10 Civil Table Manners Tips

Have you ever been invited to a very nice place where you feel out of your comfort zone? Many people feel out of place when dining simply because they don’t know how to follow table manners, especially if they have been invited to a nice place. Admittedly, it is difficult to learn every point of etiquette at a glance, but here are a few general pointers. Remember, good manners never go out of style.

1. Don’t Drink With A Full Mouth.

To avoid leaving food on the rim of the vessel, make sure the mouth is free of food and blot the lips with a napkin before taking a sip of a beverage.

2. Eating Quietly.

Scraping a plate or loudly chewing is unpleasant to listen to and considered impolite. Smacking and slurping food are major mistakes and a sign of bad table manners

3. Sneezing, Coughing, Blowing Your Nose.

When sneezing or coughing at the table is unavoidable, cover your nose or mouth with a napkin and proceed as quietly as possible. Except in an emergency, don’t use a napkin to blow your nose. Leave the table and use a handkerchief instead.

4. Hats And Caps.

Although frequently seen in casual restaurants, it is not proper table manners to keep a hat on when eating. Some etiquette experts may advise taking off a hat when eating outdoors, too. However, wearing any type hat is becoming more acceptable in fast food restaurants.

5. Burps.

When a burp is coming on, cover the mouth with a napkin, quietly burp, and say, “Excuse me.” For an attack of hiccups, excuse yourself from the table until they have passed.

6. Dropped Utensils.

If you drop a utensil, pick it up yourself if you can and let the waiter know you need a new one. If you cannot reach it, inform the waiter and ask for a replacement.

7. Lipstick At The Dinner Table.

A lady should refrain from replenishing lipstick before coming to the table in order to prevent an imprint of lipstick on the rim of a glass or a napkin.

8. Use Appropriate Cutlery.

If there are many utensils in your place setting and there is more than one course, start on the outside and work your way in. Again, observe your host if you have any doubts.

9. Be Polite.

Consider every action before you do it and if you have the slightest doubt, don’t do it! You must consciously refrain from embarrassing yourself and your host. Take small bites; do not chew with your mouth open; do not talk with food in your mouth; and do not place elbows on the table.

10. Make A Good Impression.

It is quite acceptable to leave some food to one side of your plate if you feel as though you have eaten enough. On the other hand, don’t attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as though you haven’t eaten in days!