Finland: Prosperous Entertaining

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Prosperous Entertaining

Finns usually have lunch between 11.00-13.00 at work. Dinner is between 18.00-21.00.

Business entertainment takes place in any of the hundreds of city restaurants. Sometimes people go the theatre, opera, concerts or ice hockey matches with their guests. It is quite common to take visitors to experience the sauna and then to eat dinner with lots to drink. Finns don’t understand easily that many foreigners are not very comfortable when they have to go to the sauna naked with other males.

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People usually arrive on time at a social event.

The etiquette concerning seating at a dinner table is the same as in other northern European cultures. Being seated next to the host/hostess is a great honour. In formal invitations, seating arrangements are specified.

In Finland, the proper etiquette for eating and table manners is very European. The host/hostess will offer a refill only once and if the guest says ‘no’, the offer will not be repeated. You are supposed to eat everything on your plate.

If the visitor does not drink alcohol, he/she should clearly say so and Finns are comfortable with someone not drinking alcohol.

In formal dinners, the host/hostess makes the first toast welcoming the guests. After that anyone can make a toast by raising his/her glass and proposing a toast. In small gatherings, everyone jingles glasses with others.

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Any food is acceptable at a banquet. Many people, particularly women, are very particular though about what they eat as they may be lactose intolerant or would like to avoid gluteins/caseins. It is good to also label such food clearly and also to have vegeterian dishes.

A short reply confirming your acceptance is enough. When declining, thank for the invitation and give a reason why you can’t attend.

In restaurants, tipping is not standard practice as service is included in the bill. But people leave some tips if they are happy with the food or service. Leaving only small tips such as 10 cents is insulting.