How to Have Proper Dining Etiquette

Need some help on your table manners? Table manners are seldom talked about, let alone taught. Manners can play a very important part in making a positive impression, especially in a business format. The point of this article is to teach the simple rules of dining etiquette to make you feel more comfortable, not uncomfortable, about ding with others.

Things you’ll need

Dining utensils

Desire to have etiquette

Step 1

Start by arriving 10 minutes early to your date or appointment. Turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent or vibrate mode before sitting down to eat, and leave it in your pocket or purse. It is very impolite to answer a phone during dinner. If you must make or take a call, excuse yourself from the table and step outside of the restaurant. And whenever a woman leaves the table or returns to sit, all men seated with her should stand up.

Step 2

After you are seated, initiate small talk about the weather or something non-controversial you heard on the news. Stop and orient yourself. Recognize that your drink is on the right and any food dish to the left is yours. At most formal dinners, food is served from the left and the dishes are to be removed from the right. Also, keep in mind that you are to pass the food from left to right.

Step 3

Next, remember to always say please when asking for something. Be sure to be kind and say thank you to your server as he/she brings items to your table. If you are asked for the salt or pepper, pass both together, even if a person at your table asks for only one of them. This keeps dinner guests from searching for orphaned shakers later. As for butter, spreads, or dips, these items should be transferred from the serving dish to your plate before spreading or eating them.

Step 4

You are doing great! Now don’t get too comfortable. Keep elbows off the table. Keep your left hand in your lap unless you are using it. Taste your food before seasoning it and try at least a little bit of everything on your plate. Be sure to cut only enough food for the next mouthful. Eat in small bites and chew slowly. Do not talk with your mouth full and be sure to chew with your mouth closed. If you are ask something while chewing, put your napkin in front of your mouth or make a hand gesture indicating that you will answer as soon as possible without choking. LOL This always happens to me!

Step 5

While dining, the napkin should rest in your lap. At the end of the meal, leave the napkin semi-folded at the left side of the place setting, not left in the chair. It should not be crumpled or twisted; nor should it be folded. After your meal is finished, offer to pay for the meal. Be sure to tip 15% - 25%, as now is not the time to be cheap.

Step 6

The above steps were about what to do. This step is about what NOT to do.

Don't clean up spills with your own napkin and don't touch items that have dropped on the floor. You can use your napkin to protect yourself from spills. Then, simply and politely ask your server to clean up and to bring you a replacement for the soiled napkin or dirty utensil.

Do not blow your nose at the dinner table. Excuse yourself to the restroom. And remember to wash your hands before returning to the dining room. Try not to cough at the table. If you do cough, cover your mouth with your napkin. If your cough becomes unmanageable, excuse yourself to visit the restroom. Again remember to wash your hands before returning to the dining room.

Do not push your dishes away from you or stack them for the waiter when you are finished. It is easier for the server if you leave plates and glasses where they are.

Do not use a toothpick or apply makeup at the table.

Step 7

You have now survived a formal dining experience and made an excellent impression on all those dining with you! Good job!