Table Manners
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12 Common Mistakes I Have Observed
- Using your napkin to blow your nose, wipe your face or clean off lipstick.
- Tucking your napkin into your collar or waist band.
- Cleaning your utensils with your napkin before using them.
- Cutting up your entire meal before starting to eat.
- Eating before everyone has been served.
- Chewing with your mouth open or noisily.
- Waving your fork, knife or spoon when talking.
- Leaning over to help yourself to someone else’s food.
- Pushing your plate away when you have finished.
- Drinking tea or coffee from a teaspoon.
- Chewing on ice cubes.
- 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.