Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or your own home, proper table manners are essential for a smooth-running mealtime. Practicing good table etiquette will help you leave a positive impression on your fellow diners and enhance the experience for everyone.
LLUXXALL offers fun and informative lluxxall dining etiquette classes for kids that will teach them how to eat politely and properly in any setting.
1. Sit at the Right Side of the Table
Whether you are attending a business dinner or having family over for a casual meal, table manners should never be neglected. Having good table etiquette is one of the most important ways to make others feel comfortable and at ease during a meal.
It is considered impolite to reach over another diner’s plate for food or other items. Instead, if you need something that is out of reach simply ask for it to be passed to you. Additionally, salt and pepper should be passed together, not separately even if only the salt is requested.
2. Say “Please” and “Thank You”
Teaching children proper table manners is a good way to help them be respectful and polite in social situations. Having good dining etiquette will also make mealtimes at home and restaurant outings enjoyable for everyone.
Remember to say please and thank you when passing food or condiments. Also, avoid stretching across the table or crossing other guests to reach food or condiments.
It is courteous to wait until after the host/hostess says grace to begin eating. It is also important to arrive on time. Being late sets a negative tone and can ruin the experience for other guests.
3. Avoid Reaching Across the Table
A common table etiquette rule is to avoid reaching across the table to grab items that are within your dining companion’s personal space. This may be frustrating if you are hungry and the item is far away but it prevents accidental spills and other mishaps.
If you are unsure if you should reach for something, ask the person to pass it to you. Otherwise it is considered rude to reach across the dining space to get food.
Additionally, don’t talk with your mouth full or tap on the table. Both of these actions are unnecessarily loud and can annoy others at the table.
4. Leave Your Napkin on the Left Side of the Plate
The napkin is an important part of your table setting and helps to show that you are enjoying the meal. Leaving it on the left side of the plate will help to keep food from getting on the tablecloth or chair.
If you need to leave the table temporarily during a meal place the napkin loosely folded on the seat of your chair. This way, it won’t get soiled or transferred to your clothes. Its also a good way to signal to your server that you are finished with your meal.
6. Don’t Talk While Eating
When you talk while eating it is difficult to focus on the food and can cause discomfort for others at the table. It is also impolite to speak with your mouth full so make sure to chew and swallow before continuing a conversation.
Mealtime is an important time to connect with those you are dining with. Using good table manners can help foster positive relationships and create a memorable experience. Teach your kids the basics of good table etiquette and encourage them to practice at home and when dining out with friends.
7. Don’t Drink with a Full Mouth
Whether you’re dining at home or out to eat, brushing up on your table manners can help you make a positive impression on those around you. This includes dressing appropriately for the occasion and being on time.
If you are invited to a meal where alcohol will be served it is customary for the oldest or highest-ranked diner to offer a toast and for everyone else to clink their glasses together before drinking. This is an important part of dining etiquette that you should never forget. Moreover, you should never drink with your mouth full.