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    Things You Should Never Order at a Work Event, From Etiquette Expert

    Press RoomBy No Comments3 Mins Read

    • Business Insider asked an etiquette expert what employees should avoid ordering at work events.
    • She said it’s best to stay away from anything too expensive or difficult to eat.
    • It’s also important to limit your alcohol intake in front of colleagues.

    Although business lunches, dinners, and happy hours are great opportunities to network and get to know your colleagues better, the way you handle the meal can leave a lasting impression.

    To help you avoid any big mistakes, Business Insider asked etiquette expert Mariah Grumet Humbert about the things you should avoid ordering in front of coworkers. Here’s what she said.

    Overly expensive meals


    Steak, lobster, and asparagus on a plate with a side of drawn butter.

    It’s best to avoid expensive dishes like steak and lobster.


    Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

    When dining at a work event, it’s best to avoid ordering the most expensive dish on the menu. This includes seasonal items, which can be more expensive out of season, or fancier meals like steaks or lobster.

    Grumet Humbert also said to err on the side of caution when you don’t know the price of a special or market-priced dish.

    Too much food


    A variety of plates with food on a table.

    Ordering more than one course will increase the total bill.


    Fusionstudio/Shutterstock

    Similarly, Grumet Humbert said it’s best not to order a wide variety of items, as this will increase the bill.

    That’s why she suggests following the lead of the person hosting the get-together. For example, if they’re ordering multiple courses, having more than just a salad is probably OK.

    However, if the host is ordering one course, opting for multiple menu items can be impolite.

    Excessive amounts of alcohol


    A group of people clinking glasses of beer together.

    It’s best to limit alcohol intake when with colleagues.


    The Good Brigade/Getty Images

    Alcohol can be tricky to navigate in professional settings. But whether you choose to drink or not, it’s best to put your professional image first.

    “When too much alcohol is consumed, you’re not able to represent yourself in the best way,” Grumet Humbert told BI. “It could lead to potential tricky conversations, perhaps showing yourself in a light that you don’t want to in a professional realm.”

    Meals that are difficult to eat


    A bowl of spaghetti with a fork twirled in the pasta.

    It’s best to avoid foods that are difficult to eat.


    grdenis/Getty Images

    It’s also important to order something that will allow you to talk with your colleagues and doesn’t feel difficult to eat.

    For example, it’s best to avoid anything that’s too messy or requires a lot of effort to enjoy.

    Instead, Grumet Humbert suggests ordering something you know you’ll like that’s also relatively simple to pick up. This way, the focus can remain on the conversation.

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