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Dive Into Bayou City Dining
Role of the Host
During the meal, the host has a variety of responsibilities to make sure the guests feel important and appreciated.

As guests arrive, introduce them to one another and indicate where you’d like them to sit, and do not forget the importance of small talk as it goes a long way toward putting everyone at ease. The length of time depends on who is at the meeting; it can be just a sentence or two, or it can be several minutes as people arrive, get settled and peruse the menu.

When all guests are present, the host must call the meal and meeting to order, which simply can be a statement that everyone is present and it’s time to start. Throughout the meal, be present in the conversation, treating this meeting like the most important thing in your day. Most other life and business matters on your mind can wait.

Regarding practical matters, the host also sets the tone for the meal, so you should be the first to order. This establishes boundaries and allowances for what the guests can order without overtly stating it. For example, if you intend to order alcohol or an appetizer or dessert, you begin by ordering one so others feel free to do so. Also, the host is expected to begin eating first.

Role of the Guest
Do not order more courses than the host. They are picking up the tab and you do not want to overstep their generosity. If the host orders alcohol or an appetizer or dessert, you may feel free to do so. Moreover, all good guests wait for the host to begin eating before starting their own meals unless invited by the host to do otherwise. As for discussion, be present in the meeting and participate actively to convey that you appreciate the host’s time and purpose.

Payment for the Meal
As noted before, the host is most often expected to pick up the tab and should arrange that with the waiter or maître d’ beforehand if at all possible. If you did not have the opportunity, take care of the check discreetly and do not call attention to the fact you are paying. If it is a jointly arranged meeting, discuss the possibility of check splitting when the meeting is scheduled, not at the restaurant.

At the End

The impression you make is not over until every guest has left the restaurant. It is important to personally thank each guest for coming and giving you their time. Making sure to leave them with a handshake and a personalized farewell remark. Even after the guests leave, make sure to thank the waitstaff that assisted you.

If you make sure to follow these guidelines, you can avoid a lot of social and professional missteps in any dinner meeting and add to the effectiveness of these great opportunities.

   
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