Food and socializing are the essence of life. We all look forward to good food, get-togethers, inviting friends, and attending professional meetings at times. A very important aspect of these social gatherings is our table manners. Though quite often underestimated, table manners and dining etiquette play a significant role in showing implicitly who you are, whether it is formal dining at a professional front or informal one with your friends. This is because table manners are the mirror image of our value system and beliefs in life. Good table manners instantly exhibit a pleasing personality, respect, and basic etiquette while having food with people around. It is not just a means of creating a good impression but showcasing our rich culture, and making mealtime mesmerizing!
Imbibing table manners is like a win-win situation for everyone, creating harmony and balance. Especially, in formal meetings, good table manners are a sign of your professionalism and integrity, attracting clients and better opportunities. Such is the importance of dining table etiquette. Our table manners are usually emulated by our kids, who silently watch us every day.
What are Table Manners?
Table manners are a set of protocols that one should follow while dining out. It could be related to being punctual, handling cutlery, conversing with others, passing on the dishes, being courteous, or just anything related to having meals together, making everyone around feel at ease. Our table manners reflect our personality in general, it is not just limited to mealtime.
Important Dining Table Etiquette Rules You Should Know.
So, let’s discuss some important table manners that will come in very handy once you are invited for lunch or dinner, whether by friends or colleagues.
1. You should always reach the venue on time. Do not make people wait for long. Punctuality is an attractive trait as it shows consideration for others.
2. It is good to carry a small gift for the host, as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
3. If you are planning to bring some kind of food as a potluck or to show your gratitude, always consult the host first.
4. Dress appropriately, based on whether it is a formal event or an informal gathering.
5. If you are allergic to some kind of food, let the host know well in advance, to avoid last-minute hassles.
6. Have a firm handshake and eye contact while greeting people and introduce them to those whom you are meeting for the first time.
7. If you are unsure where you need to sit, wait for your host to guide you.
8. Wait for others to sit at the table first and follow the hostess's instructions or procedures while following the seating arrangement.
9. While sitting, keep a straight posture. Do not droop your shoulders. Keep your back straight.
10. Do not keep your handbag or mobile phone on the table. Either hang your belongings on the chair or keep them on the floor, beside your chair.
11. Do not cross your legs or keep on moving them.
12. Wait for the host to toast, and then start with your meal.
13. Keep your mobile away from the dining table. It is a very bad habit of watching your phone while having mealtime. It is better to keep it on silent or in vibrate mode. Regularly checking your phone while dining sends very negative signals.
14. If you are expecting an urgent call, excuse yourself and move a little far from the dining table to attend the call.
15. Never keep your elbows on the table. Always keep them off the table.
16. Always make use of the table napkin. Unfold it and place it properly on your lap. Do not tuck your napkin into your shirt, like a bib.
17. While eating, never chew the meal with your mouth open or make any noise. It can be very unpleasant for others.
18. Pass on the dishes to your right, which is anti-clockwise.
19. Do not reach out to far-away dishes. Politely ask others to pass on to you.
20. Don’t take more food than you can eat. Do not leave leftover food on your plate. Also, try to keep your plate as neat as possible.
21. Take small bites. Never fill your mouth with a lot of food.
22. Understand how cutlery is used. Use the correct hand to handle the fork and knife. Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife on your right. If you are left-handed, do the opposite. Place your drink on the right and the quarter plate for bread on the left.
23. Do participate in the mealtime conversations. Be polite and avoid controversial topics like politics and religion.
24. Taste your food first, before you add salt or pepper to it. Otherwise, this shows disrespect to the host.
25. Thank the host for putting in so much effort in organizing the mealtime and complementing the food sincerely.
26. If you end up using the restroom, quietly excuse yourself. Spread your napkin on the chair, not on the table.
27. Make sure which glass is yours, to avoid lifting someone else.
28. Be a good listener. Never interrupt anyone while listening.
29. Always hold the glasses properly while having any beverage.
30. Hold the white wine by the steam and the red wine from the bowl to transfer the warmth of your hand to the red wine. Hold the water glass at the base and the juice glass in the middle or at the bottom.
31. Even if someone has requested only salt, always pass on salt and pepper together.
32. If you haven’t finished eating, but still wish to take a break, place your fork and knife in the center of the plate, slightly angled in the inverted V shape.
33. Once you are finished, place your knife and fork parallelly on the plate.
34. Always offer to help while clearing the dishes off the table and letting your host accept it or decline it.
35. Always thank your host sincerely for all the efforts put in for the lunch or dinner.
To Summarize
To summarize, table etiquette is important to create a lasting imprint on you. Understanding the nuances of table manners and dinner etiquette will help you in the long run, strengthening relationships and taking things forward whether professionally or personally. People having good dining table etiquette are liked by others significantly, benefitting you in closing deals and professional growth, reflecting your poise, calmness, confidence, and personality as a whole.
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