Table Etiquette Basics Chapter 19 Napkin Unfold napkin

Table Etiquette Basics Chapter 19

Napkin • Unfold napkin on lap before eating • Do not tuck into belt or shirt

Posture • Sit up straight • Bring food to mouth, do not bend to meet food • Do not place elbows on table

Body • Cover mouth and nose with handkerchief or napkin • Turn away from table • If cough continues, excuse yourself and leave table

Utensils • After stirring beverage, place spoon on saucer – Do not leave in cup • When finished eating, place knife across plate, side by side, pointing toward the center – Fold napkin and place it to left of plate

Food • Dip soup spoon away from body • Sip soup from side of spoon…no slurping! • Cut food into manageable pieces as you eat, not all at once • Break bread and rolls into small pieces before buttering

Food • Tricky foods like peas? – Push it on with a piece of bread or dinner knife. • Inedible parts of food? – Remove from mouth as discreetly as possible

Grooming • Use toothpick in privacy • Never comb hair or apply makeup at table

Finished? • Wait for others to finish before leaving table • Excuse yourself if you must leave

Eating as a Guest • Wait until everyone is served before you begin to eat • Eat at same pace as companions • Don’t make an issue of foods you can’t eat • Try small serving out of politeness • Before taking the last of something, ask if anyone else would like it • Do not feed pets from table