By Cara Beth Lewis
Arguably, proper etiquette – in terms of consideration, respect, and honesty – is one of the most important factors in any given social situation, regardless of the setting. With that being said, food and dining plays a significant role in many social interactions. In this final category of BladenOnline’s Etiquette Series, we will assess dining etiquette.
Manners, customs, and traditions evolve over time. However, good manners are timeless. Displaying good manners shows that you value yourself and those around you.
Improper table manners can be taken very offensively, can cause disruption and disturbance, and truthfully can be down-right gross. Nobody is perfect, but by remembering the ten basic “must-know” table manners (provided by EmilyPost.com) listed below, you can work on improving your performance at the table.
Top 10 Must Know Table Manners
1. Chew with your mouth closed.
2. Keep your smartphone off the table and set to silent or vibrate. Wait to check calls and texts until you are finished with the meal and away from the table. (Read more about cell phone etiquette here: BladenOnline Etiquette Series: Mindful Mobile Usage)
3. Hold utensils correctly. Don’t use your fork or spoon like a shovel or stab your food.
4. Wash up and come to the table clean. Don’t groom or attend to hygiene at the table.
5. Remember to use your napkin.
6. Wait until you’re done chewing to sip or swallow a drink.
7. Pace yourself with fellow diners. Cut only one piece of food at a time.
8. Avoid slouching and don’t place your elbows on the table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses, and always has been, even in Emily’s day).
9. Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you. EmilyPost.com “Passing Food at the Table” says: “Food is passed around the table in a counterclockwise direction, or to the right. The reason for this convention is to provide some sense of order when serving or passing food. What’s important is that when several dishes are being passed at the same time, they all go in the same direction.”
10. Bring your best self to the meal. Take part in the dinner conversation.
You have probably heard of most of the “rules” listed above, and there may be a few that are new to you. Thinking about the reason for each of these rules is a great way to remember and broaden understanding, consequently creating better, more intentional habits.
Etiquette is a selfless act, when you think about it. It is putting on the best version of yourself for the respect of those around you, regardless of how you feel. Etiquette is intentional, and sometimes uncomfortable, but it proves that you are self-aware and have self-respect.
In an article about dining out, EmilyPost.com shares a list of what-not-to-dos when dining. Check it out below:
Remember, no…
• Slouching
• Fidgeting
• Smacking
• Crunching
• Touching your face or hair
• Blowing your nose
• Chewing with your mouth open
• Talking with your mouth full
• Pushing away your plate when finished
• Picking or flossing your teeth
Treat those that you are dining with with kindness, and remember other social etiquette skills. In every situation, be mindful of your actions and words. Read more about Social Etiquette here.
Consideration, Respect, and Honesty: those are the key to etiquette success.
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” – Emily Post
Read previous articles from the Etiquette Series:
Social Etiquette in Everyday Conversations
I Hear Wedding Bells… What do I wear?
Professional Etiquette, Even When It’s Hard
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