British Etiquette and Customs
Meeting and Greeting
• The handshake is the common form of greeting.
• The British might seem a little stiff and formal at first.
• Avoid prolonged eye contact as it makes people feel uncomfortable.
• Introduce a younger person to an older person.
Gift Giving Etiquette
• The British exchange gifts between family members and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
• The gift need not be expensive, but it should usually demonstrate an attempt to find something that related to the recipient’s interests.
• If invited to someone's home, it is normal to take along a box of good chocolates, a good bottle of wine or flowers.
Dining Etiquette
• Do not rest your elbows on the table.
• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
• Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
• Toasts are given at formal meals.
• When in a pub, it is common practice to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group.
• If invited to a meal at a restaurant, the person extending the invitation usually pays. Do not argue about the check; simply reciprocate at a later time.