Advanced Dinner Etiquette

Some more in-depth pointers for fine dining:

1. Don’t point out other’s etiquette blunders. The point of manners is to put others at ease. It would be impolite to embarrass another diner.

2. If the bill is going to be split between several couples, politely tell the server before you order.

3. Wait until all of your friends are served before you begin to eat.

4. Turn off your cell phone, or at least put it on vibrate for the duration of the meal. Don’t talk or text at the table, excuse yourself.

5. Don’t set your purse on the table, set it in the side of your chair, or on the floor by your feet.

6. When eating bread, don’t move your bread plate. Tear off a small bite sized piece, butter it, and eat it. Don’t butter the whole piece and bite off of it! Don’t use your bread to dip into soup or to mop up sauce.

7. Drinking water – don’t slurp!

8. Don’t pick your teeth or lick your fingers!

9. If you excuse yourself during the meal, lay your napkin on your chair – this tells the waiter that you are coming back.

10. Pass the salt and pepper together (try to remember that they’re married and like to always be together!)

11. Don’t disrupt other diners; be respectful of what they’re out celebrating!

12. Don’t stack your dishes for the waiter, he will do this!

13. When you set your silverware down during the meal, set them at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock. When you’re finished, set them together at 4 o’clock. This signals the waiter to clear your plate.

14. When you are finished eating (right before you leave), place your napkin on the table near your plate.

15. Tipping is never required, but is usually expected. Generally, a 15-20% tip is expected for excellent service. Figure this based on the food total, before discounts and taxes. Keep in mind, some restaurants automatically add gratuity (tip) for parties of a certain size. Check your bill to make sure you aren’t double-tipping. If they have added 10 or 15% and you want to tip more, figure the difference and add it.

Prom Night Emergency Kit

Your evening bag may not be very big, but see if you can fit a few of these items in anyway, just in case:

1. Safety pin: Can repair a broken strap, hold a hem or broken bustle in place, hold a jacket closed for pictures, or keep your dates tie in place.

2. Tampon: Even if you don’t need one, somebody might!

3. Cell Phone: Don’t text through this special night, but do call parents in case of a problem with your car, or your date!

4. Double stick tape (Sticky Straps dress tape is available at Mestads): This can do a lot of the same things as a safety pin.

5. Bandaids: Keep you dancing even if your shoes give you blisters!

6. Cash: In case you need to pay for your dinner (hopefully this has been worked out with your date beforehand).

7. Hair Pins: If your ‘do falls down, you can put it back up!

Photo Tips

Photos help make and keep memories, make sure you get a great shot!

You can always choose to hire a professional photographer to get the shots you want, but there are things you can do to ensure you get the best photographs when you take them yourself. Whether you go to a special location, or take photos in your own back yard, there are a couple of easy tips to keep in mind.

1. Choose a neutral background, a blank wall or tall, green bush work wonderfully.

2. Set your camera to “portrait” to help with focus and lighting.

3. Take pictures outside to get the best lighting. If outside, stand in the shade and don’t look into the sun

4. If your're inside, don’t stand in front of a TV or photograph, the flash may create a bad reflection.

5. Flip your camera vertically to get the whole dress in the picture. This can easily be done with groups of 1-3 people and will make for a more pleasing layout.

6. For more intimate photos (hugging, laughing, etc.) zoom in on just the torso up.

7. Take pictures of the shoes and garters!

8. Take some photos while getting ready or when your date and friends arrive.

9. Group photos are a must: guys, girls, guys and girls, etc. But also try some non-traditional shots like jumping, sitting on stairs, the back of your gown. These are all great memories to save!

10. Be creative and HAVE FUN! It’s obvious in photographs if you are having a good time, so laugh and giggle, prom is exciting!

Mestads CLOSED for Easter

All three Mestads locations will be closed for Easter.

Please call your nearest Mestads with questions regarding store hours before and after Easter.

Rochester: 507-289-2444

Southdale: 952-698-3511

St. Cloud: 320-252-9634

HOW TO: Take a Flattering Prom Photo

Practice these tips at home in the mirror. Ask a friend to photograph you and look at the photos to correct your posture before the big night!

1. Stand with your body at an angle to the camera. Put one foot in front of the other, point your front foot towards the camera, and put your weight on your back foot. Be careful if your gown has a slit – put that foot forward, and make sure that your front leg is crossed slightly over the back, and not hanging “open”.

2. Pull your head slightly forward. This will eliminate any possibility of a double chin.

3. Hold your arms slightly away from your body. This will make them appear thinner than if you let them hang against your body. Think about what your thighs do when you sit on the couch – it’s the same effect.

4. Pull your shoulders back and stand with good posture. Standing up straight will lengthen your mid-section, making you appear thinner.

