TABLE ETIQUETTES AND MANNERS

PRESENTATION BY :

AKANKSHA GUPTA

Table Etiquettes:

Table manners are essential when you're attending a luncheon, wedding reception or other formal function.

Following proper etiquette helps in creating a good impression on the guests and makes them feel comfortable.

Table Arrangements:

Use of A Napkin at a Formal Lunch or Dinner:

Unfold your napkin. If it's a small napkin, completely open it. If it's a large dinner napkin, keep it folded in half. Place it on your lap.

Place your napkin on your chair if you want to get up during the meal. This acts as a signal to the server that you're returning to your place.

Napkins are meant to gently dab your mouth during a meal. They are not actually supposed to get dirty.

At the end of the meal semi fold the napkin, neither crumple the napkin nor should you leave it on the chair.

When do you start eating… You should wait until all the people on

the table are served. When your host or hostess picks up

their fork to eat then you may start. Do not start eating before this until and unless host or hostess insist that you start eating.

Always Remember….. Chew and swallow all the food in your mouth

before taking more or taking a drink. You should never take a sip of your drink while you

are still eating. Break bread and rolls with your fingers not with

your knife. Break off a small piece of bread or roll and butter

it. Do not butter the whole slice or half a roll at one time.

You may use a piece of bread on a fork to soak up sauce or gravy. Never hold the bread in your fingers to do this.

Once used your utensils including the handles, must not touch the table again. Always rest your forks, knives, and spoons on your plate or in your bowl.

For more formal dinners from course to course your tableware will be replaced as needed.

To signal that you are done with the course rest your fork and knife parallel to each other on the plate in opposite directions.

Using a Finger Bowl

If you encounter a finger bowl (used either after eating a hands-on meal such as lobster or at a more formal meal when dessert is served), dip your fingers into the water and then dry them with your napkin.

Hot Towels

In some upscale restaurants, steamed hand towels are brought to diners at the end of the meal. Use the towel to wipe your hands and, if necessary, the area around your mouth. Most waiters will take the towel away as soon as you've finished, If not, leave the towel at the left of your plate, on top of your loosely folded napkin.