All About Table Etiquette

Good manners aren't noticed, bad manners are!

The road to success

Mastering the following tips on table etiquette will give you the competitive edge you need to ensure your road to success.

1. Never talk with food in your mouth. This is the most important dining etiquette tip.

2. Chew with your mouth closed.

3. Do not leave half the food on your utensil.  Proper etiquette is to be able to eat what is on your fork in one bite.

4. In a formal table place setting, pick up utensils from the outside in.

5. Once you've picked up a utensil it should never touch the table again.

6. Scoop soup away from yourself to avoid splashing.

7. Never pick up anything with your fingers, except for bread.  Proper etiquette dictates that other foods like corn on the cob and ribs should never be served or ordered at a formal dinner.

8. Do not order any dish that would be hard to eat with a knife and fork.

9. Always pass the salt and pepper together.

10. If coffee, tea or water is placed on the table, table etiquette dictates that the person closest to it should offer to pour, serving himself last.

11. In a business etiquette situation, don't order the most expensive items on the menu unless you are specifically told it is all right to do so.

12.  Do not tip your chair.

13. Keep pace with the person you're dining with.  Social etiquette dictates that you shouldn't finish your meal long before or after your dinner companion does.

14. Especially in a business etiquette situation, do not order an alcoholic drink unless your host does first.  If you are the first person asked, tell the server you are still making up your mind.

15. It is alright to have an alcoholic drink if your host has one, however etiquette dictates that you shouldn't order more than one. 

16. Be properly dressed for the occasion.  It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

17. Have good posture.

18. Keep your elbows at your sides.

19. Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.

20. Do not reach across the table.  If in doubt, ask someone to pass the item to you.

21. Do not season your food before tasting it.

22. Do not sop or dip bread.

23. Cut one piece of food at a time and eat it before cutting more.

24. Do not fix hair, lipstick or use a toothpick at the table.

25.  It is proper etiquette to turn your cell phone off!

26.  Never smoke.

27. Do not ask for a doggie bag.

Follow these table etiquette tips and you'll have an important edge in today's competitive business and social climate. 

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