Mastering Table Manners

You can make a great impression at your next meal with proper table manners. When we demonstrate good manners at the dinner table, it will indirectly indicate our social quality, intellect and also our social ethics.

Seating

Allow your host to direct you to your seat if they have some seating arrangements in mind. If you are the host, you should do the same for your guests. The guest of honour should sit in the best seat at the table, usually the one with the back of the chair to the wall. Once the guest of honour’s seat is determined, the host should sit to his or her left. Other people are then offered seats around the table.

Napkin

You may place the napkin on your lap immediately upon seating at informal meals. During formal occasions before unfolding the napkin, wait for the hostess to remove her napkin from the table and unfold it on her lap.

Food Service

At a formal dinner, the server presents the platter on the diner’s left. At a more casual meal, the host dishes the food onto guests’ plates for them to pass around the table or if diners may help themselves to the food and pass it on to the others if necessary.

Table Setting

Decide which fork, knife and spoon to use using the outside-in table manners rule by using the outside first and working your way inward.

When To Start

If you are at a small table of two to four people, wait until everyone else has been served before starting to eat. If at a formal or business meal, let the host start first or wait for everyone else to be served first.

Handling Utensils

Here is how you can handle your utensils

• Hold your fork in your left hand, tines downward
• Hold your knife in your right hand, an inch or two above the plate
• Extend your index finger along the top of the blade
• Use your fork to spear and lift food to your mouth
• If your knife is not needed, it remains on the table

Rest your utensils while taking a sip of your drink by placing your fork and knife on your plate near the centre slightly angled in an inverted V with the tips of the fork pointing toward each other.  

Passing The Food

When passing food, pass to the right. One diner can hold the dish as the next diner takes some food. Any heavy or awkward dishes can be put on the table with each pass.

Passing Salt and Pepper

Always be sure to taste the food before putting salt or pepper on it. Always pass salt and pepper together. If a person asks for just one, pass both anyway. When using the saltcellar, if there is no spoon in the saltcellar, use the tip of a clean knife to take some salt. If the salt­cellar is for you alone, you may either use the tip of your knife or you may take a pinch with your fingers. If it is to be shared with others, never use your fingers or a knife that is not clean.

Meals End

At an informal meal when served without help, the hostess clears the plates often with the help of a guest or two. At a formal dining event, professional staff will remove plates. If you have an Intertain dinner, your private chef will clear your plate!

Usually to signal conclusion of dinner, the hostess catches the eye of the host and lays her napkin on the table suggesting that everyone adjourn into another room for coffee and after-dinner drinks. The hostess rises from her chair. Make the departure brief but cordial with “thank you” or “see you again soon” with well wishes. 

At the end of the day, table manners may differ according to traditions and culture. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! See and act accordingly. Most importantly, enjoy yourself.