While eating at a restaurant with friends, co-workers, or families there are some basic table manners that should never be ignored. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts you can follow:
TABLE MANNER DO’S
- Talk about pleasant things. Do not talk about what your bathroom experience was like this morning or the unpleasant odor you encounter while you were coming to the restaurant
- Place your napkin on your lap. As soon as you’re seated you should unfold the napkin and place it on your lap. The napkin remains on your lap during the entire meal. If you was to get up for whatever reason, place the napkin on the chair.
- Sit properly and straight in your chair.
- Wait until everyone has their food before you start eating
- If you’re unsure about how to eat something, ask. Or simply don’t order that dish.
- When someone asks for salt, you always pass it along with the pepper. They travel in pairs.
- Chew with your mouth closed so you don’t look like a cow.
- Use knife and fork to cut your meat. Do not try to eat it like you’re eating KFC with your hands.
- Say Excuse me or apologize if you burp. Though you should not fear burping it is best to avoid it.
- Always be polite and thank your server.
- When you have to leave the table say May I please be excused
TABLE MANNER DON’T
- Don’t talk about things that’ll make somebody lose their appetite.
- Don’t gobble your food
- Don’t talk with your mouth full. When you do you may spray it all over the table.
- Don’t play with your smartphones while at the table
- Don’t tip your chair or lean on the table
- Don’t eat or lick your fingers.
- Don’t push your plate away when you’re finish
- Don’t place your napkin on the plate when you’re finish
- Don’t snap your fingers to get the servers attention.
- Don’t pick your teeth with your fingers
- Don’t forget to push the chair in when you get up
- Don’t forget to compliment the dish or the server.
As an etiquette enthusiast with a keen eye for social decorum, I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise to the table when it comes to proper dining etiquette. Over the years, I've not only delved deep into the intricacies of table manners but have actively practiced and promoted these social graces. My knowledge extends beyond the superficial do's and don'ts; I understand the underlying principles that make dining experiences enjoyable and respectful.
Let's dissect the fundamental concepts embedded in the provided article on table manners:
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Conversation Etiquette:
- Do: Engage in pleasant conversation that contributes positively to the dining atmosphere.
- Don't: Discuss personal or unpleasant topics, such as bathroom experiences, that might disturb others.
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Napkin Usage:
- Do: Place your napkin on your lap upon seating and keep it there throughout the entire meal. If you need to leave temporarily, place the napkin on the chair.
- Don't: Put the napkin on the plate when you finish.
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Seating Behavior:
- Do: Sit properly and straight in your chair.
- Don't: Tip your chair or lean on the table.
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Meal Timing:
- Do: Wait until everyone has their food before you start eating.
- Don't: Gobble your food or push your plate away when finished.
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Utensil Use:
- Do: Use a knife and fork to cut your meat. Pass salt and pepper together when requested.
- Don't: Eat certain dishes if you're unsure how to do so.
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Mouth Behavior:
- Do: Chew with your mouth closed.
- Don't: Talk with your mouth full or burp without saying "Excuse me."
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Server Interaction:
- Do: Be polite, thank your server, and request permission before leaving the table.
- Don't: Snap your fingers to get the server's attention.
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Device Usage:
- Do: Avoid playing with smartphones at the table.
- Don't: Lick your fingers, pick your teeth with your fingers, or engage in distracting behaviors.
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Table Closure:
- Do: Compliment the dish or the server.
- Don't: Forget to push the chair in when you get up.
By adhering to these guidelines, one can navigate the social intricacies of dining with finesse, ensuring a pleasant and respectful experience for all involved.
