If you keep the server waiting while you continue to read the menu and hem and haw over each item, they are not able to properly serve other tables, consequently, lowering their overall tip from everyone due to slow or inattentive service.

I was enjoying dinner at a restaurant the other evening when a woman, sitting in the booth behind me, applied perfume from a spray bottle.  The odor was so intense I could only taste and smell her perfume for the remainder of my meal.  My dining experience was ruined and I left with a headache.

Never apply perfume, body mists, or scented lotions in a public place - especially at a restaurant. In fact, when dining, wear very little perfume or none at all so your senses can appreciate the taste and aroma of the food without distraction.

Gentlemen, this rule applies to your cologne and aftershave too.

Blowing on your soup to cool it is never acceptable, even if you blow gently.  If your soup is too hot to eat, let it sit and cool while you engage in conversation with others at your table.

For example, if the person seated next to you mistakenly uses your bread plate, leaving you without one, say nothing.  Use the rim of your dinner plate as a substitution.

The first thing to remember in this situation is to remain composed.  Your guests will take their cue from you.  Evaluate what you have on hand.  Can you turn the salad into a main entree?  Is there time to make something else?  If not, before you serve the appetizers or salad, call for carryout.  Most oriental or Indian restaurants deliver.   Don’t even mention the problem to your guests until the doorbell rings for the food delivery.

Your guests will laugh with you and be amazed at how well you handled the situation.

Never, under any circumstance, snap your fingers to get a server’s attention.  You may have seen this work on the silver screen, but it will not get you favorable service in the real world.

Sometimes it is absolutely impossible to not overhear a conversation, but if you do, do not interject yourself in the conversation or comment on it to others or to the individuals having the conversation.

In simple terms, mind your own business.

Gently squeeze the juice of  the lemon on the desired food while shielding it with your other hand to prevent it from squirting elsewhere.  You may then drop the lemon wedge in your cup or glass if you are flavoring a beverage or place it on the edge of your plate.  It is preferable to place it on your bread plate if you have one at your place setting.

I was dining with a group of people this past weekend, and a member of our party left the table and was absent for a significant period of time.  As I gazed around the restaurant out of concern for this person, I saw them at the bar socializing.  Several other people from our table also noticed the reason for the absence.

Such an action communicates a message you would rather socialize with people other than the people you made a commitment to dine with.  In short, it’s rude and reflects a poor image.

Do not apply a condiment directly on your sandwich from the bottle.