Jordan: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 3
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Arrival, seating, eating and drinking
Arrival
If you have been invited to a home, you should not arrive more than five or ten minutes early but may arrive up to a half hour late. In many cases meal preparation will begin after your arrival.
If you are invited 'out' then try to be within a few minutes either side of the arranged time.
Seating
In mixed company, you should choose a seat beside your same sex or your spouse.
Read 'Public Behaviour' for other comments on seating.
Eating
Four basic styles listed from traditional to modern:
Eat with the fingers of the right hand [the left hand should never touch the food] from a single dish served on a common tray called a 'sidr.'
Eat by tearing off small pieces of bread to pick up small pieces of food. Eat the piece of bread together with the food. The food may be a variety of dishes served on common platters or a plate for each individual.
Eat with a spoon, from a variety of foods that may be served on common platters or on separate plates for the individuals.
Eat with English or American style utensils and etiquette.
Follow the lead of your host or associates.
Unless you are eating English or American style, it is common to pass food to each other by handling the food directly with the fingers. This is a sign of friendship and acceptance. It is an important part of relationship building. To reject food because it has been handled by another person at the table can be quite insulting to that individual and cause permanent damage to both personal and working relationships.
Normally, when you are using plates, the host will fill the plates for the guests. Remember that being a host is an honour, so the more you let your host do for you, the more he is honoured. [But, don't push it too far or he may feel abused].
You should leave some food on your plate when you finish. This shows the host that he has provided adequately for you. If there is still lots on the serving trays, then feel free to help yourself to seconds, or just clean your plate and the host may fill it for you.
You should try a bit of every thing served to you. If you do not like it, eat only a bite or two and leave the rest.
When you are finished eating, it is polite to say, 'Al Hamdu Li Lah' [Translated: Praise to God], and move back slightly from the table. If you have used your hand, then you should go wash.
Traditionally, alcohol is strictly prohibited. However, it is well known that westerners consume quite a bit of alcohol. Many of your Jordanian associates may be quite offended if you drink alcohol. On the other hand, many Jordanians, even Muslims, privately drink alcohol. Personally, I would advise against drinking alcohol while in Jordan, but you may feel free to do so when in the company of others that you know also drink alcohol.
Foods to avoid:
All pork products
Seafoods that do not have scales or are not crustaceous. [So, eels and snails are out].
Hosting Banquets
Keep your life simple and hire a caterer [there are lots of them around] and if you need a Master of Ceremonies, obtain the services of an Arab who has experience.
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