Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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Whether you’ve been invited to a dinner party or you’re going out to eat, brushing up on your table manners is a good way to prepare. Having table manners can leave a great impression on your fellow guests, and it will help everyone feel happy and comfortable as they enjoy their meal. We’ve compiled a list of things to remember at the dinner table so you can enjoy delicious food and fun times with your friends and family members.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat should I talk about at a dinner party?
Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachMake sure the conversation is general so that everyone can participate in the discussion. If it's very niche, then people will be excluded. - QuestionWhat's the proper way to hold a spoon and a fork?Tami ClaytorTami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
Etiquette CoachHold them by your index finger and your thumb and then rest them on the third finger. Don't hold them too high or too low—opt for somewhere near the center. Also, make sure you bring the food to your mouth while sitting up straight. You don't bend forward to meet the food. - QuestionWhat can I do to improve my manners?
Community AnswerThis article is a great place to start your research: how to have good manners.
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Tips
- If you need to excuse yourself to the restroom, just say, “excuse me, I’ll be right back.” No need to elaborate on where you’re going.Thanks
- Do not correct the table manners of other people. That is also impolite.Thanks
- When in doubt, copy what the host does.Thanks
Tips from our Readers 
- If you're at a dinner or party and it's buffet style, don't overload your plate. You can always get more, but it's impolite to waste food or stuff yourself with a huge pile of food.
- Don't ask for seconds until you are done with everything on your plate. It's rude if someone is feeding you and you waste their food.
- Keep your fork and knife on the plate after you finish eating. Cross them and set the fork upside down on the tines.
- Don't talk while eating food. It looks bad, but it also makes it impossible for others to hear what you're saying.
- Don't forget to thank the host for feeding you! It's impolite to leave without personally thanking the host.
References
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
- ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners/table_manner_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.kent.edu/career/dining-etiquette
- ↑ https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.kent.edu/career/dining-etiquette
- ↑ https://www.kent.edu/career/dining-etiquette
- ↑ https://nm4h.nmsu.edu/documents/a204-hers20guide20to20basic20table20manners-fixed.pdf
- ↑ https://hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/table-etiquette-tips
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/teaching_table_manners_to_young_children
- ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
- ↑ https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/dining-etiquette/FAQs-dining-etiquette.html
- ↑ https://www.missouriwestern.edu/student-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/130/2019/10/Etiquette-Essentials-Dining-Etiquette-Handout-Quiz.pdf
- ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners/table_manner_tips.html
- ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners.html
- ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_manners.html
About This Article
To have good table manners, follow your host's lead if it's your first time at a dinner party. When you arrive, wait for the host to invite you to the table, and put your napkin in your lap and begin eating when the host does. When you're eating, use the outermost set of cutlery first and work your way in toward your plate. Always remember to say please and thank you, and avoid talking with food in your mouth or chewing with your mouth open. For tips on passing plates and signaling that you're finished eating, scroll down!
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