behavior in the restaurant. How to behave at the table

Today it is very important to know the rules of conduct at the table. This is one of the necessary branches of knowledge that helps us behave correctly in any situation, because eating is our daily routine.

The extent to which a person knows the rules of conduct at the table (etiquette) shows the level of his upbringing and can say a lot about him. With this knowledge, we make ourselves agreeable and show good manners. This can be as a dinner in a close family circle, where often the rules of etiquette are not particularly observed, or a meal with colleagues or on a date.

A modern person must follow a few standard rules. It's about about ordinary technical points, observing which we show ourselves in the best light. Here are some of those rules.

Conversation

An important part of etiquette is conversation. There are also rules of conduct at the table during a conversation, and we are usually familiar with them from childhood.

1. When someone addresses you at the table with a toast, it will be correct to lift the glass from the table and keep it hanging until the toast finishes. This is usually followed by "choking" glasses, and all the diners drink from the glasses. By the way, while doing this, you need to look at the person to whose glass you bring yours, directly in the eyes. In some countries, such as Germany, looking away is considered rude.
2. Don't stuff your mouth when you want to address someone or when someone is talking to you. In no case do not chew when chewing.

Manners

It is important to know how to sit at the table, how to behave during a social event or an informal meeting. In principle, it can be noted that the rules of conduct at the table (etiquette) in both cases do not differ. It's just that some of them at informal meetings are not so strict to implement.

1. Do not slouch at the table, and do not put your elbows on it. It will be correct to lean only with your wrists on the table or even put your hands on your knees, while pressing your elbows to yourself. Nevertheless, it is permissible for a woman to lean on the table with one elbow for a short time. The legs should be straight, stretching them is also considered ugly.
2. At events where there are many guests, dishes must be passed through those sitting next to them. And this is done counterclockwise. That is, getting up across the table for the desired salad, for example, is not worth it. Just ask other guests to pass it to you.
3. The host of the evening or dinner begins to eat first.

Napkin

Exist separate rules behavior at the table regarding napkins.

These are simple actions that will demonstrate your knowledge of etiquette.

1. The napkin should be on your lap. The host of the event takes his napkin first. At the same time, do not make unnecessary sudden movements - shaking and swinging, calmly and silently unfold your napkin.
2. Do not tuck the napkin into the collar, belt, do not try to fit it somewhere above the knees.
3. It is customary to wipe your lips with a napkin before drinking from a glass, as there may be traces of lipstick or greasy food on it.
4. If you must leave the table, leave your napkin in your chair.
5. When the meal is over, it is customary to put a napkin to the left of the plate. A napkin that has fallen on the floor should be replaced with a new one by asking the waiter about it.

Cutlery and other items on the table

Of course, an important part of etiquette is the rules of conduct at the table regarding cutlery.

1. We hold the fork in the right hand, and the knife in the left. Golden Rule. For a left-hander, the opposite is true. When interrupting for a conversation, place your cutlery on the plate so that they are completely placed on it.
2. If you are just interrupting your meal, lay your cutlery on a plate crosswise, if you are done with this dish, lay the cutlery in a horizontal position, parallel to each other so that the handles look diagonally at 10 o'clock (compared to the clock face).
3. If there are a lot of different cutlery on the table, and you don’t understand, for example, it’s a dessert spoon or a soup spoon, then there is one hint: the cutlery always lies in the order in which the dishes will be served. That is, the first device from the plate is used first, and so on - to the last.

Rules of conduct at the table: how to eat?

