Switzerland: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 1
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
Although they make deals as a result of successful negotiations rather than personal relationships, it is not uncommon for the Swiss to 'do lunch.'
Business breakfasts are not part of Swiss business culture so lunch and dinner are the most popular times for business meals.
Lunch is the main meal of the day; it takes place anytime between noon and 2:00 p.m.--sometimes later--and usually lasts about an hour. It is typically a three-course meal concluding with fruit but they are often informal and sometimes held in the company cafeteria, which is an efficient way to use time, both for you and your Swiss contact.
An invitation to lunch will always be graciously accepted by your Swiss contact.
Business dinners are occasions for formality and fine dining. Moreover, spouses are often invited to join in the proceedings so, when extending a dinner invitation, you should be sure to include your colleague's spouse. You should refrain from discussing business, unless or until your host brings up the subject.
It is a rare honour to be invited into a Swiss home and, if you do receive an invitation, you should be sure to arrive on time with a gift of flowers and/or chocolates for your hostess and perhaps a bottle of fine wine, whisky or brandy for your host.
Wait to be seated by your host or hostess. Customarily, the guest of honour is seated in the middle of the table, on the side that faces the door.
In most Swiss restaurants, you will be expected to seat yourself.
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