A Pocket Guide to Proper Dining Etiquette and Good Manners

Proper Dining Etiquette for Formal Occasions

Having good manners is not just about saying 'please' and 'thank you'. It is about how you present yourself, how you behave, how you speak, how you treat others, how you think. ~ Laura Akano

Etiquette is about being kind, polite, and most importantly, it is about having good manners. It teaches us how to conduct ourselves, how to behave, and how to treat others in different environments.

Etiquette helps you to make others feel comfortable and at ease. It shows that you not only have respect for yourself, but also for other people.

Today I am going to discuss “How to Have Good Manners and Proper Etiquette When Dining”.

Before the Meal

• Place your napkin on your lap and do not unfold it until the hostess has removed her own and has placed it on her lap. When temporarily leaving the table, place the napkin on your chair.

• Keep personal items off the table.

• Put your phone away. If you must take or make a phone call, excuse yourself from the table and do so in private.
  

During the Meal

• Wait until all guests are served and the host begins eating before you begin to eat.

• Understand the table setting and use the “outside-in” rule.

• Hold your utensils in the Continental style.

• Keep your elbows off the table.

• Chew with your mouth closed.

• Always pass the salt and pepper together.

• If an item is not being passed to a specific person, pass food from left to right.

• Always say "please" and "thank you".
  

After the Meal

• When finished eating, position your silverware to tell the server you are done.

• Fold your used napkin and place it to the left of your place setting.

In informal settings, the hostess will most likely clear the plates with the help of one or two guests. If the dining is formal, the staff will remove the plates.

When leaving the special occasion, always thank your hostess and politely say "good-bye" to the room.

Author Bio

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and published author.

Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, language enthusiast, and most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."