I have been in the government affairs field for over fifteen years where blackties, charity events and fundraising breakfast, lunches, and dinners are the norm. And business deals are initiated, helped along and closed (and sometimes lost) over lunch. I am also certified by the Protocol School of Washington in business etiquette and international protocol. I believe that dining etiquette is an essential skill for everyone, good manners should not be saved for special occasions, and the best thing about manners is that while priceless, they are free.