12 Common Mistakes I Have Observed

1. Using your napkin to blow your nose, wipe your face or clean off lipstick.
2. Tucking your napkin into your collar or waist band.
3. Cleaning your utensils with your napkin before using them.
4. Cutting up your entire meal before starting to eat.
5. Eating before everyone has been served.
6. Chewing with your mouth open or noisily.
7. Waving your fork, knife or spoon when talking.
8. Leaning over to help yourself to someone else’s food.
9. Pushing your plate away when you have finished.
10. Drinking tea or coffee from a teaspoon.
11. Chewing on ice cubes.
12. Belching loudly after the meal.

8 Common Problems And How To Handle

• If the food is too chilly hot, quickly drink some water.
• If you have a bone in your mouth, discard it on a fork, then put it at the side of your plate.
• If it is too big, discard it into your napkin, but always ask the waiter for a new one.
• If a dish upsets you or you do not like it after you have tried it, leave the dish alone and do not embarrass the host.
• If you are allergic to anything, just smile and say “no, thank you”.
• If it is at a restaurant and the food is undercooked or has a foreign object in it, discreetly inform the waiter.
• When a cutlery item drops to the floor, do not lean over and pick it up, but call the waiter over and ask for a new one.
• If something embarrassing happens, just apologise keep calm and carry on. Do not get into a fit of embarrassment as it will call too much attention to yourself.

Tips

• Open your napkin gently and place it on your on lap.
• Begin eating only when all have been served.
• Eat quietly and try to keep pace with others at the table.
• Eat at a leisurely pace so you can enjoy the meal and talk.
• Excuse yourself if you need to leave the table.
• When someone addresses you when you have food in your mouth, cover your mouth and chew your food quickly, and swallow before responding.
• Thank the host for the meal.
• When paying the bill, be discreet.