15 Impeccable Table Manners Everyone Should Know by Now
Updated: May. 02, 2020The way you eat and behave at the table is still important. Follow these tips to have good table manners and impress those around you.
Never blow on your food
Let your food cool of its own accord—don’t blow on it.
Never spit
Don’t spit unwanted food into your napkin—remove it with your fork and place it on the side of your plate. If you’re dining out, these common mistakes can be especially embarrassing.
Finish chewing before you speak
Never talk with your mouth full. You should always follow these etiquette tips when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
Hold your knife correctly
Don’t hold your knife poised as if ready to sign a check, and don’t point with any of your cutlery.
Use your napkin properly
A napkin is there to protect your clothes; use it to dab the corners of your mouth but never to polish your teeth. These are the etiquette rules everyone in the royal family must follow.
Never cut bread or bread rolls
Break the bread with your fingers and butter a small piece at a time. Breakfast toast is the only exception.
Add salt after you taste
Be careful not to insult your host by adding salt before you have tasted your food. You should also know these strange etiquette rules from around the world.
Indicate that you are finished properly
When you’ve finished eating, place your knife and fork or spoon and fork together, vertically. Leave your plate where it is—never push it away from you.
Limit your drinking
Don’t get drunk; you’ll look absurd. Here are 10 more table etiquette mistakes you need to stop making already.
Leave with grace
If you have to leave the table, only be absent for a short amount of time and leave your napkin on your chair while you are away. Memorize these etiquette rules about tipping around the world.
Use the right hands
Hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right.
Don’t eat right away
Wait until everyone has their food in front of them before you start eating. Read up on these other social etiquette secrets you’ll only learn in etiquette class.
Pass the food properly
If the dish isn’t being passed to a specific person, pass it around the table to your right. While you’re at it, follow these 13 other etiquette rules for when you’re dining at a restaurant.
Butter the bread one piece at a time
When eating your bread, break off a bite-sized piece and then butter it. Never butter the entire slice.
Leave quickly
When the host indicates that the dinner is over, they will rise from their chair. When it is time for you to leave make the departure brief but cordial, don’t give a lengthy goodbye. Whether you’re dining out or just hanging out, make sure that you always practice these 50 little etiquette rules.