From young ages without even realising, we are taught the most appropriate ways to behave at the dinner table. Things like “Elbows in”, “Don’t chew with your mouth full” and “Don’t slouch” are common phrases kids hear during dinner. At the time it seems like a nuisance, but our parents were just preparing us for the etiquette of real world dining. Some examples of table etiquette are obvious, but others aren’t as commonly enforced. Are there any table manners that you do incorrectly?
Did you know….
Napkin Etiquette:
At informal dinners, i.e. just a regular dinner out with family, you should immediately place your napkin on your lap when you sit down. If this was a formal dinner however, e.g. a wedding, you should wait for the host to first put the napkin on their lap before you do so.
If ducking out to the bathroom, your napkin should be left on your chair awaiting your return. Upon completion of your meal, your napkin should be placed to the left of your place setting.
Table Setting- What Do I Use?
If you’re not used to formal place settings, going into an event with sophisticated crockery can be quite a shock. Why are there three spoons? Which glass do I use? As a general rule, you should always start from the outside and work your way in. The outside utensils are used for the first part of the meal, typically the entree.
To determine which glass is yours and which is your neighbours remember this quick trick. Hold both hands out and touch your thumb to your pointer finger. Your left hand will look like a b, and your right hand will look like a d. Your bread will be on your left, and your drink on your right!
Do I Start Eating?
You should wait until everyone at the table has been given their food to start eating. If you are at say a wedding with many tables, you do not need to wait for all 20 tables to be served. Once everyone on your table has been served, then it is appropriate to eat. Alternatively, if the host of an even asks you to start eating you may commence your meal then.
Resting Utensils
When having a break from your food, you must indicate so with your cutlery. It is super simple. Angle your fork and knife so the prongs and blade are in the middle of the plate touching. They should form an inverted v shape. To indicate that you haven finished your meal, put your knife and fork parallel on the plate.
So how many of these things do you or don’t you do? Impress your friends and family at your next dinner with some etiquette facts!