5. If you want to minimize part of your body, use your accessories to your best advantage! See if you can hold your purse or flowers in a way that will cover your worrisome spot.

6. Spanx – If you feel like you have bumps (most women have SOME bumps!), then Spanx are your best friend! They will smooth you under your gown. Mestads sells them, and you can also find them at Target.

7. Spray tan or bed tan can help give you a golden glow in the camera’s flash. Talk to mom about which option is better for you!

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Beginners Dinner Etiquette

When dining in a fine restaurant, this is likely what you’ll see in front of you.

Your date or the waiter should pull out your chair and help you get seated before he sits. If he doesn’t – don’t make a big deal of it, just seat yourself. Be careful not to tear your dress!

1. First things first – napkin in your lap. Depending on where you eat, the waiter may do this for you, so don’t get upset he does.

2. When you are eating a multi-course meal, you’ll likely begin with soup or salad. You’ll notice in the diagram above that the soup spoon and salad fork are on the outside. This is a good rule of thumb no matter what you’re eating. If you’re unsure about which silverware to use, start at the outside and work your way in.

3. Once you’ve used a piece of silverware, it should never touch the table again. Rest it on the side of your plate, with the bottom side facing up.

4. As the dishes are cleared after each course, the silverware will go with it. Don’t worry; they’ll bring you another spoon for dessert!

5. If you need to get up during the meal, please excuse yourself. You don’t need to announce your trip to the ladies room, just ask to be excused for a moment.

6. Don’t apply make up at the table, be excused to the ladies room.

7. Don’t speak with food in your mouth, swallow first.

8. Don’t gesture with your silverware; it should be resting on the edge of your plate when not in use.

9. Don’t reach across the table, ask someone to pass what you need.

Fun Post-Prom Plans

1. Bonfire – Do you or any of your friends have a bonfire pit in their yard? With parent’s permission, invite friends over for music, marshmallows, and fun!

2. Sleepover – Girls-only or co-ed, it depends on what your family and friends are comfortable with. Get parents involved and come up with games, activities, or just blast music into the wee hours, and then cook a big breakfast together before everyone heads home.

3. Early breakfast – Are there any 24 hour diners in your town? If so, go out for breakfast or a snack after the dance, and re-live the night all over again!

4. Bowling – Is there a bowling alley in your area that’s open late? Get a group together for the most glamorous game of bowling ever!

5. School event – Check to see if your school has an after school lock-in with games, prizes, and more dancing!

HOW TO: Avoid Prom Drama

About.com author Casey Lewis has this to say:


What does “prama” mean?:

"Prama" is a term coined by the New York Times that means "prom drama."

Because prom is widely considered the most important event of high school (though we hear graduation is kind of significant), it's only natural that the occasion will spark a healthy dose of drama.

What does "prama" include? :

The term "prama" include things like two guys inviting the same girl to prom, two girls buying the same prom dress, or one couple agreeing to go with two different pre- or post-prom bashes.

Other "pramatic" events: deciding you hate your dress at the last minute, realizing your tux doesn't fit the day of prom, breaking up with your date a month before prom, or finding yourself a victim of "dress jealousy."

How can you avoid date “prama?":

• In the months prior to the big event, stay in the good graces of your prom date – no breakups, no second thoughts, no last-minute backing out.

• Communicate! Discuss your ensembles, transportation, dinner arrangements, and after-prom plans before the week of prom – or worse, the day of.

• If you find out that your Prince Charming (or your Princess Enchanting) is a toad wearing a tuxedo disguise, grin and bear it... and don't feel guilty dancing with your best friends.

How can you avoid dress or tux “prama?":

• Trying it on before you buy should be an obvious move. Try it on again a week in advance and then, just to be on the safe side, the day before.

• Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but prom is not the time to show your admiration for a classmate. Like a girl's boyfriend, once she claims her dress, it's hers (If she shops at Mestad's, that's guaranteed). Lucky for guys, every tux looks the same.

• If you hit the dance floor and notice a dress twin across the room, keep your cool. Flash a big smile, tell her she looks nice, then appreciate the fact that you added your own brand of cool to yours.

How can you avoid “prama" queens?:

• With months of preparations and pressures, the stress is bound to wear everyone a little thin. While some girls feel pure excitement, others feel constant anxiety.

• Did I choose the right dress? Are my shoes okay? Will my date like me? Will I get salad stuck in my teeth at dinner and have a giant glob of green in professional prom photos? Pre-prom jitters are normal, but stressful nonetheless.

• With a little TV relaxation (Gossip Girl prom episodes, perhaps?), iTunes therapy, and plenty of pedicures, the night will go off without a hitch – even if you have to deal with a prama queen or two.

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