How to Follow Venezuelan Table Manners

Venezuelan table manners are very similar to table manners throughout South America. Meals are meant to be relaxed and joyful social gatherings. There are, however, numerous customs you should be aware of and follow when dining in Venezuela.

Instructions

1. Wait to be seated until you are told where your place is. The host will often have a pre-arranged seating plan.

2. Wait to eat until the rest of the guests are seated and the host indicates you can begin. The hostess will usually invite guests to begin eating by saying, "buen provecho."

3. Allow the host to make the first toast. Others may follow afterwards.

4. Wait to take a drink until a toast has been made. Follow the toast with a customary, "Salud!"

5. Practice Continental table manners by holding your fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.

6. Take a little of everything offered to you. Even if the dish is not something you would normally want, try to eat a small amount of it.

7. Sip soup out of the spoon rather than inserting the entire spoon into your mouth. Don't fill the spoon all the way up to the top.

8. Talk to everyone at the table rather than centering your conversation on just one person. Conversation is a big part of Venezuelan meals, and everyone is expected to participate.

9. Confine conversation topics to ones in which everyone can participate. Talking about topics that are gender-specific or business-related is not considered good Venezuelan table manners.

10. Refrain from putting your elbows on the table while eating, but keep your hands visible throughout the meal.

11. Maintain a straight posture during the meal.

12. Use your utensils to eat everything on your plate, including fruit.

13. Rest the tips of the utensils on the edge of your plate when not eating rather than placing them entirely on the tablecloth.

14. Indicate you have finished eating by placing your fork and knife together across the plate, with the tops of the utensils at 10 o'clock.

Tips & Warnings

• It's good form to arrive at least 15 minutes late to a dinner invitation at someone's home. Otherwise, your hosts may not be prepared for your arrival and you may appear overeager.

• Don't expect second helpings at a formal meal. The only thing that is served more than once at a formal meal is drinks.

• Never refuse a cup of coffee when offered. This is considered rude in Venezuela.