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Table etiquette is a whole science, thanks to which we show respect to those who are with us. This is not just mannerism, but also an opportunity to protect yourself and others from injury. And etiquette restraint looks much nicer from the outside. Knowing the rules of etiquette will give your behavior the right style.
Collar napkin
It is customary to put a napkin on your knees, but in no case tuck it into the collar like bibs for babies. You don’t need a towel to wipe your hands or the corners of your lips – there are paper towels for that. A cloth to protect your clothing from splashes or greasy crumbs.
Food across the table
If the dish you want to try is on the opposite end of the table, do not try to reach it with your whole body. Ask someone to pass a plate of snacks. All food is passed in a circle from left to right. Salt and pepper are passed only in pairs.
Elbows on the table
Elbows on the table signal that you are closed to talking to your neighbors on the left and right. And the hunched posture itself looks unaesthetic. Not considering that elbows can get in the way of someone.
Swinging appliances
If you know that you will be emotionally telling a story, it is better to put the knife and fork on the table. Swinging the cutlery can cause injury.
An unfamiliar dish leads to a stupor
Have you brought a lobster and you don’t know how to eat it? Have you turned pale? Snickly? Are you about to feel sick at the thought of impending shame?
If you don’t know something, feel free to ask and learn. This also applies to how to eat food, and what cutlery to use. People who seek knowledge and are ashamed of it deserve respect.
Excessive haste
One of the rules of etiquette is not to start or finish eating first. Even if you are hungry, hold back your fervor and eat slowly. Do not eat too much – after a meal, it is desirable that a slight feeling of hunger remains.
Phone while eating
Do not check SMS and instant messengers every minute, and even more so do not start a correspondence. The phone should be on silent mode during meals, and if you urgently need to contact someone, leave the table and step aside.
By the way, it is impossible to enjoy your meal if your neighbor is unpleasant or unfamiliar to you, and there were no common topics for communication. Choose a place at the table so that it would be pleasant to share your impressions and news while you have a leisurely meal. When you are with a nice person, you will be relaxed and the meal will be great.