How to Have Proper Dining Etiquette and Good Manners
- Isabella Boston
- Aug 20, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 3
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, and 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. Keep the napkin folded in half when placing it on your lap with the folded part near the table. This enables you to wipe your hands inside the napkin, while using the top part to cover any stains. When leaving the table to use the restroom or to make a phone call, place the napkin on your chair or to the left of your dinner plate.
Keep personal items off the table. Ladies, place your purse behind you or hang it on the back of your chair, never on the table.
Put your phone on silent and put it 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 start.
Understand the table setting and use the “outside-in” rule. This means to use the utensils farthest from your dinner plate first, working your way to the center.
Hold your utensils in the Continental style.
Keep your elbows off the table, but it is okay to rest your wrist on the edge in between dishes.
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 let the server know you are done. The "finished" position is placing your fork and knife in the 12 and 6 o'clock position.
Fold your used napkin and place it to the left of your place setting. Never place the napkin on the plate, as this is considered rude.
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.
For more tips, please watch the videos below.
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 neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.
Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book & vintage-fashion lover, a 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."
