We’ve taught you how to decipher your place setting and use your cutlery, now take a few seconds to learn what to do upon seating yourself at a table and leaving!
NAPKIN
At a restaurant, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it and place it on your lap upon being seated. At a dinner party, follow the cue of the hostess–once the hostess unfolds her napkin, it’s your cue to do the same.
In either scenario, NEVER shake it open. If the silverware is wrapped in the napkin, carefully unwrap the napkin and remove the silverware before placing it in your lap.
Be careful not to let the silverware fall on the ground, hit your plate, or fall into your lap.
BREAD & BUTTER
Transfer butter onto your with the knife in the butter dish. Break slices of bread, rolls and muffins into smaller pieces by hand. Apply butter with your butter knife.
PASSING FOOD
When food is served on the table, it will come on your right and will be removed on your left at the end of the meal.
When requesting food, always say “Please” and “Thank You.” When passing food, always pass food to the right.
Never reach over someone else or their plate; this is rude and considering very uncouth. Aside from that, you don’t want your sleeve or elbow to end up in someone’s food.
EATING
Always scoop food away from you when loading onto your spoon or fork. If eating meat, only cut up enough bites for the next two or three mouthfuls, never cut up the whole piece at once.
Bring food to your mouth, not bringing your face to your food – that is, don’t slouch over your food.
Sit up straight and try not to slop food on your face or clothing.
GOING TO THE BATHROOM
If you need to use the bathroom (or make a phone call) say “excuse me,” place your napkin on your seat and leave the table gracefully. Try not to drag the table cloth with you on your way to the bathroom.
Make sure you don’t have toilet paper on your shoe by checking before you leave the bathroom.
THINGS NOT TO DO
– Never blow on your food to cool it.
– Never chew with your mouth open.
– Never blow your nose at the table.
– Never stack dishes or pass them to the waiter–it’s their job to remove it.
– Never use your napkin to clean up spills or blow your nose–only to dab your mouth.
– Never place your elbows on the table.
