You have a client dinner next week
Business Dinner
Review a business dinner step by step: seating, conversation, toasts, the bill and thank-yous, plus what to wear and a prep checklist for the week before.
Learn
0 of 5 lessons complete
- Table Setting · 5 minTaking Your SeatSo you can offer the best seat and wait to be seated without a moment's hesitation.Start
- Conversation · 6 minChoosing TopicsTo keep conversation flowing with people you barely know, on topics that suit a meal.Sign in to unlock
- Table Setting · 6 minGlasses and WineTo decide in advance how you'll handle toasts, including politely skipping alcohol.Start
- At the Table · 6 minCourses and Cutlery SignalsSo your knife and fork tell the staff where you are, even while you're deep in conversation.Sign in to unlock
- Conversation · 6 minClosing the MealTo handle the bill gracefully and follow up with thanks the next day.Sign in to unlock
Read beforehand
- Seats of Honor and Seating OrderIn a private room, the seat farthest from the door is often the seat of honor. As a guest, don’t choose for yourself — wait for the host.
- Wine and ToastsLeave your glass on the table while wine is poured. For a toast, raise it to eye level and meet people’s eyes.
- Declining a DrinkA brief word before it’s poured, or a fingertip resting on the rim of your glass, is all it takes. No explanation is needed.
- Phones at the TablePut your phone away during the meal and give your time to the people in front of you.
- The Bill and Saying ThanksWhen you’re a guest, leave the bill to the host and thank them in specific words. How a meal ends is how it’s remembered.
Check what to wear
Dress codeBusiness (suit or jacket)
- A suit or jacket is the usual baseline — dress as you would for an important day at work.
- If your hosts keep their jackets on, it's safest to keep yours on too.
- In Japan, a business dinner may be in a tatami room where shoes come off, so check your socks.
Outfit check
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