NH Etiquette: Basic Table Manners

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There is nothing more annoying than seeing an adult with atrocious table manners. There are just certain things you should not do when you’re out eating in public; actually, you shouldn’t do them at home either, but that is not our business. Lack of table manners is embarrassing to the host, to those around and to the person exhibiting them. But don’t worry, these tips will help to make sure you don’t forget to exhibit faultless table manners when next you’re eating out.

1. Keep Your Mouth Closed

Do not speak with food in your mouth. Most of us were told this as we were growing up and it was not just said to make life difficult for us. Talking while your mouth is full of food is disgusting and shows that the person is lacking in table manners.

 

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2. Elbows Off the Table

When you’re eating, your elbows should not be on the table. I see this a lot as I eat in restaurants and homes; one elbow rests on the table while the owner of the hand munches away. It’s wrong. It’s sloppy. And it’s bad table manners. Keep your arms close to your body and your elbows away from the table.

3. Respect Other’s Food

Do not, and I repeat… DO NOT stretch your hands over another person’s food. This is not just bad manners, it is really very annoying. If you need the salt or ketchup or whatever it is that isn’t beside your plate, simply ask the other person politely to hand it over. AND if the person next to you asks you to please pass the salt, and that salt is not next to you, ask the other person to please pass it to you and then hand it to the one who requested it in the first place. Don’t ever stretch your hands over someone else’s food to reach for something.

4. Cutlery Arrangement

[media-credit id=1 align=”aligncenter” width=”500″][/media-credit]If you’re still eating your food, leave your cutlery slightly slanted on each side as shown in the picture above. If you are done with your food, put your cutlery close together and then either place them at the side or down (at six o’clock of your plate).

Mind Your Ps and Qs

When you’re served food, even in a restaurant, saying ‘thank you’ only shows that you were well brought up. If you need something, add ‘please’ before your request.

Table manners are not just for children. Knowing how to conduct yourself with class will set you a cut above your colleagues who are lacking in this aspect. We are social beings and as such, we need to learn how to relate with comportment and decorum in every social situation if we are to get ahead.

 

 

 

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