Russia: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 2
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
Think twice before requesting ice cubes in your beverages; they may have been made from water that has not been purified.
At private dinner parties, you will be encouraged, if not urged, to take second helpings. If your hosts persist, you may find it necessary to leave a small portion of food on your plate to convince them that you have had enough. In other circumstances, however, make the effort to finish everything on your plate since wastefulness is frowned upon.
Constant smoking during a meal is an accepted practice. Moreover, 'non-smoking' sections may be difficult to find.
The person who extended the invitation pays the bill. As a gesture of politeness, the guest is expected to make a token offer to pick up the tab. If you are hosting a meal, the best policy is to make the payment arrangements ahead of time. If you are a woman, however, your male guests will be insulted if you even attempt this maneuver.
Servers may be summoned by making eye contact; waving or calling their names is considered rude, presumptuous.
Originally illegal, today a tip of about 9 or 10% is typically included in the bill. However, another tip is always welcome, even if you were overcharged. Most Russians will look at the bill just to see the final figure. It's considered rude to study the bill as this will make a server uncomfortable.
Food stalls on the streets and public cafeterias are best avoided. Moreover, take a pass on any dining establishment that that does not look reasonably clean.
If you are invited to a Russian home, consider it a tremendous honour.
When invited to a Russian home, be prepared to stay late--often into the early hours of the morning if not overnight. If you wish to go home at around 11:00 p.m., however, this will usually be accepted.
You may be required to remove your shoes before entering a Russian home and instead wear a pair of slippers offered to you by your hosts.
When invited to a Russian home, bring a gift of chocolates, good wine or other alcohol [try to select something other than vodka.]
If there are children in the family, it is thoughtful acknowledge them with a small gift, such as a toy or candy.
If you are visiting a family home, it is quite customary to bring along a bouquet of flowers for a wife, sister or mother. These female relatives are likely to be present at the time of your visit.
Pink, cream-coloured, orange, and blue flowers are rarely awarded any special meaning and, thus, are quite acceptable selections.
Avoid bringing a gift of yellow flowers [unless you picked them up yourself on a trip to the countryside]. Some white flowers should also be approached with caution.
Gifts are expected for social events, especially as 'thank-yous' for private dinner parties or overnight stays in someone's home. Thank-you notes are not considered appropriate because they have no practical use.
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