Follow your employer s lead. Make social conversation when food is on the table, and talk business between courses or after the meal. Comment on the attractiveness and tastefulness of the food when served. The employer will pay for the meal. You do not need to offer to pay.
Invitations deserve a prompt response.
The invitation should plainly communicate whether each guest should bring a guest or not. If after accepting an invitation, you must decline for some reason, you should phone your regrets as soon as possible. A note of regret should follow the phone conversation. Traditionally, a man is presented to a woman, and a younger person is presented to an older person. Use first and last names of each individual, regardless of status.