1. Do not finish the dish completely, leaving no trace of it. Leave decorations on the plate.
2. All meals served in restaurants are eaten with cutlery. special, exotic dishes that you may have eaten with your hands at home, you must also eat with cutlery that will be served especially for them.
3. Before asking for a salt or pepper shaker, you must try the dish. Even if you know for sure that it will be undersalted. The demonstration of such "predictions" also speaks of a lack of taste and an attempt to upset the hostess, doubting her skill.
4. Bread must be broken off by hand, without biting. Dipping slices of bread in a sauce or a hot dish is also not worth it.
5. The rules of behavior at the table say the following: if bread and butter are served with the dish, it is necessary to break the bread into small pieces so that you can eat it in one or two bites, and only then spread butter on each piece.
6. Bones, cartilage or other inedible elements It is customary to take food out of your mouth with a fork: bring it to your mouth and help yourself with your lips and tongue, then put it on the edge of your plate. Of course, it would be better to do this as discreetly as possible. It can be a bone from an olive or fish.
7. The sauce for the dish is usually served with a special spoon. It is necessary to take such a spoon and put the sauce on the edge of the plate. Do not try to dip food directly into a common gravy bowl or pour gravy all over your dish. Sometimes a gravy boat can be served with a spout and without a spoon. In this case, look at the consistency of the sauce, if it is liquid and served with meat, then pour over the meat. If normal density, put on the edge of the plate.

It is also important to explain the rules of behavior at the table to children from a young age, at least the basics: do not slurp, eat carefully and slowly, sit evenly.

Beverages

1. Do not blow on a hot drink. It is best to wait until it cools down to the temperature you need.
2. Be sure to hold the cup by the handle. Don't grab it with both hands.
3. If it so happened that the drink spilled on the saucer, you do not need to wipe it with a napkin. In this case, you just need to ask the waiter to replace the saucer. Of course, do not dip cookies, cakes or other sweets into your cup of hot drink.

If you want to attract attention to yourself, and you are not at all worried about your reputation, then comic rules of behavior at the table will help you. In this case, you can do everything exactly the opposite. Just make sure that it is absolutely safe for you and will not affect your future life in any way. This can be done in an informal setting, for example, you went to visit friends and, in order to show how satisfied you are with this visit, nobly “smack” at the table, arguing how delicious it was for you to eat treats.

Eventually

In our article, we told you the rules of conduct at the table briefly, but there are more extended versions. But it is important to understand that strict adherence to all these rules is not always appropriate. And if you use all of them in an informal setting, it can become too pompous. Good things should always be in moderation.

For 7 centuries in a row it has been believed that the main indicator of a person's upbringing is his ability to behave at the table. The word "etiquette" arose during the reign of the world famous french king Louis XIV. Guests invited to his banquet received a label card in their hands, on which they signed the rules of conduct. The word "etiquette" came from the name of this very card. In this article, we will take a closer look at modern rules of etiquette at the table with a photo.

There are two main ways to use cutlery:

1. Continental(common in Asian and European countries): the knife and fork should be kept in hand until the meal is over.
2. American, according to which it is permissible to put the knife aside if you are not going to use it temporarily (in this case, it is placed on a serving plate with the tip inward, the handle on the edge).

Consider by classic version etiquette rules at the table how to use cutlery. The main points are presented below:

1. How to use forks:

• if the fork is long, it has 4 cloves, and it lies to the left of the plate, then this is a dinner fork - you need to eat the main course with it (the snack fork looks exactly the same, but its size is much smaller - you need to choose it when you are served cold snacks) ;
• a fork with 4 cloves and grooves, which is somewhat shorter than a table fork, is used to eat fish dishes(the cloves are designed to separate the bones from the meat);
• the dessert fork is thin and small, instead of 4 cloves it has 3;
• there is also a special fork to eat fruit, it does not look like a dessert fork, but it does not have 3 cloves, but 2.

1. How to use spoons:

• a large tablespoon, lying to the right of the serving plate, is designed to eat soups and other liquid hot dishes with it;
• a dessert spoon is designed to eat gluten-free sweet dishes that do not need to be cut with a knife (it has a long handle and a small cup);
• a teaspoon is served exclusively with hot tea, and a coffee spoon (it is the smallest) is only served with black coffee.

1. How to use knives:

• a knife that is turned with a blade to the plate, in addition, it is located on the right - this is a device designed to eat second hot dishes;
• the fish knife is blunt, it looks more like a “shovel”, its purpose is not to cut, but to hold the fish in order to remove bones from it with a fork;
• the knife for snacks and desserts has a small shape, in addition, it has teeth on the blade.

