10 Tips on Table Etiquette

November 3, 2015 0 Comments

Table manners have evolved over the centuries to make the practice of eating with others pleasant and sociable. With so many rules on table etiquette to keep track of, we have decided to make life that much easier by coming up with a list of the most important do’s and don’ts on the dinner table. Go through this list and you will not have to worry about coming across as the most uncultured one in the room.

Table set-up

#1. Chew with your mouth closed

This is the quintessential table tip, one can call it cliche if it is permissible to call such things cliche, nevertheless, this is a no-no unless spewing out half chewed projectiles is your thing.

 #2. Control the phone, do not let it control you

Try to resist the urge to reply to text messages until after the meal and do not leave it on vibrate mode on the table. It’s just tacky when a phone rings and makes the whole table vibrate, just tacky my friend.

#3. Respect the food

Hold your utensils with grace and do not stab your food,okay there are allowable exceptions like a really good stake..and if it is not an exception then it should be!

#4. Leave the toothpicks

At least until after you get off the dinner table. Some people cannot wait to get their little masochistic fix, or care more about the piece of meat between their teeth than how they look pulling at it on the dinner table. Tacky, Just tacky

#5. Use your napkin

Yes use it, fold it diamond shape on your lap.

#6. Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink.

This is pretty straightforward and probably qualifies as a safety tip too.

#7. Introduce yourself

Always introduce yourself to those around you and try to avoid shouting across the table or hold conversations were you have to talk over everyone else to be heard.

 #8. Poise

Sit up straight, do not cross your legs on the dinner table and do not slouch with your elbows on the table during the meal but this is OK afterwards.

#9. Pass the salt, please!

Another classic tip, it is better to ask for something to be passed to you than to reach out across the table for it.

#10. Bow out ungraciously

If you have to leave the dinner table while people are still seated, do not feel the need to make everyone notice your exit. Say bye to the closest to you and exit quietly.