Is a gift necessary for a dinner party? If you are invited to dinner, take something that will not cause work for the hostess or

If I’m invited for coffee, do I need to take something? When invited to “drop by for a cup of coffee,” it is not essential

Who is supposed to entertain my young child at someone else’s home? You are responsible for keeping your child out of trouble. If the host

Do I bring my spouse or partner? Unless you are specifically invited to bring someone with you, do not. The considerate host will make it

In a store, how do I respond to “Can I help you”? Some stores station a clerk at the front door to greet customers. If

How can I be a good host at a restaurant? Select a restaurant that has choices for the light eater, the big eater, the meat

In Japan we often argue over who’s going to pay the bill, but what about in America? A person should make it very clear in

Do people dislike drunks? In America it is expected that a person be able to “hold his liquor.” In other words, a person should not

What does the sommelier do? A sommelier, or wine steward, is available in most higher class restaurants to help you choose a good wine to

What kind of wine should I order? The traditional rule has been to have white wine with a meal of fish or chicken and a

What should I order when I am a guest? When you are invited to a restaurant, you do not want your host to spend too

How do I speak to the staff? Waiters and waitresses are not servants. In America they are often professionals who do their jobs with expertise

How do I summon the server? It is rude to snap your fingers or clap to get the waiter’s attention. The usual approach is to

When and how do I give tips? In restaurants how you tip your server depends on how you pay your bill. If the waiter brings

People who render personal services in hotels, restaurants and taxis are usually paid a minimum wage that is not intended to provide them with a