How to Avoid Mixing Food for Dining Etiquette

Etiquette typically requires just a bit of common sense mixed with a dose of courtesy. Dining etiquette involves rules that are just that. Etiquette is followed when eating because it makes the whole experience pleasant for everyone in your party. The rule of not mixing food on a plate is meant to honor the chef as well as everyone at the table, so learn the rules for polite eating.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Eat one bite at a time from the various food groups on the plate. If you like the taste and texture of two or more of the foods together, then follow the bite with a portion of another food, or gently pick up two bites together. The point is not to blend everything on your plate as if you were re-making it into a dish you might prefer.

2. Allow the different foods to touch each other if they are served that way. Do not make a fuss of separating the food so that you can follow this "no mixing" rule. If the gravy is running into the vegetables, let it. One of the main reasons this rule of etiquette exists is to avoid distractions during dinner conversation.

3. Cut your food into bite-size pieces just prior to putting it in your mouth. Mashing food together is also frowned upon in dining etiquette circles.

4. Follow these dining etiquette rules if you want to make a good impression on the people with whom you are dining. Enjoy your meal.