If you can’t keep all this information in your head, then remember one secret how to use cutlery: they are always placed on the table in the order in which they need to be used. Always take the most extreme devices initially. After you finish your first course, these utensils will be taken away from you along with an empty plate.

Now let's figure out what to do with appliances after eating according to the rules of etiquette at the table:

• if you have already finished eating, you need to fold the fork and knife so that they are parallel to each other with cloves and point up (fork on the left, and knife on the right);
• if you are delighted with the dish you have eaten and want to signal this, it is not necessary to run to the chef, place the knife and fork on the plate parallel to each other, but so that the cloves are directed to the right (the fork must be placed on top, and the knife under it) - the waiter will see this and convey your admiration to the author of the culinary masterpiece;
• if you decide to pause during the meal, then place the fork and knife on the plate with the tip to each other (outwardly, it should look like the fork and knife form the letter “L”);
• if you have finished the first dish and are waiting for the second, place the knife on the plate so that its blade is directed to the left, and place the fork perpendicular to the knife with the teeth up.

How to behave at the table in a restaurant: rules of etiquette

In public establishments, such as a restaurant, you need to behave accordingly. Be sure to check in advance basic rules of table etiquette in a restaurant, so that you are perceived as a person from high society:

1. If a man invited a woman to dinner, then he must enter the restaurant first. If there is a porter in the restaurant at the entrance, then the man is obliged to let the lady go forward, help her take off her outer clothes, take her to the table, ask her where she wants to sit, move the chair away so that the lady sits on it.
2. The man should sit either in front of the lady, or on the left side of her.
3. Dinner must be ordered by the person who initiated it. Usually it's a man. He can only offer the woman to choose something from what he personally chose. According to table etiquette, girl she should not be capricious, talk about her illnesses, that she went on a diet or became a vegetarian. It is necessary to politely choose something from what her companion offers her.

1. A person sitting at a table in a restaurant should watch their posture. The back should be even, but at the same time it should not seem from the outside that you are uncomfortable. Be at ease, confident, but do not relax.
2. Immediately place a napkin on your lap to sit on your serving plate.
3. If it so happened that you were brought a dish earlier than your companion, do not start eating it. Wait until the food is served to all participants in the meal.
4. If a woman has made up lips, then she needs to go to the ladies' room to get rid of lipstick, because traces of it on the dishes are considered a sign of bad taste. And in general, any hygiene procedures you can't do it at the restaurant table. For these purposes, go to the toilet. But before you leave the table, you need to apologize.
5. It is not allowed to take pictures of food and drinks during a meal in a restaurant. Such behavior is considered immoral in high-level establishments.
6. If you come across something inedible in a dish, carefully remove it from your mouth, but not with your hands, but with a spoon.
7. If some cutlery accidentally fell from your table to the floor, you do not need to pick it up. Call the waiter and ask him to bring you others.
8. If a very hot dish is brought to you, wait until it cools down. You can’t blow on food, serbat, and generally make some sounds in a restaurant. It's not good, according to table etiquette rules.

1. The fork must be held with the left hand during the meal, and the knife with the right. If the dish can be eaten with an ordinary fork, nothing needs to be cut, then it can be held in the right hand.
2. If you eat meat, then cut off one by one small piece which you will immediately eat. Cut slices should not remain on the plate.
3. To eat pasta, you need to use a fork. Pasta is wrapped around it. If the dish is buried in the sauce, it is preferable to use a spoon.
4. If the plate with your dish has bread product, then you need to break off slices from it and eat them gradually. bite off whole piece bread or take it in hand is not allowed.
5. You need to chew food with your mouth completely closed.
6. If you haven't finished your soup, it's okay. Yushka at the bottom of a soup bowl is considered the norm. If you want to finish eating, then tilt the plate away from you and scoop out the soup with a spoon.
7. Don't lean too far over the plate. You must carefully bring the fork or spoon with food to your mouth.
8. If you have something stuck in your mouth, do not remove anything with your hands. Use a fork, preferably at a time when no one sees it.

