Today I want to pass along a handy little etiquette tip I learned years ago. Like many business professionals, I attend a lot of meal events (at conferences, seminars, meetings etc.). And, when you sit down for breakfast/lunch/dinner, the first thing everyone does is try to figure out which bread plate and glass belong to you.
Just think of the car BMW…
BMW stands for Bread – Meal – Water. That’s the order of your plates. Bread plate on the left, meal plate in the center and water glass on the right. Easy, eh?
What I like about this method is that you don’t have to make hand gestures to figure out your place setting (which can be a clear tip off that you don’t attend many banquet functions.) It’s easy to remember and it demonstrates to everyone at the table your level of comfort in this social situation. It’s really served me well over the years.
Anywho, I hope you find this piece of information useful. It can also be a great conversation topic when you attend banquets and your dining partners don’t know which plate to use.
Cheers!
BTW – I’m heading over to the ERE Fall Expo September 9 – 11 at the beautiful Westin Diplomat Resort (yes, this place is all that) in Hollywood, FL. I made a deal and friends of HR Bartender can save $200 by using promo code FL09ERE during registration. And who knows, you may just get the chance to use my handy banquet tip. Hope to see you there!
Lisa Rosendahl says
One of my nitty little social problems solved – served up nicely!
Deborah Herman says
I read this and giggled because I can’t tell you how many people I have sat next to at a dinner meeting that have THAT LOOK (of oh oh which is mine) on their face! So here is another hint: if someone is sitting next to you and they are struggling to figure out what glass is his/hers or which bread plate to use – quickly take a sip of your water and grab a roll and put it on your plate…. works every time! 🙂
Kerry says
Very handy!
Although based on my dining patterns lately, I am more apt to need something that helps me tell whose Chicken McNuggets are whose, which Happy Meal toy belongs to which kid, and where that pile of napkins I started with went.
laurie ruettimann says
But wait — I like your water glass better!
Deborah Herman says
Which could happen especially if mine has lipstick on it LOL
Shennee says
At last, an easy solution to a common problem! Thank You!
Michael VanDervort says
Funny. I learned BMW at the juvenile detention center, but it was our menu choices – Bread, Milk, or Water….
Jerry Peña says
I also chuckled as I read this. I’m simply amazed at how many folks are literally paralyzed waiting for someone, who appears knowledgeable, to make that critical first move. The relieved expression on the faces – all I can say is – Thanks for the lessons Mom. Now if I can only get the European/Latin hello kiss right. Is it left than right or right than left???