TABLE MANNERS AND DINING ETIQUETTE

Regardless of where you are eating, proper etiquette at the table is important. There may
be some slight variations, depending on your region and what is locally acceptable. If you
are at a dinner party, pay close attention to the host or hostess and take cues from them.
Before the Dinner
o If you are invited to have dinner with someone, it is always a good idea to
respond.
o Don’t ask if you can bring extra guests if the invitation doesn’t make the offer.
However, if your family is invited to someone’s home for dinner, it is okay to ask if
your children are included. If they are, make sure your children know good
manners before they go.
Gift
o When you are dining at the home of a friend, it is a good idea to bring a host
or hostess gift.
Getting Started
o Never take your seat before being invited to do so by your host
o The gentlemen should always help the lady be seated
Napkin
o As soon as you sit down, turn to your host or hostess and take a cue for when to
begin.
o The meal begins when the host or hostess unfolds the napkin. Once the host
unfolds his or her napkin, you should remove your napkin from the table or plate,
and place it on your lap.
o Do not shake the napkin open.
o If you are dining out, you should place your napkin in your lap immediately after
you sit down.
o Do not clean the cutlery or wipe your face or nose with the napkin
o Keep your napkin in your lap until you are finished eating. If you must get up at
any time during the meal and plan to return, place the napkin on either side of
your plate. After you are finished, place your napkin on the table to the left of
your plate.
When to Eat
o If you are eating out, you should wait until all the members of your group have
been served before picking up your fork.
o At a private dinner, observe the host or hostess and pick up your fork when he or
she does.
Silverware
o A typical rule of thumb is to start with the utensil that is farthest from your plate. If
you see the host or hostess doing something different, you may follow his or her
lead.
 o Eat to your left, drink to your right. (Any food dish to the left is yours, and any
glass to the right is yours.)
Serving Food
o For dinners where food is served at the table, the dishes should be passed in a
counter-clockwise flow. Never reach across the table for anything.
o Always use serving utensils.
o Plates are served on the left.
o Dishes removed from the right.
o Pass the salt and pepper together.
o Always say please when asking for something. Be sure to say thank you to your
server after they have removed any used items.
Eating
Here are some essential dining etiquette rules that you should follow:
o Don’t use your cell phone while dining. It is rude to talk on your phone or text
while in the company of others.
o Sit straight and try not to lean on the table.
o Never talk when you have food in your mouth. (Even if someone asks you a
question, wait until you swallow before answering.)
o Taste your food before you add salt, pepper, or other seasoning.
o Some foods are meant to be eaten with your fingers. Follow the lead of the host
or hostess.
o If you are drinking from a stemmed glass, hold it by the stem.
o Break your bread into bite-sized pieces and butter only one bite at a time.
o Compliment the hostess if you like the food, but don’t voice your opinion if you
don’t.
o Take small bites, keep your mouth closed and finish chewing before continuing
your conversation.
o Try not to gulp your food.
o Do not blow on food that is hot. Wait until it cools or eat from the side of the bowl,
when having soup.
o Once your utensils are used, including the handles, it must not touch the table
again. Always rest forks, knives, and spoons on the side of your plate or in the
bowl.
o Use your utensils for eating, not gesturing.
o Guests should do their best to mingle and make light conversation with everyone.
Do not talk excessively loudly. Give others equal opportunities for conversation.
Talk about cheerful, pleasant things at the table.
o Keep your elbows off the table. Rest the hand you are not using in your lap.
However, when you stop to talk, it is okay to rest your elbows on the table and
lean forward.
o Eat slowly and pace yourself to finish at the same approximate time as the host
or hostess.
o Avoid burping or making other rude sounds at the table.
 o If you spill something at a restaurant, signal one of the servers to help. If you spill
something at a private dinner party in someone’s home, pick it up and blot the
spill. Offer to have it professionally cleaned if necessary.
o When you finish eating, leave your utensils on your plate or in your bowl, do not
push your plate away from you.
o Never use a toothpick or dental floss at the table.
o You may reapply your lipstick, but don’t freshen the rest of your makeup at the
table. 
How to excuse yourself
o Be discrete if you have problem with the food.
o Remove food the same way it went in-on silverware.
o Excuse yourself, if you have to leave the table.
o Turn your head from the table when you cough or sneeze.
o If someone uses your bread plate as their own do not inform them of their
mistake, simply use your dinner plate. Do not use the bread plate on your right as
a replacement.

https://slideplayer.com/slide/8493890/
https://www.slideshare.net/Puttappan/dining-etiquette-3193943
https://www.thespruce.com/table-manners-and-dining-etiquette-1216971