1. Hide your phone somewhere so it doesn't bother you. If he calls all the time, it will look impolite. In this case, pick up the phone and ask to call you back later. Excuse yourself if you need to clear your nose or clear your throat and leave the table.
2. Do not pass the dish, salt or pepper directly into the hands of the person who asked you for it. It will be right if you just put the item or food he needs next to his plate.
3. Behave at the table calmly, do not gesticulate, so as not to accidentally break something.
4. In no case should you put your elbows on the table. Hands should not touch the table at all while eating. Women are only allowed to lean slightly against the table with their hands.
5. Bags, wallets, phones and other things should also not be left on the table.
6. During the meal, you can communicate with a companion, but on those topics that will not provoke a scandal between you or disputes.
7. After the meal is over, do not leave the dishes. Everything should remain on the table as it is.
8. Do not forget to leave a tip to the waiter after dinner (this is about 10% of the total bill). If the tip is included in the amount of the check, then it is not necessary to leave additional money.

How to behave at the table at a party: rules of etiquette

When you come to someone's house, even if you were invited by your close friends, this does not mean that in this case it is not necessary to observe table etiquette rules. Be sure to show respect to the hosts and leave a good impression.

Of course, such strict requirements are not imposed on you, as in a restaurant, but a few etiquette rules, how to behave at the table while visiting, you still need to know:

• do not sit down at the table until you are invited to do so by the owners of the house;
• if you need some cutlery, or you will be asked to pass it, remember to do this in a counterclockwise direction;
• do not eat with your fork or spoon from a common dish into which, for example, a salad is poured - take a special cutlery and pour the dish off your plate;
• if the dish is far from you, do not reach for it across the entire table, but ask the person sitting next to you to serve it;
• drink water or alcoholic drink only after you have completely chewed the food;
• do not talk at the table on political or religious topics, do not discuss diseases, but do not be silent, do not force the owners of the house to entertain you;
• don't stay up until late in the evening optimal time stay at a party - 2-3 hours);
• after dinner, be sure to thank the owners of the house.

How to behave at the buffet according to the rules of etiquette?

Everyone knows what a buffet is when a lot of dishes are presented, and everyone can choose whatever they want and as much as they want.

It would seem that everything is simple, however, here it is necessary to observe 5 rules of table etiquette:

1. As soon as you enter a restaurant operating on the system buffet, look around to understand where and what is located. In many establishments, first courses are located separately from appetizers and desserts. Think about what you would like to eat so as not to overload the stomach with everything at once. Take the plate in your left hand, and lay everything with your right. If you need bread, then you need to take a special small plate for it.
2. It is not allowed to appear at the buffet in a swimsuit or street clothes. An elegant dress is, of course, also not the most the best option for the buffet, but what is your appearance should be neat - that's for sure.
3. When helping yourself to a dish, behave with restraint, do not shout, do not push, and do not make a fuss if the dish you wanted to take is over. Step aside, wait a few minutes for the waiters to bring the food you want. Try to make only one approach to the buffet.
4. After you finish your meal, clean up after yourself. In many buffet restaurants, the waiters do not clean up after the customers.
5. Do not try to take food from the buffet with you, unless it is provided for by the establishment.

Basic rules of table etiquette for children

As soon as your child turns one year old, you can teach him the rules of table manners. At first, the baby will take an example from mom and dad, so it is important that the parents themselves behave correctly during the meal.

What should the child pay attention to:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before every meal. By the age of two, the crumbs should already develop the habit of observing the rules of hygiene.
2. The child must know his place at the table. If he is still small, then parents need to seat him in his high chair, which should correspond to the height of the general dining table. It is better to place the chair on the left side of the mother so that she can help the child when necessary.
3. The meal should take place every day at the same time, so that the baby develops a regimen and culture of proper nutrition.
4. Explain to the baby that you need to start eating after all family members sit down at the table, and the phrase “bon appetit” will sound.
5. Up to three years, you need to teach a child to use a spoon, up to 5 years - a fork, and after 5 years it is already possible to explain what a knife is and how to handle it. Don't let your child dig into the food with their hands. If he can't handle kitchen appliance feed him yourself.

