| With globalisation the world has become a small place | | | | 5 Mind your table manners |
| thus resulting in all the cultures, and their cuisines easily | | | | Brushing up on your table manners is quite imperative |
| available. However, there is a problem here and that is | | | | whether for a formal sit down dinner or a casual |
| dining etiquette. | | | | dinner with your family. Never place your elbows on |
| No matter from where you are, there are certain | | | | the table. In case you have to leave the table, excuse |
| etiquette which every diner should follow - whether | | | | yourself, place your napkin on the left of your plate |
| they are dining out in a restaurant, at a formal party at | | | | with the soiled part facing down and then get up. It is |
| home, or a casual get together or at restaurant - | | | | considered good manners if the men sitting next to the |
| these are some of the few things that every diner | | | | lady get up when she wants to leave the table and |
| should keep in mind. | | | | also when she comes back. Also don't try to reach |
| 1. Respect the particular culture | | | | over the table to take a food item if you want |
| If you are dining out in a foreign country then it is | | | | something ask the person closer to the item to pass it |
| imperative to find out their respective dining culture. | | | | you. Use the words Please while making your request |
| Find out what are the dos and don't of that country in | | | | and thank you when the person has complied with |
| terms of dining etiquette. For example in India it is fine | | | | your request. |
| to eat with your fingers but if you are in any western | | | | 6. Napkin etiquette |
| country it may not be acceptable. | | | | Usually people are found struggling with their napkins |
| 2. Know your cutlery | | | | not knowing how to use them. As soon as you sit |
| When dining out especially on a sit in dinner you should | | | | down take the napkin and open it and spread it onto |
| be aware of your cutlery like what fork or spoon is | | | | your lap. The napkin should be opened either in the |
| used first Along with the fact which food will come on | | | | shape of a large triangle or a rectangle. Don't wipe |
| what side. Remember solid food is placed on the left | | | | your face with the napkin while eating your napkin is |
| with the liquid food or anything with curry is placed on | | | | not the tissue. If you need to wipe your mouth ask for |
| the right. You should also know that the largest plate is | | | | a tissue. |
| the dinner plate, medium sized plate is your salad plate, | | | | 7. Show courtesy to waiters and stewards |
| and the small one is your bread plate. When dining in a | | | | When dining out show courtesy to the waiters and |
| sit down dinner remember to use the cutlery from | | | | stewards. It shows your upbringing. Remember as a |
| outside moving inside. | | | | child your mom used to tell you if you want to decipher |
| 3. Eating etiquette | | | | somebody's true nature then see how they behave |
| Talking with your mouth full is considered as bad | | | | with children, animals, elderly and the people lower to |
| etiquette. So refrain from it. Also eat in small bites, no | | | | him in class like his driver, or restaurant staff. Yes, you |
| matter how tiny the food particle cut into a further | | | | got the idea. Polite and sophistication is the key here. |
| small piece and eat it. Remember to chew with your | | | | Remember to say please when you want something |
| mouth closed and as chewing with open mouth is | | | | to be brought in to your table and thank you once it |
| considered as bad manners. In case you feel like | | | | has been brought or while the waiter is serving you. |
| sneezing or coughing cover your mouth and move | | | | Also in case you need anything just raise your hand |
| your face away from the table. And if there is | | | | and or if the waiter is nearby just say excuse me. |
| something that you want to spit out do it discreetly by | | | | 8. No personal issues while being served |
| using a tissue paper and put it away from the eyes of | | | | Whatever you do, don't discuss your personal issues |
| the other diners. | | | | or problems or even business while the waiter is |
| 4. Drinking etiquette | | | | serving you. You will have ample time to discuss when |
| Never blow on your hot beverages. If your tea or | | | | he has served the food for you to enjoy your dining |
| coffee is hot keep them on the table for them to cool | | | | experience. |
| down sufficiently for your comfortable drinking. Don't | | | | These are very basic etiquette which seem to be |
| make slurping sounds while drinking as they are pretty | | | | missing from the hurried and mechanical life. Master |
| repulsive. Also while consuming your soup remember | | | | these techniques to clinch that deal or to impress your |
| to half fill your soup spoon and moving it away from | | | | future spouse. |
| your body, sip it from the side of the spoon. | | | | |