Guides to dress codes, table settings and tipping

Black tie means a dinner jacket, called a tuxedo in the US, with a black bow tie, and a floor-length gown or a dressy cocktail dress. Black tie optional tells guests the host would like a tuxedo but will welcome a dark suit, white shirt and conservative tie. If you own a tuxedo, that is the evening to wear it.

For men, a dark suit in navy, charcoal or black with a white shirt and a dark tie; a sports coat with charcoal trousers works at the relaxed end. For women, a knee-length to midi dress, a dressy jumpsuit or polished separates. A floor-length gown is too formal for it, and jeans with sneakers are too casual.

Neat and stylish without being formal: tailored pieces mixed with casual ones. For men, a jacket or blazer with chinos and a collared shirt, and loafers rather than trainers. For women, a day dress with a jacket, or smart trousers with a knit. A full business suit usually reads as overdressed.

The usual guidance is a percentage of the pre-tax bill: 15 to 20 percent for table service in the US, with 20 common. Tipping on the total including tax is more generous, not more correct. Decide the figure before the meal, and read the bill for a service charge before adding anything.

Forks go to the left of the plate, laid in the order of the courses with the first course outermost. Knives and spoons go to the right, knife blades facing the plate. Set only what the menu needs, and never more than three of any implement, apart from an oyster fork.