Table Manners in Formal Occasions

By knowing the right and proper table manners, you save yourself from embarassment. You can tell an ill-bred person simply by looking at his or her table manners. Table manners show that you are educated and decent. If you know and practice these table manners, you can prevent people from looking at you in a discrediting manner. Do this table manners and you will look professional and respectable. These table manners listed below are in the form of Do's and Don't's so that it is simple to understand and remember. It is applicable to dinners, lunches, banquets, and other meals in both formal and informal occasions and social functions. These manners are paramount in the home, school, office, restaurants, banquets, and so on.

Table Manners in Formal Occasions:

- Sit with a decent posture. Sit with your back straight, never slouch or lounge in your chair.
- Do not put your elbows on the table.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides.
- Put your hands on your lap when they are not holding anything.
- Keep your body 6 inches away from the table.
- Don't play with the silverware and utensils on the table.
- Don't play with the wine glasses, knife, fork, spoon, or anything on the table.
- Do not spill or make a mess on the table.
- Do not beat a tune on the table.
- When you can not reach something, say "Please pass the ______", and say "Thank you". Don't extend your hand to reach it.
- If you are to sneeze, cover your mouth and move your face away from the table and away from someone. Say "Excuse Me".
- Do not talk when your mouth is full. This is oftenly said, but other people still do it, and it is ill manner.
- Do not talk about displeasing or dirty things. Keep the conversation cheerful and friendly. Topics that promote arguments or insults should be avoided. Avoid offending anyone with your conversations.
- Be gentle on the table and eat quietly, avoid mouth noises and other noises caused by eating, sipping, or drinking.
- Partly unfold the table serviette (table napkin) on your lap and lay it flat across your knees.
- The knife is laid out to the right of the plate, the fork to the left. Hold the knife with your right hand with the index finger extended along the back of the blade. Hold the fork with your left hand with the prongs down.
- Eat vegetables or salad by holding the fork in the right hand, prongs up. You may also use your left hand to hold the fork with prongs down. Use the knife to help place food on the fork.
- Never cut bread with a knife, use your fingers to break the bread.
- Use the spoon for the soup. Take the soup from the side of the spoon with the motion of the spoon always away from you. Never blow the soup to cool it.
- Don't tip the plate or bowl to get the remaining soup or food items. Don't put the bowl all the way to your lips!
- Don't make gestures with the utensils in your hands.
- Take short sips on your tea or coffee cup. Use the teaspoon to stir the tea or coffee. Don't use the teaspoon to taste it.
- When lifting a cup, don't crook your little finger.
- Some desserts are eaten with a spoon only. Some desserts are eaten with a spoon and fork. Take note.
- Place the utensils properly to indicate you have finished your meal. Put the knife and fork close together side by side in the center of the plate to indicate that you are finished with a course. Put the fork, prongs up in the center of the saucer. Put the knife in the center of the saucer.
- When leaving the table, say "Excuse me" to the other people around the table.
- If you don't know what to do, ask! You can also learn by observation.