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We all like to believe we possess proper etiquette.

We hold the door open for people, say excuse me when squeezing through a crowd and try to arrive fairly close to the start time of any function (fashionably late is acceptable).

Take this quiz to determine if you really are your very own Mr. or Mrs. Manners.

 

Q: In your table place setting your bread and salad is on your right and your drink is on the left. True or false?

A: False. Bread and salad is on the left and your beverages are on the right. To help you remember think of the acronym BMW: bread, meal, water.

 

Q: At a dinner at someone's home it is acceptable to ask for second helpings.

A: False. Do not ask for seconds in case there aren't any available or the host has some other plans for the remaining food. However, if seconds are offered and others are having seconds, go ahead. Keep in mind though, if no one else accepts, you could end up to be the only one eating while others wait for you to finish before they are served the next course.

 

Q: If someone says you've offended them with a question you asked, how should you respond?

A: 1) You should apologize for being thoughtless and offending them.

2) A little self-deprecating humour would come in handy in this instance: "I am so sorry if I have offended you, sometimes I don't think before I speak and I am truly sorry for being so thoughtless. I hope you will accept my apology."

 

Q: You should always tip the bartender at your company-hosted celebration party.

A: No. Tips are usually included. To tip at a host bar can cause problems with other staff.

 

Q: If your spouse is invited to the company party, even though he is reluctant to attend, it is imperative he accompany you.

A: No. It may not be in your best interests to have him attend if he doesn't wish to do so.

 

Q: A gift for your boss should be significant, tasteful and delivered to his or her home.

A: False. In most cases you would not buy a gift for your boss as it may seem like you are trying to curry favour. A holiday card is appropriate or you may participate in a group gift.

 

Q: If you are not comfortable with the seating arrangement at a party, you may switch place cards as long as it is done unobtrusively.

A: False, that is boorish. Usually the host has designed the seating arrangements with a purpose in mind.

 

Q: The parents of your daughter's school friend have invited you to their house party. In this case it is quite acceptable to bring your daughter with you to the party.

A: False. Unless they are specifically mentioned in the invitation, you should not bring your children to a party.

 

Q: The company celebration party is the one time you can call your boss by his first name and let your hair down.

A: False. Don't call our boss by his first name unless you normally do. Be on your best behaviour.

 

Q: When you attend a networking event or cocktail party, look for someone you know so you can comfortably engage in conversation with them and avoid looking conspicuous or alone.

A: False. The purpose of attending such events is to meet new people.

 

Q: If you are invited to be a weekend house guest you should not ask what events are planned; this is considered forward and boorish.

A: False. If your host does not provide you with this information, you should ask. You need to know what clothing, or perhaps equipment, to bring.

 

Q: The company celebration party is a social occasion where the protocol of the office can be forgotten for one night.

A: False. That could be the biggest mistake you could ever make. Treat the office party as something just short of a job interview with alcohol and food.

 

Q: After you introduce yourself at a networking event, engage others in conversation so you can provide more information about yourself.

A: False. As Dale Carnegie said, you can develop relationships quicker by being more interested in others than by trying to get others interested in you.

 

Q: What is the biggest mistake one could make at the company party?

A: Drinking too much and whatever that could lead to.

 

Q: Arriving 15 minutes late to an engagement is acceptable in North America.

A: True.

 

Q: The company party is a good opportunity to wear your low cut backless evening gown.

A: False. You should dress on the conservative side at a business/social event like the company party. The only breasts that should be seen are chicken breasts on the dinner plate.

 

Q: You and your husband are invited to a party and he is unable to attend, it is quite all right to bring a substitute.

A: False. Always ask your host before substituting a guest.

 

Q: You just spilled your red wine on the carpet and you quickly walk away and pretend it wasn't you.

A: False. Alert your host and do your best to help clean it up. If it is a serious spill, offer to get the carpet cleaned.

 

Q: When attending a house party, a good host gift is a bottle of wine that you can share with the rest of the guests.

A:: False. Although a bottle of wine may be a good token of your appreciation, you shouldn't expect to share it at that time. It may not be suitable for the food served. Say to the host: 'This is for you to enjoy later.'

 

Q: Sending a holiday card is old-fashioned and an e-card is more appropriate.

A: For family, those who mean the most to you, business associates and clients, send a paper card. It is those rituals, as time consuming as they may be, that bring real meaning to the holiday season. A paper card is a touch link with the receiver and makes a most positive statement about you. They are often cherished and saved. Like the handwritten thank you note, they make you special and set you apart from the ordinary.

 

SOURCE: Louise Fox