1. Explain to the baby that you can’t play, sing, dance and talk loudly at the table, especially if your mouth is full of food. After all, it is not only indecent, but also dangerous to health.
2. Teach your baby that everything that he poured, he must eat. Spitting food back on the plate is not allowed, as it is ugly.
3. The kid should already know at the age of three that after a meal you need to carefully wipe your mouth with handles, and say “thank you” to the one who cooked the food.
4. Explain to the baby that you can get up from the table only after he is allowed by adults.
5. You can use innovative technologies in the process of teaching your child. On the Internet, you can download educational cartoons and pictures, with the help of which the child will figure out in a playful and cognitive way what to do while eating. great way learning rules of table etiquette - creating a presentation on this topic on a computer (suitable for you if your child is already 5 years old). So the child will be more interesting, because the craving for computer technology in modern children manifests itself at a very early age.

In the modern program of secondary educational institutions, the course is provided for schoolchildren about the rules of etiquette at the table. At the lessons, children are told about the norms of behavior in public places, and in particular, special attention is paid to the topic of how to behave at the table.

Rules of etiquette at the table in pictures

Try to follow all the recommendations that we have given you in this article if you want to be accepted as a well-mannered and cultured person in public institutions. Remember that ignorance and frivolous behavior even while eating is a sign, first of all, of disrespect for yourself, and only then for others. Therefore, behave appropriately so as not to fall "face in the dirt."

Video: "Rules of etiquette at the table"

The one who thinks to abide table etiquette not necessarily wrong. Even when eating with family or closest friends, one must remain polite.

It's not about behaving pretentiously and ceremoniously, but at least in a way that does not interfere with anyone and remain pleasant to everyone who is nearby. We have collected modern rules table behaviors that are often violated.

How to behave at the table

1. Put your gadget aside
   It is better to remove the equipment from the table altogether. Putting your phone next to food is a sign of bad taste. In the first place should be real interlocutors, and in the last - virtual. Hanging out on social networks during dinner is indecent.

   ©DepositPhotos

2. Don't eat first
   If you are in an institution with a company, wait until the waiter brings the order to everyone. If with a lady, she should start eating first. If visiting, wait until the hosts ask you to help yourself.

   ©DepositPhotos

3. First to others, then to yourself
   If you are sitting closest to common dish, first offer it to others, and then put it to yourself. And if you are sitting far from the most delicious, do not reach for it. Ask for someone who is closer.

   ©DepositPhotos

4. Put used utensils on a plate
   Forks, spoons, knives that have already been used, put only on a plate. By no means on the table. And do not hold them in your hands when you do not eat, so as not to wave them while talking.

   ©DepositPhotos

5. Don't bite the bread
   But how to eat it then? Break off small pieces of bread and put them in your mouth, but do not bite off a large piece.

   ©DepositPhotos

6. Don't torture the tea bag
   Remove the tea bag from the cup with a spoon, not with your hands, press it lightly against the edge of the cup to wring it out, and then put it on the left side tea saucer. On the left side of the saucer should be candy wrappers, used sugar sticks, and the like.

   ©DepositPhotos

7. Get the oil right
   From the butter dish, place a piece of butter on your plate. And already above it, spread it on bread so as not to scatter crumbs all over the table.

   ©DepositPhotos

8. Look at the guests when you clink glasses
   At the same time, meet the guests with both eyes and a glass. If the toast is in your honor, after choking, wait until everyone has drunk, and only then empty your glass.

   ©DepositPhotos

9. Don't preen at the table
   You can not put yourself in order while eating. There is a restroom for this. Take a comb, toothpick and go. At the table, you can only wipe yourself with a napkin.

   ©DepositPhotos

10. Observe etiquette, but do not force others to observe it
    If you begin to point out to everyone their place and build yourself as the most well-mannered, then you will turn from a secular guru into an outcast. Apply the knowledge of etiquette exclusively in relation to yourself.

