International Dining Etiquette
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The table is where character
is truly revealed
To dine with polish is to move through the world with an invisible confidence — one that is felt by every person at the table.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Six Pillars of The Table
I
The Art of the Place Setting
A properly laid table is a map of the meal to come. From the positioning of cutlery — worked from the outside in — to the precise placement of glassware and napkins, and the placement of the bread plate - every element has its reason and its rule.
III
The Language of Cutlery
Cutlery communicates silently between guest and host. The resting position signals a pause. The finishing position signals completion. These gestures are the grammar of the formal table.
V
The Art of Conversation
A gracious guest speaks to both neighbours equally throughout the meal, never monopolises, and chooses topics that illuminate rather than divide. The table is a stage for warmth, wit, and genuine connection.
II
Napkin Etiquette
The napkin is placed on the lap upon sitting — never tucked into the collar. It is lifted discreetly to blot, never wiped. When leaving the table temporarily, it is placed on your seat; at the meal's end, placed naturally to the left.
IV
Pace, Posture & Presence
Dining is not merely eating — it is a performance of ease. Sitting upright without rigidity, bringing food to the mouth rather than the reverse, and pacing oneself with the table are the invisible marks of true refinement.
VI
Wine, Water & Service
Understanding how to accept or decline a wine pour, the correct glasses for each variety, how to hold each glass appropriately and how to engage graciously with waiting staff reflects a sophistication that elevates every dining occasion — whether hosted or attended.
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WHO THIS PROGRAMME SERVES
Designed for those who value every seat at every table
Aspiring Professionals
Those preparing to dine with clients, boards, or heads of state who wish to project effortless sophistication.
Discerning Hosts
Individuals who entertain at home or in private venues and wish to offer their guests a dining experience of true distinction.
Young Adults
Those embarking on social and professional life who wish to acquire the foundations of gracious dining from the very beginning.