Planning a Student Etiquette Dinner?

We understand the transformative power of a well-executed etiquette dinner for university students. These events are more than just meals; they are invaluable opportunities for young adults to hone the social graces and professional decorum that are essential in today’s global society. Whether you are preparing your students for internships, job interviews, or international diplomacy, our expertly curated Student Etiquette Dinner guide provides the essential tools and insights needed to plan an event that is both elegant and educational.

INVOLVE ALUMNI, FACULTY & EMPLOYERS

Include university alumni, partners, and potential employers to foster networking opportunities. This will allow students to work on their conversation skills throughout the dinner. Consider extending invitations to distinguished faculty members and university dignitaries.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Partner with university departments, career services, hospitality programs and external organizations to broaden the scope and reach of the event. Leverage these partnerships for resources, guest speakers, and sponsorship opportunities.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Events are often held in student centers, ballrooms, and banquet halls. But may also take place in unique spaces such as grand foyers, campus hotels, art galleries, etc.

Hosting the dinner off campus may also be an option. For example, at a local steakhouse or Italian restaurant with private dining space.

MENU PLANNING

We recommend a three-course meal that reflects sophistication and culinary diversity. Plated service, cloth linens and floral centerpieces are nice finishing touches. If plated service is not possible, buffet dinners are also an option.

It is customary to offer bread and butter, soup or salad, a main course that can be elegantly cut (avoiding long noodle pasta) and simple dessert. A sample menu would include: tomato bisque, grilled chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes, and cheesecake. If the budget allows, consider offering tea or coffee with dessert, wine during the meal, etc.

Remember to consider dietary preferences and restrictions and to obtain those details from participants in advance when possible.

TECHNICAL NEEDS

It is recommended to use a space that offers an A/V HDMI screen setup for a customized PPT presentation. For groups of 40+ a lavalier or handheld microphone along with slide advancer are encouraged.

EVENT SCHEDULE AND DURATION

Allocate 2 hours for the dinner, ensuring a balanced distribution of time for dining, networking, and learning.

While dinners are most common, an etiquette brunch or luncheon may be a great option.

DRESS CODE

Advise attendees to dress in business or business casual attire, underscoring the professional nature of the event. Provide clear guidelines to help students understand and meet these expectations.

PRE-EVENT COMMUNICATION

Send detailed instructions to attendees, including dress code, event schedule, and expectations. Remember to request information regarding dietary restrictions. Also, consider including biographies on guest speaker or information on guestlist such as alumni or employers participating.

PHOTOS & DOCUMENTATION

Capture the event through photography or videography for promotional and educational purposes. Invite the campus paper or consider placing someone in charge of capturing images for social media.

BUDGET & FUNDING

Prepare a comprehensive budget, considering costs for catering, venue, etiquette expert speaker fee and travel (as applicable). Explore funding options through university resources, sponsorships, and partnerships.

POST-EVENT ENGAGEMENT

Encourage attendees to provide feedback through a survey. Offer follow-up resources or workshops for interested students to further develop their business etiquette skills.

SECURING YOUR ETIQUETTE SPEAKER

Etiquette experts such as ours travel the country and abroad providing etiquette training for university and corporate events.

Most important in securing a speaker is locking in a date. While some universities plan their event a year in advance and host a dinner annually; if you have a shorter window, do not hesitate to reach out and confirm availability today!

Secure Your Dinner Date

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Etiquette: Kids & Weddings

Director Crystal L. Bailey gave her etiquette advice for incorporating young people into weddings for Baltimore Child magazine.

“Children can bring excitement to weddings,” says Crystal L. Bailey, director of the Etiquette Institute of Washington. “Incorporating them into a wedding, having them dancing on the floor — that makes everything beautiful and brings some youth.

Read the Full Story Here

This December, our director shared her top etiquette tips with Northern Virginia Magazine. See the full story here.

As a host, prep as much as you can in advance so your guests can actually enjoy your presence. A host should never spend the entire evening in the kitchen or manning the cocktail bar. Additionally, if you are uncertain of your guest’s dietary restrictions or how to meet them, don’t be afraid to ask. 

– Crystal L. Bailey, Director, The Etiquette Institute of Washington

Director Crystal L. Bailey speaks with France TV2 about relations between men and women in the workplace since the #metoo movement and the “Mike Pence Rule”.

5. Take the Lead

Let your guest know that the seat with the perfect view of the city is theirs for the taking. A host knows the placement of their napkin signals the start of dinner and that placing the napkin to the left of their setting signals the end. Gesture or use words when guests should begin eating with a “please enjoy” or “bon appétit”. Guests are following your lead…so take it!

4. Put Your Guest at Ease

We all know the story of the queen who after seeing one of her guests mistakenly drink out of the finger bowl, she too picked up her finger bowl to drink. If your guest makes an error, don’t mention it, or at least laugh it off. If their “Merlot” and “quinoa” are pronounced à la Annie Oakley, roll with it and resist correcting them.

Let your guest know what you plan to order and if you have any recommendations (Always choose a restaurant you’re familiar with).

3. Handle the Check in Advance

You would be surprised how many times I’ve taken a male client out, only for it to be assumed he would handle the check. Nip it in the bud by building rapport with your server and making them aware you are the host. A second option is to hand off your card at the beginning of the meal which works well to deter the duel of “who has the check”.

2. Handle Issues Discretely

My father is a practical man. If there’s no ketchup on the table, by darn, he’s going to get up and find it himself! But fine dining is not a practical art.

Do your best to disguise your frustrations with the service, the food, or any other part of the experience. Your energy will project onto guests and give them a feeling of unease that may be lasting.

1. Know When to Bring Up Business

Now is the perfect time to bring up business…Join us on March 21 at Ocean Prime for Wine, Dine & Refine! 4-Course Dinner & Wine Pairing | Executive Presence Training

Watch as these young ladies embark on a year-long journey of Poise, Polish and Politesse.

In January 2018, the European Finishing School experience is brought to Washington in a training led by the premier etiquette connoisseur,  Anne Debard of Etiquette a la Francaise. Interested in this two-day course for adults or one-day for ages 15-19?  Registration will be opening soon. Learn more about Anne Debard below.

Contact Us

In January 2018, Anne Debard will visit Washington to provide European Finishing School Training for adults.

From our Holiday Tea at the Ritz Carlton to meeting Misty Copeland at the Kennedy Center these young ladies had quite a year!
Now accepting applicants for the Class of 2016-2017

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