    

Today we will tell you something more serious than things from the series “don't put your elbows on the table” and “chew with your mouth closed”. Of course, without this, too, will not do: it's a classic. But I promise you, the set of rules will be divided and severe.

Why table manners matter

I remember I had etiquette classes at school. We learned to sit at the table, arrange the plates and everything. I don't know why we were taught this. Whomever I asked, everyone said that they did not have such a subject. But now I am pleased to participate in various official meals.

I understand that following a dinner protocol allows you to simultaneously relax, do everything right, not paying attention to your actions, and have fun. When you know the rules, you don't feel awkward and biased at the table, you don't have to ask stupid questions like "What to do about it?" series. You can just enjoy your meal.

Why you need to follow etiquette

When I began to periodically have the need to eat in public places, I noticed that many people do not have the slightest idea about the rules of behavior at the table. It surprised me so much that I don't even know how to express it. The rules of conduct at the table have been a given for me since my school days. We still eat three meals a day, and we need to do this in a way that does not make others depressed.

At least follow these four rules:

follow the owner of the house

If you do everything exactly like him, it will help you avoid embarrassment 95% of the time. It is not so difficult - to start eating when everyone starts, to use the same cutlery - this is already a guarantee of success. However, constantly staring at others is not the most pleasant option. So you can not relax and enjoy dinner.

Chew with your mouth closed and don't talk with your mouth full

Yes, this problem still exists. Some types chew without closing their mouth and showing its contents to others. If you need to say something, swallow what is in your mouth first. To always be ready for a conversation, do not stuff your mouth, let there be very little food in it - literally one bite. Gone are the days when people stuffed their mouths in order to quickly get enough. Your food won't run away from you

Bring food to your mouth, not your mouth to food

Do not lean towards the fork, and even more so towards the plate, scooping food into your mouth, almost like a scoop. Carrying food to your mouth is a distance of no more than 20 cm, it is easy to overcome it. Sit up straight, do not scoop too much food into a spoon or fork, and bring cutlery directly to your mouth. And never drink from a soup cup.

Say "thank you", "please" and "sorry"

These little words are truly magical and should be used freely.

The first rule of etiquette is to know who you are dining with and the seating of the guests.

You need to be prepared. If you were invited to an official reception, you need to find out how many people will be there and in general what to expect. Dress appropriately, decently, if it's a work meeting, it's important to look professional. This shows respect for the owner of the house, besides the impression made can be very important.

If you go to someone's house, bring some small present: flowers or a bottle of wine. If you're going out to dinner with a close friend, it's worth finding out how you can help. Maybe he will ask you to buy a cake for dessert or something like that. Arrive on time, but not earlier than ten minutes before the appointed time: final preparations are being made.

informal lunch

This means that there is no specific time when a group of people should sit down at the table and start sharing food. For example, picnics and barbecues: people come, eat and leave at any time. Here the rules of conduct at the table are much more relaxed, but there are a few points that you should pay attention to.

1. Get yourself a medium serving.

It is unpleasant to find that you are able to eat only half of the food that lies in front of you on a plate, and someone because of your zeal did not get some dish. You can take a supplement at any time: just in bulk, besides, it is always a compliment to the person who prepared everything.

2. Do not dip a piece twice in a common sauce

If you like it so much, put the sauce on your plate so you don't spread your germs.

3. Do not cut all the meat at once

If you have fried something really big, cut off pieces for yourself and everyone around you only once, then cut them off again. Otherwise, the meat will be dry.

4. Clean up after yourself

Any reasons needed?

Informal meeting at the table

You sit at the table, eat and communicate at the same time. Business meetings, Easter and Christmas dinners and things like that. There are already places for everyone. The main indication is this: all the pieces are arranged and laid out around the plate: forks on the left, spoons and knives on the right. They begin to use cutlery from the outside in: first you take the last cutlery, then the one next, and so on. A glass of water is usually larger than a glass of wine.

formal lunch

When you come to a formal dinner, you are required to wear a suit and, in many cases, a black tie. I will not go into too much detail: you can find this information on other sites. I'll just tell you, don't worry if you're invited. You can learn all the basics in practice in just half an hour. The picture is attached.

