoman I know how important it is that we behave properly during official business meals with Western businessmen. Good manners makes a good impression, and then business comes easier.

With "global" being such a buzzword at the moment, understanding and practicing proper table manners is becoming more and more important for business people. Mainly because many of us have to socialize with Western people, and much socialization occurs at the dinner table. It's never too late to start learning table manners!



When in Rome
Paulina (freelance teacher)

I thought that I behaved well while dining, but I found that I still have some problems after attending the CT English Salon on table manners. For example, I always put the napkin under the plate, but actually we should spread it on our laps, I couldn't tell the wine glass from the water glass and I used a knife to cut the bread when we should tear it with our hands, etc.

I'm a lazy person; I don't like sitting up straight and listening to the teacher in class, that's why I never paid too much attention to etiquette before. Instead, in CT's lecture, we sat comfortably, watched the demonstration and also experienced it directly by trying the food. It was marvelous. The feeling was just beyond words.

People judge others from their behavior. So as a polite person, it's necessary to know about table manners. With the number of Western restaurants in Xiamen increasing, it's a must for us to learn that "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".



An exciting experience with CT Salon
Amelice (college student)

When I sat in Caesar's on 3 of Sofitel Plaza Xiamen, I felt the dense atmosphere of Western culture. It's one of the nicest restaurants I have ever visited in Xiamen.

Mr Roger Mair, the hospitable General Manager of Sofitel Plaza Xiamen, shared so much with us about the proper way to cover Western dinner with a knife and fork. During his speech, I got to know about basic table manners, and was also made aware of so many mistakes we Chinese often make.

After listening to Mr Mair's interesting personal experiences, one member of CT English Club was invited to practice in front of everyone. Although some of his improper behavior made us burst into laughter, we learned a lot. I can't help saying aloud that I love the English Salon. Join me next time to share the newest topic!