Elaine Swann 10/23/25 Elaine Swann 10/23/25

Elegance in Motion: How to Eat Continental Style with Confidence

Dining in a business or professional setting isn’t just about enjoying a meal — it’s an opportunity to communicate who you are without saying a single word. Every motion, from the way you enter the room to the way you hold your utensils, sends a message about your poise, professionalism, and confidence.

When you’re seated at the table with colleagues, clients, or executives, you want your actions to reflect composure and ease. The way you eat can make a lasting impression, especially when it’s done with subtle grace. That’s where Continental style dining comes in.

Why Continental Style Matters

In Continental style dining, the fork and knife remain in your hands as you eat. It’s a seamless, fluid method used around the world — one that projects confidence and refinement. The fork rests in your left hand, tines facing down, while the knife stays in your right hand, guiding each bite with quiet precision.

This style eliminates the constant switching of utensils between hands, allowing your movements to remain smooth and unhurried. It’s not just about how it looks — it’s about how it feels. When you dine this way, your motions become intentional and calm, sending a powerful message: I’m in control, I’m composed, and I belong here.

Creating the Right Cadence at the Table

In professional settings, your ability to balance conversation and dining shows emotional intelligence and awareness. You should be able to take small bites, finish them before speaking, and engage naturally in the flow of conversation. The key is to maintain a relaxed rhythm — never rushing, never appearing preoccupied with your food.

Think of it as a graceful dance between eating and engaging. When your utensils are held correctly and your motions are measured, you free your mind to focus on what truly matters — connecting with the people around you.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

We’ve all seen it — someone gripping their utensils tightly, fists raised as if holding tools instead of refined instruments. That kind of posture breaks the visual flow and sends the wrong signal. It appears tense, awkward, and even careless.

Instead, the goal is to let your utensils rest gently in your hands, the handles nestled in your palms, with your index fingers extended along the back for control. It’s a small adjustment that makes a world of difference.

Elegance in Motion

When you dine Continental style, every movement tells a story — of calm confidence, practiced grace, and quiet sophistication. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

If you’d like to see this technique in action, watch my short video below where I demonstrate exactly how to hold your utensils and maintain composure at the table.

If you’re ready to refine your etiquette for every occasion — from the boardroom to the dinner table — you’ll find many more modern-day tips in my upcoming book, Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette, available November 18, 2025.

✨ Watch the video

Angela Nworah 9/19/25 Angela Nworah 9/19/25

The Dining Table Is Where Community Grows

Meals are meant to bring people together. Whether it’s friends, colleagues, or family, the dining table becomes a space for connection, laughter, and even important conversations. But nothing disrupts that spirit faster than an awkward moment over the check.

That’s why it’s best to address the bill early in the meal. A simple, straightforward question can set the tone and put everyone at ease:

“Hey folks, how are we going to split the bill? Two and two? Four and four? Are we all paying evenly?”

By bringing it up at the start, you avoid confusion later and give everyone clarity. The focus shifts back to what really matters — the food, the conversation, and the sense of community built around the table.

Dining etiquette isn’t about making things complicated. It’s about smoothing the way so we can enjoy the people we’re with.

This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. The modern guide to living well with Grace and Style. [Order your copy here.]

Angela Nworah 9/17/25 Angela Nworah 9/17/25

Why Spaghetti Isn’t the Best Choice at a Business Dinner

A business dinner isn’t just about the food — it’s about the impression you leave. Everything from your conversation to the way you handle your meal shapes how others perceive you.

That’s why it’s best to avoid dishes that can get messy or complicated, like spaghetti, ribs, or oversized sandwiches. These foods may be delicious, but they require extra attention and can easily create distractions. Instead of focusing on the people at the table, you may find yourself worrying about spills, stains, or awkward bites.

Choosing a simpler dish allows you to stay present and confident. It signals that you understand the setting and respect the purpose of the meal: building relationships.

At a business dinner, let the conversation be the highlight — not the cleanup.

This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette. The modern guide to living well with Grace and Style. [Order your copy here.]

Elaine Swann 9/16/25 Elaine Swann 9/16/25

Why You Should Wait Before Picking Up Your Fork

At a formal dinner, timing matters. One of the simplest but most telling ways to show respect is to wait for the host to begin before you start eating.

This small gesture says, “I value the person who brought us together.” It also keeps everyone in sync, creating a sense of order and ease at the table.

In moments like these, etiquette isn’t about rules for rules’ sake. It’s about respect, awareness, and setting the tone for a positive experience.

The next time you sit down for a meal, take a breath, wait for the host’s cue, and enjoy the confidence that comes with doing things the gracious way.

This tip is adapted from Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette—the modern guide to living well with Grace and Style.
Order your copy here.

Angela Nworah 9/13/25 Angela Nworah 9/13/25

The Art of Keeping Calls Considerate

When it comes to cell phone etiquette, one of the most impactful habits is how we handle calls in shared spaces. Using speakerphone in public can unintentionally turn a private chat into a public broadcast, and that can be a little disruptive for those around us.

Instead, try popping in a pair of earbuds or simply holding the phone up to your ear. It’s a small change that instantly shows courtesy and keeps your conversations private. And if you really need to use speakerphone, step into a quieter corner or a private space when possible.

These little etiquette touches not only show respect but also add a layer of polish to how you present yourself in everyday life. So next time you’re out and about, remember that a little phone courtesy goes a long way!

Angela Nworah 9/11/25 Angela Nworah 9/11/25

Why Phones Don’t Belong at the Table

Meals are about more than food — they’re about connection. Yet, in our modern world, the constant pull of our phones often interrupts what could be meaningful moments.

Picture this: you’re out to dinner with a friend, and in between bites, they reach for their phone. Even a quick scroll or glance sends an unintended message: “This moment with you isn’t enough to hold my attention.”

Here’s how to handle it differently:

Keep Your Phone Off the Table: A phone placed on the table can be just as distracting as one in your hand. Tuck it away in your bag or pocket so the focus stays on the people present.
Savor the Moment: Use mealtime as a chance to slow down, share stories, and really enjoy the company of others.
Build Connection: Mealtime is one of the few times in our busy schedules when we can truly connect. Protect it.

Resisting the urge to check your phone between bites shows that you honor the shared experience. It’s a simple but powerful way to create lasting memories and stronger relationships.

Angela Nworah 9/9/25 Angela Nworah 9/9/25

Why Checking Your Phone Mid-Conversation Sends the Wrong Message

We’ve all experienced it — you’re talking with someone and suddenly their phone buzzes. In that moment, they glance down at their screen, and the flow of connection breaks.

It may seem harmless, but what it communicates is powerful: “This notification is more important than you.” Even if that’s not the intent, that’s how it can feel to the person across from you.

So, what’s the better approach?

Be Present: When you’re engaged in conversation, give the other person your full attention. Maintaining eye contact and listening actively shows that you value their time.
Handle Emergencies Gracefully: Of course, life happens. If you truly need to check your phone, politely excuse yourself: “I’m sorry, I just need to check this quickly.” That small acknowledgment goes a long way in preserving respect.
Set the Tone: Before sitting down for coffee or a meal, silence your phone and keep it face down. By doing this, you set a tone of courtesy and invite the other person to do the same.

In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, giving someone your undivided attention is one of the simplest yet most meaningful acts of respect. It tells them: “You matter.”

Elaine Swann 5/28/19 Elaine Swann 5/28/19

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.