Napkin

The napkin is placed on the lap within the first minute after sitting down at the table to have lunch. No need to cling it to the corner of the shirt collar or tuck it into the belt. Just straighten it on your knees (you can only open half, usually this is enough). This will protect your trousers from splashes and different crumbs, and with this napkin you can wipe your mouth. When you have eaten or have to leave, place it neatly to the left of your plate.

When to start eating?

The safest and easiest answer is when others start. It is often not clear whether it is possible to eat: the hostess and her assistant are still in the kitchen, a couple of guests have gone away somewhere, and they cannot be called. In this case, if the hot meal has already been served and at least two people are left at the table, you can proceed. If the food was brought and everyone is sitting, and three or four people have already been served, you can also start (unless, of course, there are more than four of you. If less, wait until everyone is served). The main thing is never to eat alone, but hot food should be eaten while it is still hot.

If there is a tradition in the house to pray before eating, the owner of the house should read the prayer, and anyone can offer the initiative. The main thing is to declare this desire even before everything is served on the table and laid out on plates. Toasts can be made at any time the glasses are refilled and, with the exception of formal dinners, they can be made by anyone. Often guests make a toast to the host's hospitality.

Elbows, distant plates and table troubles

Elbows on the table, as you know, are best not to put, but there is nothing special if you put them on the table, communicating with someone during a meal break or over tea or coffee. Stretching is prohibited. If you can’t get a certain plate easily (you have to get up and reach for the dish) or it is in someone’s personal space, ask the nearest person to pass it to you. If something spills, first make sure that it stops pouring, and then ask the hostess to help you wipe it up. Then forget about the incident and enjoy your lunch.

What if you don't want something

If you just don't want to try it. You haven't tried a dish, how can you know if you'll like it? Always try a little of all the dishes on offer. Sometimes even the little piece enough, let the rest remain on the plate - but the hostess will not be offended.

You are on a diet. Depending on the severity of the diet, you can warn the hostess in advance so that she can cook something for you personally. You can eat something before this dinner, so as not to be hungry and try a little of what you can.

You do not drink. Until recently, I didn't drink at all and had trouble at some dinners where I was still expected to drink alcohol. You can be persuaded and even almost forced. How to be? I will offer you a compromise: make a toast, take a sip, and then barely touch the liquid with your lips. This usually works. When people know that you basically don’t drink, after a while they stop pestering you with this question. Just be persistent, do not give in to persuasion, and everyone will fall behind.

How to say you're done

The best way- put the fork and knife across the plate, as if the hands of the clock show 4:20. The fork lies closer to you with the teeth up, the knife blade to the fork. This is the most convenient cutlery position for the waiter to remove the plate from the table without dropping anything.

Parting

Before leaving, thank all the owners of the house. If it was a big event (more than 30 people) and you urgently need to leave, and the hosts are talking to other guests somewhere in the thick of the crowd, you can leave in English and not say goodbye. In this case, it is better to ask a friend to say goodbye for you. However, within 24 hours, be sure to call the owners of the house and explain the reason for your hasty departure.

1. Have fun and have a couple of drinks, if you so desire, but do not get carried away too much, do not ruin the evening for the hosts. Often there is a dude at the party who went over and started arguing loudly with his girlfriend or making ambiguous jokes.

2. Connect with people. Listen to them, understand what they say, be careful. If during the last ten minutes you are the only one who spoke, then this is no longer a conversation, but a presentation.

3. Turn off your phone and enjoy the moment. Do not put it on silent mode: this way you will check it every five minutes and let others know that you have more important things to do. You can live one evening without twitter and instagram.

4. The best way to purchase good manners is practice. Make them your habit. Teach them to your children and you will never fail.

But here few people understood them in more detail. For many, it is sufficient that they know in which hand to hold a knife and in which to hold a fork. However, this is very little. In this article I want to talk about how to behave at the table correctly.

