Dining Table Etiquette
When invited to a formal dinner, or to a party where you will be among strangers and thus constrained to be in your best behavior, just keep in mind three general rules: •Be thoughtful and considerate of others.
•Handle your table equipment correctly.
•Eat quietly, neither attracting attention or being offensive to others.
When dinner is announced, wait for the other guests to approach the table instead of rushing to the table ahead of them.
When there are older or more important guests, allow them to precede you at the table.
Be seated only after everyone has gathered around the table, and sit down from the left side of the chair.
Everyone should sit down at the table at the same time.
Once seated, keep your hands on your lap and your elbows close to your sides so as not to interfere with someone next to you.
Put the napkin on your lap - open it entirely if the napkin is lunch-sized or in half if dinner-sized.
Be observant of the needs of others and see that food passed to them.
Do not serve yourself first unless the hostess asks you to do so.
Never reach or grab for food.
Request pleasantly what you want.
Keep your share of the conversation going, but avoid talking about unpleasant or objectionable topics.
Keep in mind Mother's rule: Chew with your mouth closed, and don not talk until your mouth is empty.
Eat all the food taken on a fork or a spoon at one time.
Never withdraw some of it.
Make sure that your mouth is empty when you drink water or beverages.
This keeps cup and glass rims free from food marks.
Break, do not cut, bread or rolls into small pieces before buttering.
Butter each small piece just before it is eaten.
Hold the napkin before your mouth to screen the removal of objects from the mouth.
Use your fingertips; a toothpick should not be used except in private.
Never hold either knife or fork in your hand while you drink from a glass.
You may hold a piece of silver in your hand while talking as long you don't wave it around to make a point.
Do not rest any part of the silver on the table after it has been used, not even the handle.
Remember to make a good impression by following these dining table etiquette tips.
•Handle your table equipment correctly.
•Eat quietly, neither attracting attention or being offensive to others.
When dinner is announced, wait for the other guests to approach the table instead of rushing to the table ahead of them.
When there are older or more important guests, allow them to precede you at the table.
Be seated only after everyone has gathered around the table, and sit down from the left side of the chair.
Everyone should sit down at the table at the same time.
Once seated, keep your hands on your lap and your elbows close to your sides so as not to interfere with someone next to you.
Put the napkin on your lap - open it entirely if the napkin is lunch-sized or in half if dinner-sized.
Be observant of the needs of others and see that food passed to them.
Do not serve yourself first unless the hostess asks you to do so.
Never reach or grab for food.
Request pleasantly what you want.
Keep your share of the conversation going, but avoid talking about unpleasant or objectionable topics.
Keep in mind Mother's rule: Chew with your mouth closed, and don not talk until your mouth is empty.
Eat all the food taken on a fork or a spoon at one time.
Never withdraw some of it.
Make sure that your mouth is empty when you drink water or beverages.
This keeps cup and glass rims free from food marks.
Break, do not cut, bread or rolls into small pieces before buttering.
Butter each small piece just before it is eaten.
Hold the napkin before your mouth to screen the removal of objects from the mouth.
Use your fingertips; a toothpick should not be used except in private.
Never hold either knife or fork in your hand while you drink from a glass.
You may hold a piece of silver in your hand while talking as long you don't wave it around to make a point.
Do not rest any part of the silver on the table after it has been used, not even the handle.
Remember to make a good impression by following these dining table etiquette tips.
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