How to Follow Italian Table Manners

Table manners are an important part of Italian etiquette. From a very early age, Italian children are taught how to follow proper manners when eating. In general, Italians prefer a more refined dining experience and that comes out in their table manners.

Instructions

1. Wait to sit down at the table until the hostess has been seated. Then you may follow.

2. Follow the hostess' lead to determine when to eat. Either the hostess will instruct the guests to begin or she will just begin to eat herself.

3. Observe the Continental dining style for holding your utensils. The knife should be held in the right hand and the fork in the left at all times. Holding your fork according to American customs will not be taken as an offense, but it may be noticed.

4. Avoid putting your elbows on the table while eating.

5. Keep your hands above the table during a meal. Do not rest them in your lap, as is customary in the U.S.

6. Use your fork and knife to eat all foods, including fruit and cheese. Using your fingers to eat is considered rude in most situations. It is not uncommon for a whole piece of fruit to be eaten with a fork and a knife in Italy.

7. Put your bread on the tablecloth beside your plate at casual dinners. Only formal dinners usually have a specific bread plate as part of the table setting.

8. Avoid bumping into the people sitting next to you with your elbows while eating. Try to keep your elbows tucked in close to your body.

9. Place your fork and knife together diagonally across your plate to indicate that you are finished and your plate can be removed.

10. Wait until the hostess leaves the table at the end of a meal to leave the table yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Wine is almost always a part of an Italian meal. Expect your wine to be topped off throughout the meal. If you don't want any more wine, just stop drinking it after it has been topped off and leave it full.

• It's good manners to bring a bottle of nice wine or fresh flowers for the hostess if you are invited to someone's home.

• Never arrive late when you have been invited to dinner at someone's house. Traditional Italian starters include pasta and risotto. These dishes are best served immediately after being prepared, and the hostess will usually begin preparing the starter in anticipation of your arrival.