Top 10 Formal Dining Etiquette Tips
1. Setting the table – “Mr. Fork left Knife and Spoon right beside the plate”
- The fork is placed on the left of the plate and the knife and spoon on the right
- The small appetizer fork goes to the left of the large fork
- Dessert fork and spoons goes at the top of the plate
- Wine glasses go to the right of the plate because most people are right handed
2. Wait for the host to put their napkin on their lap before starting the meal
3. Put your napkin on your lap
- Don’t tuck your napkin into the collar of your shirt
- Fold your napkin in half and place it on your lap and then wipe food/grease from your fingers on the inside of the fold, keeping the mess hidden
4. Utensil Use – use utensils from the outside in, using the utensils furthest away from the plate first and then working your way in towards the utensils closest to the plate
5. No elbows on the table
- If you are resting, keep your hands on your lap or wrists resting on the edge of the table. Place your cutlery on your plate crossed at the tips in an inverted “V” position. Never but put used cutlery on the table.
6. Don’t talk with your Mouth Full
- Any noise that comes from your mouth other than talking, is not polite so no slurping, chomping or smacking your food and definitely NO belching!!!
- If you need to sneeze or blow your nose, excuse yourself to the restroom, a napkin should never be used as a handkerchief
7. Don’t talk about unappetizing topics while eating and try a little of everything you are served. If you don’t like something, keep quiet about it.
8. Finish eating and swallow the food in your mouth before taking a sip of your beverage
9. When you’re finished eating place your knife and fork parallel to one another across the plate with the knife blade facing in towards the plate
10. Never reapply your lipstick or other make-up at the table
- Instead, excuse yourself to the restroom and reapply there. There is no need to tell everyone where you are going and what you might be planning to do, just say “Excuse me for a moment please.”
