Monday, June 10, 2013

Important Facts About Proper Dining Etiquette

By Teri Farley


Etiquette refers to a system of rules and conventions that aims at regulating professional and social behaviors. The point behind these rules and regulation is to ensure everybody is comfortable. People abide by certain standard and therefore one can have the confidence and the assurance that they are acting accordingly. Bad etiquette has no penalty, but may result to disapproval by peers. This is the reason why people should learn the facts relating to proper dining etiquette.

While at the dinner table, it is prudent to observe some of the rules. Switching off your phone is also necessary. If that is not possible, it should be in the vibrating mode. Making calls and receiving calls at the eating room is prohibited, as well as writing short messages over the phone. If you must make a call, it is wise to leave the dining room to the restrooms.

At times, you may be the first at the dining table. As you wait for the others do not start tasting the meals. This should be done when your co-diners arrive and are comfortable in their seats set to eat. Give a warm handshake to your co-diners with a smile on your face.

When everybody sits down, placing the napkin on your lap is the first thing that you should do. Unfold the napkin with possibly a little fanfare, fold it in half and place it on your lap. It is not good to smoke during meal times. Ensure that you assume a good posture. When you are not eating, it is advisable you place your hands in your laps or on the edges of a table. The elbows should not be placed on the table at any one time.

At times you may sneeze. In case that happens, grab a tissue on your way out of the room. Never blow your nose near the eating place especially on the napkin. Wash your hand for purposes of good hygiene as you come back to the dining room. As you cough cover your mouth with your napkin to stop any chance of spreading germs. You may excuse yourself to the washrooms, and as you return to the table have your hands cleaned.

Ladies who carry small purses should not place them on the eating place. If possible place them on your laps. If they are large it is advisable not to place them on the isle, but under your chair to avoid tripping people. It is also prohibited to make or comb your hair near the table. Putting on lipstick as well as wearing make ups is also not fashionable. You are advised to do that in the washrooms.

Begin to eat only after the host or the hostess pick the folk and begins to eat. If the hostess insists, you can start. You should not chew gum at the table. Excuse yourself to the restroom and remove the gum from the mouth.

At a meal do not pull the chair for the lady, which is done on social occasions. When eating is done, leave the plates there. The rest of the job is done by the service personnel. These are important procedures that will help people apply the proper dining etiquette.




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