Etiquette expert William Hanson’s top tips on tackling dining-out dilemmas, from dividing the bill to giving children an iPad at the table
‘Nothing is better than enjoying a meal in a beautiful restaurant.’
So says etiquette expert William Hanson in his new book Help I Sexted My Boss β A Hilarious Guide To Avoiding Life’s Awkward Moments, co-authored by Jordan North.
But while eating out is one of life’s bonuses, Mr Hanson acknowledges that it poses several dilemmas, from whether it’s OK to take pictures of your food, to whether children can be distracted by tablets, to the mystery of how to pay bills. broken down into group dinner scenarios.
The tome offers plenty of tips for all these points and more. Read on for a sneak preview of the do’s, don’ts and definitely don’ts…
In his new book Help I Sexted My Boss, co-written with Jordan North, William Hanson offers tips on the many dilemmas every diner faces when dining out, from splitting bills to whether it’s okay to ββto give a tablet to a child. the table
Staff! How long do we wait for a late arrival?
William writes in the book: ‘I would suggest waiting ten minutes for a late arrival and then ordering drinks. Then after 15 minutes it is fine to order food, because the time is ticking. You can also speed things up by sending a photo of the menu to the person on the way.’
Staff! How can I get a server’s attention?
William says: ‘It’s all about body language and eye contact. So what matters is that you sit up straight in the chair and extend your hand to eye level β that should be enough to attract a well-trained waiter.’
About splitting bills, William says: ‘Nothing ruins an evening more than math’
Staff! Do I have to take pictures of my food?
William says: ‘A hundred years ago people said a prayer. Now they take a picture of their food. So the etiquette has changed somewhat.β
Jordan adds, “I don’t mind as long as they don’t do it for the entire meal.”
William continues: ‘Obviously restaurants love it because you put it on social media and tag the restaurant you’re in, so it’s free marketing. (But) it irritates me when people take a photo of their food, share it online and then spend the rest of the evening reading the messages that come in. You’re supposed to go out to dinner with me, not on your phone.β
Staff! Should children be given iPads at the table?
William says: ‘The traditionalist in me doesn’t like the idea of ββa child holding an iPad at the table. Why can’t they still use a coloring book? But if you’re going to give them a device to watch Peppa Pig on, please give them headphones. When the food arrives, it’s time to put the iPads away.β
Staff! Can I ask for a doggy bag?
William says, “It’s fine to take home leftovers, but only if it’s offered by the restaurant.”
Staff! I Sexted My Boss by William Hanson and Jordan North is out now
Staff! My friends don’t want to split the bill!
William says: ‘Nothing ruins an evening more than math. So if a group of four friends are going out, the worst that can happen is that someone starts picking the bill and says, “Your steak was Β£2.50 more expensive than my salad.” Well, cool! If money is so tight, don’t rush out. If you are in a group of four, simply divide by four.
‘Communication is essential. So when ordering, please indicate clearly: “Do we have two courses? Do we have three?”
“All this ‘well, I had this and you had that’ nonsense is very annoying.”
Jordan adds, βI guess the only question you can ask is if you can split the bill when it comes to booze. It’s fine to say that the non-drinkers don’t have to pay for the drinks part of the bill.’
William adds: ‘If you are with a group, don’t choose the most expensive dish on the menu. Choose something in the middle. If you really want the burger with caviar, go back another day and try it then.β
Staff! I sexted my boss by William Hanson and Jordan North is available now (Β£20/CAN$42.95), published by Penguin Random House. For more information from Mr. Hanson, visit his TikTok And Instagram profiles.