Etiquette for a Father-Daughter Birthday Dinner

Some birthdays are special occasions, such as her 16th birthday, and Dad can help by taking her out for a very special birthday dinner. There are no specific etiquette rules for father-daughter birthday dinners, but one goal for the dinner is to make your daughter feel treasured and valuable and to demonstrate how she should be treated when her boyfriend, and later her husband, takes her out to dinner.

  1. Dress

    • When taking your daughter out for her birthday, dress up and encourage her to do the same, as long as she hasn̵7;t chosen a fast food restaurant for the date -- it is her birthday and she should have some say as to where you go. If she hates getting dressed up, explain that dinner is to honor her, but don̵7;t make too big a deal about it. Don̵7;t go to the extremes of dressing beyond the décor of the location because it might make her feel too conspicuous to be over-dressed. Dad, do tell her she looks wonderful, but don̵7;t get sloppy about it.

    Uncommon Manners

    • Formal manners could be a thing of the past in many populations, but bring them out again for this occasion. The Art of Manliness websites puts it clearly -- she goes first, with everything. Open the car door, the restaurant door and any other door you go through tonight. Restaurant columnist Tim Zagat says the new manners dictate preceding her through the restaurant door and then holding it open for her. Hold her chair out and stand up when she gets up to take a trip to the ladies̵7; room. Ask her what she wants to eat and pass her the bread or other items on the table.

    Conversation

    • Conversation is an important part of the date, so keep up your end. Turn your cell off or put it on vibrate so she has your undivided attention, suggests Zagat. You can suggest she do the same -- her friends can wait until after dinner to talk or text. Avoid eating in locations with televisions that distract you from your daughter or staring at the female patrons around you. She is your focus. Avoid topics that make her cry or scream, so you might ask Mom what topics are fair game at dinner if you aren̵7;t sure.

    Avoid Embarrassment

    • It̵7;s unfortunate, but dads do sometimes embarrass their daughters. Don̵7;t treat her like a child or engage in public displays of affection she hates. Avoid fidgeting if she takes too long to make up her mind what to eat, slouching, becoming distracted or calling attention to the two of you. If she would be embarrassed by the wait staff singing ̶0;Happy Birthday̶1; to her, don̵7;t clue them in. It̵7;s all about having fun, spending time together and celebrating her birthday as a special occasion.

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