A three-course dinner offered more than just a meal for NC students on March 18, providing an interactive lesson in dining etiquette during the latest Speaker Series event.
Hosted by Sarah Scott, NC Event Specialist with the Community Relations and Events (CRE) team, NC alumna, and former Benchmark manager of dining operations, the interactive dining etiquette event combined hands-on learning with a three-course dining experience.
Developed by Student Engagement, the Speaker Series connects students with industry professionals to support personal growth, career readiness, and real-world skill development in a supportive environment.
The event welcomed 51 students from a variety of program areas including Hospitality, Computer Programming, Recreational Therapy, Horticulture & Environment, Community Integration Through Cooperative Education (CICE), and more, offering a unique opportunity to build confidence in formal dining settings while connecting with peers.
From the moment guests arrived, the evening was designed to be both engaging and approachable. Hospitality students welcomed attendees and provided service throughout the evening, while Culinary students prepared a delicious three-course meal.
Scott opened the session with an icebreaker that set the tone for the evening. Students were invited to reflect on common dining mistakes, such as placing phones on the table, wearing hats, or bringing bags to their seats, by adding stickers to their name tags.
“This is all to break the ice… to make sure that you realize it’s okay to make mistakes,” said Scott. “It’s a fun way to learn the things you don’t want to do in a formal dining setting.”
The activity not only sparked fun conversation and laughter but reinforced key etiquette principles in a safe setting.
Throughout the evening, learning was integrated with the Benchmark dining experience. Scott guided students through key etiquette principles, pausing between courses to allow time for conversation, networking, and practice. Seated among fellow students from different programs, attendees were encouraged to apply what they learned in real time and build confidence in dining etiquette as the evening progressed.
Scott emphasized that etiquette extends far beyond formal dining and is relevant across all industries, particularly in interviews, networking opportunities, and workplace settings.
“Your smile is your business card,” she shared, highlighting the importance of first impressions and approachability. “The way people remember you, how you present yourself, and how you engage, matters.”
Through relatable examples and practical advice, she covered topics including dress codes, personal presentation, and professional conduct. Students learned how to prepare for dining situations, from researching a venue in advance to expectations around attire and grooming.
The session also explored how to navigate social interactions with professionalism and ease, from making introductions and maintaining eye contact to engaging in balanced, meaningful conversation. Scott encouraged students to be mindful of body language and to create an open, welcoming presence at the table.
“Always be polite and always be courteous to everyone,” she said. “Not just the people at your table, but the people serving you as well.”
Practical tips covered everything from reading menus and managing dietary needs to making polite choices at the table. Students learned to be mindful of others, avoid messy foods in formal settings, and treat shared meals with respect.
Building connections was a central theme throughout the evening, with Scott emphasizing the value of professional relationships. These lessons reflected the broader NC experience, where developing confidence and meaningful connections is key to student success.
“Keeping those connections alive is so important, especially within the Niagara College community, as you write your NC story,” she said.
As dessert was served, the evening ended on a sweet note with a fun lesson on how to properly eat a cupcake: students learned to flip the bottom of the cake onto the icing for a neat, sandwich-style bite.
By the end of the event, students left with new skills and greater confidence navigating both professional environments and dining settings, knowledge they can carry into their NC experience and future careers.
Stay tuned on InsideNC and NC Engage for details on the final Speaker Series event of the term.
