Lunching with the ladies ‘à l’etiquette’

Meeting and greeting

When you meet up at the restaurant or the venue agreed on, it is always considerate to greet everyone with a smile, positive eye contact and if necessary a handshake or a slight peck on the cheek for those you know well. When you are invited alone, it is inappropriate to actually bring along anyone else, especially children.

Table manners

After everyone has sat down at the designated table, it is essential that proper table manners be exercised. For example, never eat before the hostess has given the signal to start, never complain about the food itself and refrain from smoking while others are eating. ‘Ladies who lunch’ sometimes lose sight of where they are and can be a little loud when exchanging stories, the latest fashion trends or even gossip. Awareness of our surroundings is paramount.

Order when the hostess has gestured to do so and make sure that you don’t choose the most expensive item on the menu just because someone else is paying the bill. Don’t make a fuss if the food is a little late. Be patient and consider that as you are a large group, it will take longer to prepare the lunch for everyone to eat at the same time.

Do not order an alcoholic drink unless your hostess does so first. Should they do so, it is acceptable for you to also do so but etiquette dictates that you should limit yourself to one drink.