Dining Etiquette

Master modern dining etiquette from business lunches to formal dinners – navigate any table with ease.

Course Overview

About This Course

Whether you’re preparing for a business dinner, attending a formal event, or simply want to feel completely at ease at any table, this course gives you the practical knowledge and confidence to dine with grace in any setting.

You’ll learn the essential rules of dining etiquette and how to apply them in modern contexts – from understanding formal place settings to navigating cultural dining differences. This is dining confidence built on genuine knowledge, not anxiety.

Perfect for:

  • Professionals attending business meals or client dinners
  • Individuals preparing for formal events or special occasions
  • Anyone wanting to feel confident in any dining situation – casual to formal
  • International individuals adapting to Western dining customs
  • Those seeking to refine their social polish

What You’ll Learn

  • Formal and informal place settings demystified

  • Cutlery, glassware and napkin etiquette

  • Posture and presence at the table

  • Business dining vs. social dining protocols

  • Menu navigation and ordering with confidence

  • Wine etiquette and toasting

  • Handling difficult foods gracefully

  • Cultural dining differences and adaptations

  • Conversation etiquette during meals

  • Recovering gracefully from slip-ups

  • Modern dining scenarios (casual to formal)

Course Options

Option 1: Essential Dining Etiquette

Comprehensive teaching with demonstrations using professional table settings. Learn all the essential dining etiquette skills in a focused, practical session – perfect for those who want expert knowledge in a flexible, time-efficient format.

Ideal for: Busy professionals, those preferring online learning, or anyone seeking focused, practical instruction

Format: 1 session × 90 minutes

Delivery: Online or in-person

Group Size: 1-4 participants

Investment

In-Person:

  • Individual: $590
  • Group (2-4 participants): $490 per person

Online:

  • Individual: $450
  • Group (2-4 participants): $380 per person

What’s Included

  • Expert instruction and demonstrations
  • Comprehensive digital reference booklet (PDF)

Course Content

  • Place settings, cutlery rules and glassware
  • Napkin and bread etiquette
  • Wine basics and toasting
  • Posture and table presence
  • Common slip-ups to avoid
  • Business vs. social dining protocols
  • Ordering etiquette and menu navigation
  • Handling difficult foods
  • Conversation skills at the table
  • Personalised feedback throughout

Option 2: Premium Dining Experience

Theory and demonstrations first, then apply everything you’ve learned during an elegant lunch at one of Sydney’s finest hotels.

Receive personalised coaching and feedback throughout your dining experience.

Format: 2 sessions × 90 minutes

Delivery: In-person at The Langham Hotel, Sydney

Group Size: 1-4 participants

Includes: Lunch service (non-alcoholic beverages)

Ideal for: Those wanting hands-on practice, special occasion preparation, or the complete dining experience with real-time coaching

Investment

In-Person Only:

  • Individual: $1,100
  • Couple/Pair: $980 per person
  • Group (3-4 participants): $890 per person

(Includes all instruction, venue and lunch service with non-alcoholic beverages)

What’s Included

  • Expert instruction and demonstrations
  • Elegant lunch at The Langham Hotel
  • Personalised coaching throughout dining experience
  • Comprehensive digital reference booklet (PDF)

Course Content

Session 1: Foundations & Formal Dining

  • Place settings, cutlery rules and glassware
  • Napkin and bread etiquette
  • Wine basics and toasting
  • Posture and table presence
  • Common slip-ups to avoid

Session 2: Real-World Application & Coaching

  • Apply all learned skills during elegant lunch
  • Business vs. social dining protocols
  • Ordering etiquette and menu navigation
  • Handling difficult foods
  • Cultural awareness
  • Conversation skills at the table
  • Personalised feedback throughout

Tailored Options

Every client’s needs are unique. Whether you’re preparing for a specific event, need focused attention on particular skills or require a customised schedule, we’re here to help.

Personalised sessions are tailored to your individual requirements and can include:

  • Flexible timing and session length
  • Specific scenario preparation
  • Combined pillars (e.g., dining + social etiquette)
  • Location of your choice
  • Cultural or dietary considerations

Contact us to discuss how we can create the perfect program for you

Your Trainer

All coaching and training programs are led by Claudia Hackman, trained at leading international institutions including The English Manner (London) and Beaumont Etiquette (New York), with decades of professional experience working with individuals and organisations across diverse industries and cultural contexts.