by As mentioned on our previous article, there are topics that can never be brought up during a fine dining session. So what topic is suitable and what is not suitable during a fine dining session? Here’s a useful list of table topic that you can refer to, till the end of the day, a pleasant conversation is the main ingredient to enhance the whole dining conversation.
Delightful Topics
The ideal topics on the table are the ones that isn’t controversial (unless everyone there is a professional debater then feel free to go ahead), so try to have some delightful topics that keeps your dining experience pleasant. However, if you are unsure of other people’s acceptance on certain topics, try not to bring up anything that might cause someone to lose their appetite.
Conversation is a two way thing, most people enjoy sharing their stories and also hearing about yours. So don’t be a brute that doesn’t shut up. Try to spend more time listening than talking and have a pleasant back-and-forth conversation.
Food
Well of course! You are in a restaurant, there’s menu, other people eating food, it’s basically food topic everywhere. It would be talent if you can run out of topic on food in a restaurant, if you know what I mean. It’s always good to discuss what you like about the food that you’re eating and if your partner is having the same thing, you can always comment and give in some thought on that. You can also recommend similar food from other restaurant for a different experience, impress them with your extensive knowledge of restaurant.(Psst, we can help.)
Music
Music is generally a very safe topic at the table, you can also share your opinion on the latest hits, favorite artist, music video and etc. Besides, music are expressive, you can actually know more about a person through their taste of music. Plus point is, the conversation will be enhanced if you and your partner enjoy the same genre of music.
Fashion
Fashion can be ranging from what you and your partner are wearing, to celebrities and high socialite’s current trend. To put it simple, fashion topic can be very wide and almost endless, from top, bottom, jewelry, hairstyle, shoes, and many more. Then again, find something nice to say instead of criticizing other’s fashion, and you might even learn some fashion tips along the conversation.
Unpleasant Topics
One surefire way to ruin a fine dining experience is to start a negative controversial conversation. Even if you really want to start a conversation like that, the table is not the right place to do it. Negativity can actually ruin one’s appetite and that is the last thing you want to do during a meal. There is always a right place for the right thing, bar sounds like a good spot for debate, but definitely not in a fine dining restaurant.
Never sound too cocky without giving others a chance to express their opinion, 5 + 3 and 4 + 4 is also equals to 8, there’re always more than one way to do something. You don’t want to give other an impression of being arrogant; it will transform into a one sided conversation that way.
Never try to correct another person, if you think that his/her statement is incorrect, feel free to express your point of view. However, if the other person starts arguing, simply smile and change the topic.
Bragging is definitely a no-go. There is a fine thin line between being proud of your achievement and bragging, be aware of that. If you have some great idea or opinion on something, be sure to give others credit on that. Most important of all, bragging always lead to the game of one-upmanship that in the end, the only prize is a ruined dinner.
When it comes to humor, don’t be too sarcastic or make fun of others even if he/she is not around, you’ll never know if anyone there know that person or worse, they are related. In addition, if any party makes a comment that are controversial, instead of being defensive (Pro Tip: this is how debate started every single time), change the subject to avoid the conflict, and most of the time people will take the hint.
Medical Conditions
Basically any medical conditions is forbidden at the table, especially the ones that involves body fluids (gross!); who’s going to have any more appetites with that. Of course it’s a different story if the table consist of medical professionals such as doctors and nurses that have seen it as a common thing, its best that you leave that conversation for next time.
Age
ESPECIALLY with women, this topic is untouchable, don’t say I never warn you. People may consider you as an insensitive person if you start this conversation. Maybe you are proud that how your appearance is too young for your age, but the person sitting on the same table might be very sensitive about this topic (ESPECIALLY WOMEN). So don’t start asking about other’s age or any topic about getting old.
Politics
Supporter or Opposition? Left Wing or Right Wing? If the dinner is being held in honor of a political candidate or it’s for any political reason, then it’s a green light to discuss about this matter. Politics is a sensitive issues that may lead to an argument for various reason, so it’s best to leave this conversation off the dining table, if you insist of talking about it, you can always bring it to the BAR!
Religion
Religion is topic so sensitive, that people are willing to start a war because of it. Not joking, Google it up. Even when you are off dining table, it’s a must for us to respect other religion; plus, it's not even a great conversation starter. If your partner offers a prayer before the meal, be respectful and follow the lead even if you’re of a different religion. You may say your own prayer privately but you don’t have to call attention to it. Respect, easy right?
Borderline Topics
When dining with others, it is highly recommended that you know what the others limits are. For the reason that, there are always some things that can be accepted in certain groups but not in the others. For instance, when you are dining with your best buddy for 20 years, I’m sure there is no taboo among each other anymore, but with business partner? I don’t think so. So pay attention to detail and use your judgment to define the appropriateness of the conversation topic with your partner.
Competitive Sports
Well, it can be exciting and fun to have a favorite team and show some team spirit on the choice of your sport, but if your partner is not interested in sport or even worst, supports the opposite team, then an arguments are bound to happen.
Job Related Stuff
Gossips, success story, idolization, bad treatment, and workplace drama; some can be entertaining, some can be depressing, it’s all depends on how you express your thoughts and feel about the topic. Plus, it's dining time, why would you still bother about work, enjoy your meal!
Current Events
Depending on the current events, it may be good, or bad. So the conversation flow might be driven into an uncertain way if it’s not handled properly. For instance, discussion of gruesome events or anything racial will reflects negativity during the mealtime.
Economy & Money
Money can be a sensitive issue for some people, well, even when most of the people can empathize about the price of everything, it’s never a polite thing to ask how much someone paid for something, their salary, their financial status or anything related. In short, just don’t touch on anything that is personal, it may be offensive for some people.
Disclaimer: TableApp claims no credit for any images posted in this blog/article unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog/article are copyright to its respectful owners.
