Etiquette and Customs in The Netherlands
Meeting and Greeting
.The handshake is the common form of greeting.
.It is firm and swift, accompanied by a smile, and repetition of your name.
.Shake hands with everyone individually including children.
.Very close friends may greet each other by air kissing near the cheek three times, starting with the left cheek.
.Most Dutch only use first names with family and close friends.
.Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.
Gift Giving Etiquette
.If invited to a Dutch home bring a box of good quality chocolates, a potted plant, a book, or flowers to the hostess.
.Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is unlucky.
.Avoid giving white lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are associated with funerals.
.Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
.Wine is not a good gift if invited for dinner, as the host may already have selected the wines for dinner.
.Do not give pointed items such as knives or scissors as they are considered unlucky.
.Gifts are usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
.Dining is fairly formal in the Netherlands.
.Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
.Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
.Men generally remain standing until all the women have taken their seats.
.If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork in the middle of the plate with the fork over the knife.
.Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
.Most food is eaten with utensils, including sandwiches.
.The host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
.Salad is not cut; fold the lettuce on your fork.
.Always start with small amounts so you may accept second helpings.
.Finish everything on your plate. It is offensive to waste food in the Netherlands.
.Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.