It can be so easy to forget the basic table manners when you may be nervous or just running around trying to seat everyone for a dinner party. Etiquette is body language, and this is the first thing people notice about you. There is something so special in being classy, composed, and well-mannered, you are viewed differently. Therefore today I will educate you on the 10 Basic Table Manners that truly everyone should know.
Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you! Today, I will educate you on the 10 Most Basic Table Manners and also some of the most fundamental and crucial table manners.
Etiquette is way more than sitting up straight or the fundamental say please and thank you. I hope you at least know those 2 fundamental manners and if not then you definitely want to keep reading!
1. Pass food to your right
Most people are right-handed, so holding the platter in their left hand is easiest while serving themselves with their right.
The exception is if someone one or two spaces to your left asks for a dish. In that case, sending it on a carousel around the whole table makes no sense.
2. Always pass salt with pepper
Part of this reasoning is for convenience because most people use both to season their food. It prevents the person from having to ask for the other shaker.
Additionally, it is visually easier for anyone at the table to locate them at once rather than for the pair to be scattered around the table.
Even if someone only asks for one, always pass both. It is considered the correct etiquette.
3. napkin in your lap
Typically, you want to put your napkin in your lap right when you sit down at the table, BUT follow your host's lead. I will discuss this more later on in the article.
Putting your napkin in your lap suggests you are ready to be served your meal, and it prevents any crumbs or food from getting on your clothes if they fall into your lap. Additionally, it is convenient to have your napkin right there, and it is easily accessible.
So, be sure to put your napkin in your lap when you sit at the table. UNLESS your host does not do so, then follow their lead. It is considered basic table manners!
TIP: When you are done eating, put your napkin to the left of your place to signal you are finished to your waiter or the table.
4. Wait for everyone to be seated and receive their food before you start eating.
Of course, go by what your host does. If your host insists that you go ahead and start eating while the food is still warm, then do so! If they are hosting, then they somewhat make the rules.
This prevents conversations from being disrupted and generally makes the meal flow easier rather than having people still trying to be served while others are talking over them.
It is considered basic table manners and is the polite thing to do.
5. Put your utensils down when you aren't using them
Put your utensils down if you're chewing, taking a break from eating, or talking.
Put them down if you aren’t actively using them to cut your food. This helps you slow down while eating and take smaller bites to digest your food.
This is considered one of the fundamental table manners and is the courteous thing to do. No one wants to hear someone waving their utensils around while trying to finish chewing the food in their mouth while telling a story to the group.
6. Thank your host
This is fundamental!!! When in doubt, be overly gracious, BUT one of the most cherished things, in my opinion, is a unique and genuine compliment.
Give specific and heartfelt compliments. Consider changing "Your outfit is lovely." to "That color looks stunning on you!" or "Your house is pretty." to a specific compliment about a detail.
Be sure to graciously and genuinely thank your host for all they did and compliment specific factors.
7. Chew with your mouth closed
Not only is this annoying to those around you, but it is also considered poor table manners.
You are not a cow! So don't chew like one 🙂
8. Don't put your elbows on the table
Remember what I said about the importance of body language? Putting your elbows on the table promotes bad posture as it allows you to slouch. It portrays you with a careless, closed-off, and poor manned appearance.
Additionally, it is considered rude as you may be taking up other people's space. Just know that it is considered inconsiderate and is a big no-no!
9. don't reach over people
Don't reach over people to get items, even if it is so close you can almost get it. Just ask for it to be passed to you!
Reaching over someone is considered poor table manners because it can easily intrude on someone's personal space. Additionally, it would be easy to accidentally knock over food or drink or even get something spilled on you.
Overall, it is simply courteous to ask for an item to be passed to you rather than cause a disruptance trying to reach across the table.
10. Follow your host's lead
When it comes to going into the dining room, getting the food, where to sit down at the table, putting your napkin in your lap, or when to start eating, base it all on your host's lead.
If your host sits down and puts her napkin on their lap immediately, you do so as well. In any of the scenarios mentioned earlier, it is better to follow along with what your host is doing instead of disrupting things to do them the "proper" way.
There is no reason to embarrass someone graciously hosting you for a meal.
I hope you now know the basic table manners that have been practiced for years and feel equipped to start doing them. Just try to train yourself to fix one thing at a time! It will take time, but you will see improvement with discipline.
With Love,
Isabella XO
