Lunch or dinner interviews and meetings are common. Prospective employers and colleagues want to know how you can handle yourself in social situations. Many jobs require entertaining. Business deals can be sealed or lost over a meal.

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At a recent business luncheon one of the guests blew his nose in his napkin. Another used her fingers to push food on to her fork. Are these appropriate dining behaviours?

Lunch or dinner interviews and meetings are common. Prospective employers and colleagues want to know how you can handle yourself in social situations. Many jobs require entertaining. Business deals can be sealed or lost over a meal.

Do you use proper dining etiquette? Answer yes or no.

1. I like sampling exotic food.

2. If the menu is fixed and I'm served food I dislike, I ask for a replacement.

3. I swallow tough meat.

4. If I have a hot meal, I start eating before it gets cold.

5. Between bites, my utensils rest on the edge of my plate.

6. If my napkin falls to the floor, I pick it up.

7. I put my napkin in my lap after everyone is seated.

8. When eating soup, I take the soup spoon away from me.

9. When eating rolls and other dinner breads, I break the roll in half, butter it, then munch.

10. I use silverware from the inside out.

11. I share personal information.

12. I arrive early so I can select the best table.

13. If I get something stuck in my teeth I remove it with a toothpick.

14. I can eat and answer questions at the same time.

15. I pass the salt with the pepper.

16. I place my wrists on the table in between bites.

17. I thank the serving staff.

Score one point for each yes to 5, 7, 8, 15, 16 and 17, and each no to the other statements. A score of thirteen or higher suggests excellent dining etiquette; five or less indicates you could benefit from reading the tips.

Dining Tips

1. Inappropriate. Don't be adventurous during a business meeting. Choose food carefully. Avoid foods that may drip, splatter or require twirling. Don't drink alcoholic beverages or eat the garnish.

2. Inappropriate. Be polite and never state a dislike for food that is served. Eat what you like and try unfamiliar food unless you have an allergy.

3. Inappropriate. If you need to remove something from your mouth, place your hand close to your mouth, drop the meat into the palm of your hand and place it on the side of your plate.

4. Inappropriate. Don't begin your meal until all meals are served and your host takes the first bite.

5. Appropriate. Used utensils must never touch the surface of the table or tablecloth. Utensils should rest on the edge of your plate. Place your knife on the back and your fork on the side. When you are finished, place your silverware parallel to each other in the 10 and 4 o'clock position with the knife blade facing you.

6. Inappropriate. Don't retrieve your napkin. Discreetly ask the server for a fresh napkin.

7. Appropriate. At formal restaurants, the waiter may do this for you. Napkins are meant to catch food from falling into your lap or dust crumbs from your lips. When you are finished, place your napkin next to your plate.

8. Appropriate. Taking the soup spoon away rather than towards you enables the soup to drip back into the bowl instead of on you. When resting, place the soup spoon in the bowl.

9. Inappropriate. Break off a bite-sized piece of the roll, butter and enjoy it.

10. Inappropriate. When you face a full setting of cutlery, work from the outside in. Use the flatware furthest from your plate first. Exceptions: The salad fork is usually closest to the plate, and a dessert spoon is placed above the plate.

11. Inappropriate. Avoid discussing personal or controversial topics. Focus on business-related or current events. Don't discuss business until the host does. Remember, you're being interviewed throughout the meal.

12. Inappropriate. Don't sit anywhere. Wait for a cue from your host.

13. Inappropriate. Toothpicks should be used in private. If food gets stuck in your teeth try to remove it with your tongue. If this doesn't work, go to the restroom.

14. Inappropriate. Never speak with food in your mouth.

15. Appropriate. Always pass both even if someone asks for salt only. Don't use it before passing.

16. Appropriate. Rest wrists but not elbows on the table.

17. Appropriate. Write a thank-you note to your host, too