2 March 2023

“Wine (be it merely figuratively) and dine, with a decent ‘fine-dining’ meal, but more importantly, confidence and finesse!” – This perfectly sums up the Honours Academy (HA) Seminar #4 which consisted of a three-hour Western dining etiquette workshop and was held on 2 March 2023 (Thursday).

Eighteen HA students joined the comprehensive ‘Table Reserved… Now what?’ dining etiquette workshop, delivered by Mr Desmond So, Founder and Chief Consultant at the East-West Institute of Applied Etiquette, who also helped host HA Seminar#1: ‘Business Etiquette Workshop’ on 6 October 2022. The workshop was designed to equip our future leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate formal dining occasions with poise and professionalism, so that they can lead by examples as HA students at HSUHK, as well as learn a lifelong skill.

The workshop began with an introduction that highlighted the importance and relevance of dining etiquette, especially in a professional setting. Mr So then delved into the mechanics of proper table settings, providing tips on simple ways to remember the correct placement of utensils and glassware. HA students were also taught proper posture and table manners, such as sitting up straight and keeping elbows off the table. Mr So also provided guidance on how to navigate potentially awkward or sensitive topics, and how to avoid common conversational pitfalls that could lead to uncomfortable or offensive conversation.

HA students were then able practice everything they learned over a three-course meal. From a creamy soup, to a meaty main course, and a delectable dessert, the meal was carefully designed to ensure that participants were able to fully demonstrate their newfound western dining etiquette skills. Throughout the meal, the students, seated at different tables, were encouraged to engage in polite and appropriate conversation, as taught during the course of the workshop.

Overall, the Dining Etiquette Workshop enabled HA students to master the art of fine western dining etiquette, giving them the confidence and skills to navigate future social and professional dining settings with poise.