How to Pick Up the Tab

Whether it’s to impress a client, a date or merely to inspire goodwill, picking up the tab is a subtle art. Here are some tips to do it with style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Don’t openly inquire about menu or drink prices beforehand. Making money an issue will only draw concern and take away from the gesture.
2. If possible, try to arrange payment with your server before night's end. Use an excuse to draw him/her away from your companion and set up a tab with a credit or debit card.
3. Go to a familiar place. There'll be no surprises in terms of price, and a preexisting relationship with a server or bartender will make arranging for prepayment that much easier.
4. If a bill does arrive at the table, avoid the fight over paying it. Expect it beforehand, and have either cash or a credit card ready to slip into the bill jacket. Hand it back to the server immediately.
5. Be casual. This cannot be stressed enough. Treat the gesture as a habitual action, not a special favor. Never imply strings attached.
6. If your companion insists on paying part of it, negotiate. Tell them that you’ll pick up this tab, but they can get the next. This is especially effective for dating, as it subtly opens the door to the next get-together.