1. Understand the principles of table manners. FN 3.02

2. Table Manners Manners refer to social behavior. Society set rules of etiquette, which guide manners. Essential to watch the actions of the host or hostess for considering good table manners.

3. Why Practice Good Manners? You are more confident knowing what to do. When you use good manners: You feel comfortable interacting with others. You show respect for others. You are more relaxed in any situation.

4. Manners Before the Meal Show respect to elders by letting them go ahead of you. Take your seat when the host invites the guests to be seated. Stand behind your chair until everyone is at the table. It is polite to help the person next to you to be seated.

5. Manners During the Meal A guest should follow the hosts’ lead to begin serving and passing the food. Be sure everyone is served before beginning to eat. Take a little of everything out of respect to the cook. Don’t take more than your share

6. Manners During the Meal Place napkin in lap. Place dirty utensils on the plates with which you used them. Do not use a toothpick at the dinner table.

7. Soup Sit up straight, lift the spoon to your lips Do not rest your arm on the table Do not blow on your soup to cool it Do not crumble crackers into your soup. Eat quietly in our culture

8. Salads Use the salad fork when a salad is served and eaten before the main course If the salad is served as part of the meal, use the dinner fork

9. Finger Foods Bread or rolls, carrot sticks, celery, corn on the cob, olives, potato chips, and most sandwiches. In informal settings, it is permissible to eat chicken and french fries with your fingers

10. Cut food into small bites It is considered impolite to cut all of your food at once. Take small bites; chew your food slowly with your mouth closed. Lift the food to your mouth; do not lean down to your plate to eat.

12. End of the meal Silverware should be at the 5:00 position with the tines down to indicate you have finished Leave your loosely folded napkin at the left of the plate. Do not stack plates, unless asked by host.

13. Well Mannered People Don’t put more on the fork or spoon than can easily be chewed and swallow at one time. Avoid talking with food in the mouth If asked a question, wait to answer until the food is chewed and swallowed. Take small bites so they can respond quickly to the conversation..

14. Manners while dining out Dress appropriately for the setting of the restaurant. If you have a problem, quietly call the wait staff over to your table. Avoid making a scene. If the waiter is unwilling or unable to help, then ask to speak to the manager.

15. Manners while dining out. Wait until everyone at your table is served before you begin eating. Don’t begin eating until all the food is passed if service is family style.

16. Gratuity or Tip Some restaurants may already include. Leave what you feel is appropriate. 15 % of the total bill is usually appropriate.

17. Do not place your elbows on the table while eating. Do not reach in front of another diner for food. Do not double dip. If you have trouble getting a piece of food onto a fork, try pushing it on with a piece of bread. Tear bread into bites from a whole slice. Help the hostess to clear the table.

18. Remove fish bones from your mouth with your finger, spoon, or napkin. Deposit fruit pits or seeds in your spoon. Do not put food from your mouth on the table, place on the side of your plate. When unsure of proper etiquette always look around for help.

19. 19 Culture and tradition influence table manners Western Culture Do not slurp your soup Eat everything on your plate Keep your silverware in your hands as you eat Eat the meat, leave the starches Eastern Culture Nosily eating soup is a complement to the cook. Do not clean your plate it is an insult to the host that not enough food was provided. Lay the chopsticks down every few bites. Don’t leave any rice, it is sacred and must be eaten. 19