Here’s the situation; you pick up your phone to find that you are invited to dinner at the island’s most prestigious hotel with a group of acquaintances. There’s one problem though – your table etiquette isn’t up to par, and you’ve already accepted the invite. So what do you do next? Keep reading to find out what you need to know about basic table etiquette. While this is not a comprehensive guide, these basic tips will help you feel more comfortable at seemingly intimidating dinner settings. It’s important to note that these norms vary slightly depending on your region.
Phones Down
As in many social settings, being distracted by your mobile phone can be a huge turn off to whomever you are in company with. So as a sign of respect, keep your phone tucked away while you and your dinner companions enjoy each other’s company.
Choosing Your Eating Utensils
A good rule of thumb to follow when choosing utensils to start eating is to always begin with the utensils furthest away from the plate and work your way toward those closest to the plate. If you see the host or hostess doing something different, you may follow his or her lead. The important thing is not to make yourself unduly conspicuous.
Avoid Noisy Chewing
While eating, you’d want to avoid drawing attention to yourself while being respectful by chewing with your mouth closed. Making unpleasant chewing sounds at the dinner table is a surefire way to make everyone around you uncomfortable. While it’s acceptable to have small conversations over dinner, always chew and swallow your food before responding, for obvious reasons.
Pay Attention to the Little Things
Before you dig in, remember to keep your elbows off the table, while also maintaining good posture. Secondly, it’s usually more acceptable to try a little bit of everything on your plate instead of finishing off any one thing right away. Don’t forget to politely ask someone to pass something to you, especially if it’s out of your reach.
Now that you’re acquainted with the basics of table etiquette, it’s important to remember that most ‘rules’ would vary depending on your location, so it’s wise to be informed on all fronts. Happy dining!
