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Can you pls list /bullet pt. the table manners and eating etiquettes to me...in nutshell
A lot depends on the circumstances - a formal dinner has a lot more etiquette than a Sunday dinner with your grandparents, for example.
Some very basic rules: 1. no elbows on the table, ever 2. sit up straight, don't slouch 3. never smoke at the table unless others are doing that 4. keep your mouth closed when chewing. Chew and swallow first, then talk. 5. keep your nakpin in your lap, not tucked under your chin or used as a handkercheif 6 watch your hostess (or an older person near you) and take your cues from their behaviour. 7. don't start eating till your hostess does, or till the other older people at the table do
Some other points: 8. if there are lots of forks, knives, spoons etc., watch what your hostess does, or begin from the outside and work your way in as the dinner courses proceed 9. soup is tricky - some people say to tilt the bowl toward you (so if you spill it goes on you), others say away from you but not directly at your neigh our. Watch the others! And don't crumble bread or crackers in the soup. 10. fingerfood or not? Watch the others! 11. if you have to spit something out, use your napkin, discreetly. 12. if wine is served, it is often polite to wait for someone to give the first toast before you start drinking. In many places (Scandinavia for example), it's polite always to toast someone when when you want to sip your wine.
That should get you through most of the tricky stuff. Oh, and remember to make polite conversation with your neighbours on BOTH sides. The arguments and heated discussions can wait till later.
Enjoy your meal!
Thanks, ravia - and do try to relax and enjoy your meal (Me, I'm overjoyed for every meal I don't have to cook myself)
good, much appreciated.