Table manners are very important, especially if you want to leave a good impression. Knowing basic dinner etiquette says a lot about you; don’t think people aren’t paying attention, because they are. You’re going to need this when you’re out on a date or a business meeting.

Table set for an event party

  • Don’t speak with food in your mouth. Ever! Ever!!
  • Avoid placing your elbows on the table.
  • Don’t use your phone during dinner; it’s rude.
  • Place a napkin on your lap before you start your meal.
  • If you’re invited to dinner, wait for the host’s signal to start eating.
  • Wait for everyone’s food to arrive before eating.
  • Look at the illustration below to know what utensils are meant for.IDMag80
  • Don’t reach across the table for something you want. Ask for closest person to pass it to you.
  • If someone asks for a piece of bread, don’t pick it up with your hand. Bring the entire basket to them. The same rule applies to anything you’re asked for.
  • Don’t cut a piece of bread and put the rest back in the basket. Split it with someone if you don’t think you can eat it all or leave the rest on the plate.
  • Don’t butter the whole piece of bread and then take bites from it. Your butter plate is on your left. Place piece of bread on it, cut bite-sized pieces and butter the piece before eating.
  • Never, ever put cutlery that has been in your mouth back on the table again. Place it on your plate.
  • When you’re done with your meal, place the napkin on the left side of your plate as shown in the picture below.

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  • Always pass salt and pepper together. Even if the person asks for one, pass both anyway.
  • Taste the food before adding salt or pepper.
  • Don’t take the last piece off of any plate meant for sharing without offering it to others first.
  • Don’t wave utensils around when talking with your hands during dinner.
  • Don’t take food from someone’s plate without asking their permission, it’s rude and they may not want to share.
  • When you’re done with your meal, place your cutlery side by side. If you’re taking a break, place them in an X shape.
  • Never,under any circumstance, pick up your plate/bowl to eat whatever is left. If you can’t get it on the fork/spoon, let it go.
  • Don’t play with salt and pepper, sugar or utensils before, during or after dinner. It’s shocking that some adults still do this.

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…And there you have it, the basic dining etiquette that’ll make you look good the next time you’re out to dinner.