About this Event
Discover the art of dining and social etiquette through an engaging, hands-on experience. From introductions, body language, and social graces to navigating a multi-course meal with confidence, guests will explore the thoughtful details that make every interaction more polished and meaningful. Enjoy a guided dining experience while learning the finer points of table settings, conversation, dining customs, and the art of gracious correspondence. Leave with practical skills and a renewed appreciation for the art of making others feel welcome.
Agenda
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Outside table: Introductions, Body Language, Social Cues, Chairs and Doors
Info: Before we enter the dining room, we talk about the rules of social congress including the basics of body language and public safety and also addressing social cues as part of body language. We talk a lot about "mirroring" and then address guest: host relations. We finish with the rules of introduction before each student learns about opening a door and how to have a door opened for him/her.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Taking the Table: Seating, The Place Setting, Rules of the Knife & Napkin
Info: In the dining room, our stations will be set. Before we eat, we'll learn about the table setting, its boundaries and the order of the table setting so they can see, before any food is served, what courses will be part of the meal. After that, we sit and learn the rules of the knife and the napkin and then begin our meal with three basic categories of appetizer.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Three Courses: Bread, Salad and Soup
Info: In the bread course we'll learn passing (the basket of scones) at the table. We'll also have condiments to pass to address different rules around the sharing of open vessels and vessels with shared serving tools. With salad we address correct utensils, passing condiments and knife use. With soup we learn to cut with a spoon.
🕑: 11:30 PM - 12:00 AM
Finishing the Meal: Main Course, Dessert with fork and spoon
Info: The main course shows us how to eat American as well as Continental style. With dessert, we'll learn to eat with a fork and spoon. (Once you know, you'll never go back.)
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Return outside for Goodbyes and Talk of Correspondence
Info: We learn the language of leaving the table and adjourn to the TeaRoom patio out front, where we began our lesson. We learn how to write a thank you note and, if desired, also how to write condolence cards. We have a quick review and say our goodbyes. A review of the class topics will find their way to your inbox that night.
Event venue & nearby stays
Sip Tea Room, 721 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, United States
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