Ordering etiquette in a restaurant

QUESTION:

Is it Proper Etiquette and Good Manners for the Host to order first before his/her guests?

Answer:
You can ask your host questions like "What's good here?" and if s/he tells you the lobster and filet are great then order whatever. Most people don't take others to a restaurant if they can't afford the price of the dinner check, but it's polite to ask. It doesn't really matter who orders when at a restaurant since all the food comes to the table at the same time and the waitstaff will take orders from each person and serve in whatever order they choose to--unless it's a very fine restaurant. Most don't know the difference.

Funeral Thank You Cards

Question:
Is it proper to send thank you cards out to people who have attended a funeral of your loved one. The funeral home gave us the guest book along with Thank You cards. I didn't think I had to thank you for them paying respect. I need to know what I should do?

Answer:
You send thank you cards to the people who sent flowers (or made donations to a charity in your loved one's name) and brought food. No one else needs to receive one, but the ones who did thoughtful things should receive one. Basically you write something along the lines of "Thank you so much for your kindness and support during this difficult time" and you have 6-8 weeks to send them out.

Dinner guests ordering at at restaurant

Question:
If you are a guest at a restaurant, is it inappropriate to discuss the specials and appetizers before being asked by the host? And is it inappropriate to order an appetizer before the host suggests them?

Answer:
Restaurant entertaining is a new thing, it's for people who aren't sure enough of their social skills to entertain at home. If you are invited to be someone's guest at a restaurant, then it's polite to follow the lead of your host and if they order an appetizer, then feel free to follow suit. If they don't, then unless you are dying for the lobster pate then you shouldn't. If your host orders a midpriced entree, do likewise. On the other hand, most hosts will make a point of saying "order whatever you like".