Table manners are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in how you’re perceived at the table in front of new people. Knowing how to behave at the table is crucial, especially on social or professional occasions. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide to table manners with the best tips to help you handle any dining situation with ease and grace.
- 12 Basic Table Manners and Dining Etiquette Rules
- 1. Wait for Everyone before You Start Your Meal
- 2. Use Utensils from the Outside In
- 3. No Phones at the Table
- 4. Say Thank You and Please
- 5. Greet New People at the Table by Standing Up
- 6. Don’t Speak While Eating
- 7. Avoid Politics at the Table
- 8. Ask Others to Pass You What You Want to Reach
- 9. Pace Yourself with Fellow Diners
- 10. Remember to Use Your Napkin
- 11. Eye Contact at Toasting
- 12. Keep Your Elbows off the Table
- How Do You Master Basic Table Manners?
- Conclusion
12 Basic Table Manners and Dining Etiquette Rules
Maintain good posture, keep elbows off the table, and use utensils from the outside in; chew with your mouth closed, avoid slurping, and wait for everyone to be served before starting; refrain from reaching across others, and engage in polite conversation.
1. Wait for Everyone before You Start Your Meal
The first one on the list is a simple rule. If you go to a restaurant and your order arrives sooner, wait until everyone else’s food gets served. It is basic etiquette to wait for everyone before you start your meal.
The same applies at home – unless the cook tells you to start the meal, wait for everyone.
2. Use Utensils from the Outside In
This means that during a formal meal with multiple courses, start with the outermost utensils and work your way in. For instance, if there are three forks, the outer one is for the first course, the middle one for the second, and the innermost for the main course.
3. No Phones at the Table
In our modern world, it’s getting harder to get rid of our phones. Regardless of whether you are at a restaurant or the home table, there should be no place for your phone. Having a sophisticated dinner with others should be a privilege not disturbed by your phone.
Certainly, you can use your phone while eating breakfast alone; however, when in the company of others, it is considered rude, especially if they wish to engage in conversation while you use your phone at the table.
4. Say Thank You and Please
Whether you’re dining in a restaurant with someone covering the bill or enjoying a family dinner where you’re aware of the effort put into the meal, expressing gratitude and complimenting the food’s taste will make the cook feel proud and appreciated.
Otherwise, if you keep forgetting to say thank you after you’re finished, you will seem selfish and rude.
5. Greet New People at the Table by Standing Up
Standing up to greet newcomers at the table is a nice gesture. Especially if you want to make a great first impression. When someone comes to the table where you are sitting, greet them by standing up. The person will notice and appreciate it, even if they don’t mention it immediately.
6. Don’t Speak While Eating
It should be obvious, yet we often see people talking with their mouths full of food. This behavior is not only inappropriate but also quite unappetizing. Only engage in conversation at the table when your mouth is empty.
7. Avoid Politics at the Table
Oftentimes, politics comes up as a topic at family gatherings. Don’t be the one to initiate it. Politics is a personal opinion for everyone and it’s not worth bringing up to potentially disrupt the gathering.
8. Ask Others to Pass You What You Want to Reach
It speaks for itself; instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you. Politely ask others at the table to pass it – not only is it a more efficient method, but also a great conversation starter. Remember to say “thank you” and “please” in this context too.
9. Pace Yourself with Fellow Diners
Don’t rush while eating your meal – it is not a sprint. If you hurry while eating, it will seem like you want to finish it, then leave, which will seem rude. Good table manners contribute to a pleasant dining experience for all.
10. Remember to Use Your Napkin
Place your napkin on your lap before dining. Use it to gently wipe your mouth as needed. When finished, leave it neatly to the left of your plate.
11. Eye Contact at Toasting
It is such a simple rule. Whenever you are toasting with someone, always make eye contact with the person. It is a small gesture that can make a huge difference.
12. Keep Your Elbows off the Table
This rule stems from the idea of maintaining proper posture and showing respect for the table setting. Keeping your elbows off the table helps prevent accidental spills and ensures you don’t encroach on your neighbor’s space. It also presents a more polished and attentive appearance during the meal. Remember, resting your wrists on the table, however, is acceptable.
How Do You Master Basic Table Manners?
Like everything in life, mastering table manners involves practice. Whether for business or a crucial first date, prepare for significant meals. Familiarize yourself with the venue, and consistently refer to articles like this to keep your knowledge sharp.
If you want to make sure to always keep your knowledge up to date make sure to sign up for our newsletter, you will find the form under this article.
Conclusion
Table manners reflect our respect for others during meals. Mastering these essential etiquette tips ensures a pleasant dining experience and leaves a lasting impression. These simple yet powerful manners convey respect for others, creating an atmosphere of harmony and courtesy. Embracing these principles elevates your social interactions, making every meal a delightful occasion for all.
Keep on reading: Daily Habits That Changed My Life and Probably Will Yours Too
