How to Use Dining Etiquette

Using your dining etiquette should be a daily part of your eating experience. Dining etiquette refers to the gestures and actions that take place when you are at a dining table for a meal. When attending a dinner, there are a few rules that you must abide by. These rules are called etiquette.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Napkin
• Dinnerware
• Host / Hostess

How To Use Dining Etiquette

1. Place your napkin in your lap only after the Host or Hostess has done so. This is to let everyone know that it is alright to begin eating. Remember the salad fork is on the outer left of your setting, then the dinner fork and dessert fork.

2. Never place your silverware onto the table once they have been used. Always prop them against the edge of your plate or bowl, and do not clean them with your napkin.

3. When leaving the table, fold your napkin and place on either side of your plate. Do not leave it in your seat, or leave it in a messy wad on the table. This is considered rude and in poor taste.

4. Never for any reason blow your nose at the table. You must excuse yourself to the restroom to do this. There is nothing worse than someone who does not understand that others do not wish to hear you relieve your bodily fluids in public.

5. Always add butter to your plate, and then transfer it to your food. No one wants to dip into butter with remnants of your food stuck in the butter.

6. Remember your place setting. This will help you any time you go out to eat at a nice restaurant. From left to right, on the left side of your plate you should have a salad fork, main fork for your meal, and a dessert fork. On the right of your plate you should have from left to right, a teaspoon and a soup spoon.

7. As a male, you should always stand when a lady excuses herself from the table. This is considered polite and respectful. Children are an exception to this rule.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no wrong way to eat, as long as the food gets into your stomach. But, there are rude ways of eating and polite ways. Try to be as polite as you can. Close your mouth when you chew, and always cover your mouth if you cough. If you can't remember the order of your utensils, just watch the Host or Hostess to see what utensil they eat with.