Dining Guide / When Things Go Wrong
If You Spill Something
Stay calm, blot with your napkin and quietly ask the staff for help. The less fuss, the better.
Key Points
- Stay calm. Set the glass upright and keep the spill from spreading.
- Blot it gently with your napkin. Rubbing only spreads the stain.
- Signal a server quietly and ask for help cleaning up, or for a fresh napkin.
- If it reached someone, apologize briefly, and let them or the staff handle their clothing.
Do
- Blot to soak it up
- Let the staff take care of the cleanup
- Apologize briefly to anyone affected
Avoid
- Rubbing the spill
- Exclaiming loudly or apologizing over and over
- Wiping someone else’s clothes yourself
Handy Tip
A soiled napkin can always be replaced. Don’t hesitate to ask, “Could I have a fresh napkin, please?”