Manners and etiquette do not need to be complicated. Let’s get back to the basics and keep it simple. Knowing some guidelines about maneuvering a dining table will help you feel confident during your next dining experience. Place Setting A basic table setting is something that most of us use every day and it includes the following:
Napkins When you sit down at the table, place your napkin on your lap. However, if you are dining in someone’s home, wait for the host or hostess to place their napkin on their lap first, then follow their lead. If they don’t place their napkin on their lap and the meal is being served, you may proceed to place yours on your lap. There are two acceptable ways to position your napkin on your lap:
Use the inside of the napkin to dab your mouth to remove food or sauce. When done, place the napkin back on your lap with the soiled part inside to keep it discreet. If you leave the table during the meal, place your napkin on your chair. When the meal is over, place the napkin to the left of your plate or where your plate was if it has been cleared. Holding and Using Your Utensils Hold your knife and fork with the handles resting in the palms of your hand. With the fork, turn your hand over and place your index finger at the base of the fork where the handle and tines meet. For the knife, again turn your hand over and place your index finger in the spot where the handle and blade section meet keeping your index finger straight. This short VIDEO will give you a visual explanation. When cutting food, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the fork in your other hand. Grip the handles with the palm of your hands, turning the blade and tines downward. Place your forefingers at the spot where the blade and handle meet and on the back of the tines. Cut one or two pieces at a time and avoid holding the fork like a dagger.
When pausing during the meal, place your knife across the top of your plate with the blade facing you, and position your fork at the 4:00 mark on the plate. This signals the resting position in American dining. See the photo above. When you are finished with your meal, place your fork and knife together in the 4:20 position on the plate with the knife blade facing inward. See the photo above.
Excusing Yourself from the Table If you need to leave the table during the meal, simply say “Excuse me” or “I’ll be right back” to those seated near you and quietly leave. There’s no need to explain where you’re going. Likewise, if someone else leaves the table, avoid asking them where they are going. By practicing these basics daily, they will become second nature, allowing you to dine with confidence and ease. If you would like to learn more about dining etiquette with private lessons, please reach out to me HERE!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
About SuzySuzy Lins is a certified etiquette trainer located in Southern California. Educating on manners and etiquette to help people gain confidence to master business and social situations is her passion. Categories
All
|