Table Manners
Dining politely should be second nature – or should at least appear to be. We all indulge in less-than-perfect behaviour in private, or in very familiar company, but some consistency at home and away will help you avoid the more heinous table offences.
The cardinal dining crime is eating noisily; nothing is more likely to get you noticed and promptly blacklisted. Keeping your mouth closed while chewing and taking care not to overfill it will enable you to breathe steadily. Eat at a relaxed pace and really think about your food. Not only does this make you appreciate what’s on your plate, but it can also help you moderate your intake if you are so inclined. Wolfing down course after course will make you appear greedy. This is particularly important when dining à deux; your date will feel exposed if you gobble your food, put down your knife and fork and attempt full-throttle conversation while he or she is still eating.
Talking while there is food in your mouth should be avoided at all costs – even when you have a conversational gem up your sleeve. Try to avoid directing a question at someone who is mid-mouthful, but don’t despair if you mistime. A smile and an understanding nod will encourage them to swallow without rushing, spluttering or making sheepish gestures.
When dining in a group, always put others’ needs before your own. Do your bit in offering communal dishes around the table, and hold them to assist your neighbour. If you are served a meal that is already on the plate, wait until everyone has been served before picking up your cutlery.
Elbows should remain elegantly poised, but not resting on the table. Napkins should be dealt with as soon as you sit down, and placed on your lap – never tucked into the front of your shirt. Never gesture with your cutlery, and keep the tines of your fork facing downwards – unless it is your sole eating implement, in which case using it scoop-style is acceptable. Always move the soup spoon away from you, tipping the bowl in that direction, if necessary. Break off pieces of bread and butter them in bite-sized pieces. When you have finished, place your knife and fork – with the tines facing upwards – together on your plate.
If you are confronted with a plateful that is not to your taste, try to soldier on to avoid hurt feelings. Always compliment the cook – whatever you feel about the food... it's simply good manners to do so.
Ms Wilson's Top Tips
The cardinal dining crime is eating noisily; nothing is more likely to get you noticed and promptly blacklisted. Keeping your mouth closed while chewing and taking care not to overfill it will enable you to breathe steadily. Eat at a relaxed pace and really think about your food. Not only does this make you appreciate what’s on your plate, but it can also help you moderate your intake if you are so inclined. Wolfing down course after course will make you appear greedy. This is particularly important when dining à deux; your date will feel exposed if you gobble your food, put down your knife and fork and attempt full-throttle conversation while he or she is still eating.
Talking while there is food in your mouth should be avoided at all costs – even when you have a conversational gem up your sleeve. Try to avoid directing a question at someone who is mid-mouthful, but don’t despair if you mistime. A smile and an understanding nod will encourage them to swallow without rushing, spluttering or making sheepish gestures.
When dining in a group, always put others’ needs before your own. Do your bit in offering communal dishes around the table, and hold them to assist your neighbour. If you are served a meal that is already on the plate, wait until everyone has been served before picking up your cutlery.
Elbows should remain elegantly poised, but not resting on the table. Napkins should be dealt with as soon as you sit down, and placed on your lap – never tucked into the front of your shirt. Never gesture with your cutlery, and keep the tines of your fork facing downwards – unless it is your sole eating implement, in which case using it scoop-style is acceptable. Always move the soup spoon away from you, tipping the bowl in that direction, if necessary. Break off pieces of bread and butter them in bite-sized pieces. When you have finished, place your knife and fork – with the tines facing upwards – together on your plate.
If you are confronted with a plateful that is not to your taste, try to soldier on to avoid hurt feelings. Always compliment the cook – whatever you feel about the food... it's simply good manners to do so.
Ms Wilson's Top Tips
- The golden rule is to never eat noisily, or chew with your mouth open.
- Never talk when your mouth is full, and avoid asking people questions if they are mid-mouthful.
- If you are dining in a group, always put other people's needs before your own.
etiquette - rules governing socially acceptable behavior