Dining Table Etiquette

Gathering together for a meal is an ancient human tradition. While eating with others, observe simple etiquette to help make the meal pleasant and comfortable. Using the correct manners helps you demonstrate your social abilities and makes you a good dining companion. Bad manners can create an impression of you that's hard to forget.

When to Begin

Begin to eat only when everyone has been served. In some households, you may want to wait a moment in case your host or hostess wants to say grace. Remain respectfully silent while grace in said.

Napkins

Put your napkin in your lap and keep it there. If you have to leave the table, fold the napkin loosely and put it to one side of your plate. Never use your napkin to polish utensils, clean up spills or wipe your nose.

Utensils

When faced with multiple forks and spoons, use the simple rule: work inward, using the outermost utensils first. When you are done with your meal, put the knife and fork crossed on your plate to signal you are done. After you've used a utensil, do not put it back on the table, but place it on your plate or bowl.

Drinking

Put your utensils down completely before taking a drink. When someone makes a toast, always join in.

Passing

Ask for food to be passed to you rather than reaching over the table to grab it. When passing food from one person to another, do not grab food from the container being passed, but wait until the other person is done before asking for the food to be passed back.

Don't Disgust

Chew your food with your mouth closed, and don't talk when your mouth is not empty. Respect other people's plates and do not take food from them.

References

• What's Cooking America: Dining Etiquette Guide
• Gourmet Food Revolution: Dining Table Etiquette

Resources

• Etiquette Scholar: The Complete Dining Etiquette and Table Manners Reference