• A Dutch friend or closer acquaintance may invite you to his or her home for mid-morning coffee. Typically, one cup of coffee with milk and sugar is served, as well as a biscuit. Another serving of coffee and a biscuit follows; when finished with these, you will be expected to leave.
  
  
• The Dutch tend to drink a lot of coffee, particularly the finer blends.
  
  
• Arriving on time to social events is essential in Dutch business culture.
  
  
• In Dutch business culture, all social events have to be carefully scheduled and planned. Generally, the Dutch will not appreciate being invited out at a moment's notice.
  
  
• Dinners--and lunches to a lesser extent-- are popular occasions for Dutch business entertaining. Moreover, these meals tend to be held in restaurants rather than private homes.
  
  
• There is no need to be feel slighted if you don't get invited out to lunch. The Dutch lunch period is frequently brief and hurried, leaving time for only simple fare such as a sandwich.
  
  
• Because the Dutch usually prefer to host informal gatherings before or after dinner, do not assume an invitation to a Dutch home to mean that you will be eating a meal. If there will be a meal, it will probably be mentioned in the invitation. When in doubt, phone your host or hostess to confirm what has been planned.
  
  
• Regardless of the occasion, it's essential that you arrive on time and bring a small, quality gift. Good choices include flowers or a potted plant, a small assortment of chocolates, decorative candles or a book about your home country. Always keep in mind that modest gifts are appreciated; the Dutch tend to frown upon excessive displays.
  
  
• If you know that children will be present, it's recommended that you bring something for them, too, such as candy or a small toy.
  
  
• Since the Dutch tend to value their privacy at home, consider a dinner invitation a rare honour.
  
  
• In the Netherlands, dinner is served relatively early. If you receive an invitation for 6:30 p.m., consider yourself a dinner guest.
  
  
• The host and hostess will usually sit on opposite ends of the table, facing one another. Customarily, the male guest of honour is placed to the left of the hostess and the female guest of honour is seated to the left of the host.
  
  
• At the dinner table, avoid resting your hands in your lap; the best policy is to keep both wrists resting above the table.
  
  
• Wine is commonly served with meals. The host will often propose a toast with the term "Proost!" which means "Cheers!" The toast will then be repeated after the company takes the first sip.
  
  
• Always use utensils when eating, even with items that are considered "finger foods" in North America. During your stay, you'll probably observe people eating foods such as fruit, cheese, bread, sandwiches, and pizza with a knife and fork. You will be expected to do the same.
  
  
• For restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is usually sufficient. Some restaurants automatically include a gratuity in the bill. If the gratuity is included in the bill and you were pleased with the service, you may leave an extra tip. Since tipping is expected, be sure to ask if the gratuity is included in the bill whenever you are in doubt.
  
  
• When traveling by taxi, round out to the closest guilder. Chambermaids should be left 1 to 2 guilders per day. When you are given a hand towel by a washroom attendant, be sure to tip the person 25 Dutch cents.
  

Reprinted with permission
Executive Planet