About etiquette

First of all, it must be said that there are different types behavior in this or that institution and even in this or that country. If you figure out how beautiful it is to eat, this question will be completely the same for European countries, in which you need to be at least quiet at the table, and for Asian ones, where thanks to the owner for delicious dinner expressed with loud champs and smacks. Also, behavior in a restaurant and visiting relatives at the table may differ slightly.

Restaurant etiquette

Understanding how beautiful it is is very important for those people who visit various restaurants from time to time. So, here it is important to behave correctly immediately after crossing the threshold of the institution. It is important to remember that the head waiter meets guests, tells if there are free seats, and takes them to the desired table. It is also his duty to pick up the outerwear of visitors. Approaching the table, a man (if guests of different sexes have come) must first help the lady sit down, pushing her chair a little, then he sits down himself. It is also important to remember how to sit at the table correctly. As for the position, the representative of the stronger sex should be opposite the woman or to her left. If the lady is a little late, the man can take a seat at the table, but when the head waiter takes her to the appointed place, the guy will definitely stand up as a sign of respect.

Order selection

When the couple is already at the table, the waiter is sure to serve the menu. You should not rush to choose the desired dishes, in such establishments it is not customary to rush. Most often, the waiter will see that the guests are ready to order something, and he himself will come. But you can also call the attendants to you with a slight movement of your hand. The order is made first by a woman, only then - by a man. However, a lady can ask a guy to do it for her, this is also allowed. If the guests cannot decide on the choice of wine, they can ask the waiter for advice. You can also consult with him about a particular dish, this is allowed by the rules of etiquette.

Expectation

How to behave at the table while the order has not yet arrived? At this time, guests can quietly communicate. The waiter will most likely bring the wine first. Only a restaurant employee uncorks bottles; a man should not take off from his place to do this. First, the drink is served to the ladies, then to the guys. As for food, you can start eating only after everyone at the table already has ordered dishes.

Rules

Understanding how beautiful it is to eat, it is also important to remember that in restaurants it is strictly forbidden to pick up fallen objects from the floor. The waiter will do it. He must bring a clean instrument. If there was an embarrassment and broke, for example, a plate or a glass, do not worry. Just the restaurant will include its cost in the bill, and the case will be closed. No one will make scandals about this. If you want to salt the dish, and the salt shaker is on the other side of the table, you should not reach out for it yourself, you need to ask the neighbor just to serve what you need. It is also important to remember about decibels: you need to speak in a restaurant in a way that does not disturb others.

How to sit

Understanding how beautiful it is, it is important to remember that you need to sit at the table correctly. So, it is forbidden to put your elbows on the table, fall apart on a chair, swing on it. Also, you can not bend low over the plate. The back of the seated person should be straight, no need to slouch either. However, there should be no tension and rigidity in the posture, everything should be natural. When there is a change of dish, the guest is allowed to lean back a little so as not to interfere with the waiter and to rest a little in a comfortable position.

About food

It is worth remembering that it is not customary to rush in restaurants, meals are eaten slowly to enjoy them. palatability. If the food is quite hot, you can not blow on it. To cool down, you just need to wait a little, keeping the conversation going. If burning with burning food occurs, you can’t wave a napkin or hands into your mouth, you can only drink everything with water. Various bones, including fruit ones, are strictly forbidden to spit out or remove from the mouth with your hands. For this, a fork is designed, which is gently brought to the mouth and everything unnecessary is added there. If the person did not like the taste of the dish at all, you can bring a napkin close to your mouth and spit everything out there, without attracting the attention of others with indignation about this.

If you need to leave

The culture of behavior at the table has its own recommendations about mobile phones. So, if a guest is called, he can briefly say that he will call back without leaving his seat. However, if the conversation is urgent, be sure to move away. Talking at the table on the phone is a bad form. Also, if you need to leave, for example, to the restroom, you need to ask permission from everyone present at the table. You can also not talk to people sitting at the next table. If these are comrades or you just need to ask something, you need to get up and approach them. In the case when acquaintances enter the restaurant, they should be greeted sitting, with a slight nod of the head. A man gets up only if a lady joins his table. Women do not move in all situations.

End of meal

When the dinner has come to an end, the guests are full and satisfied, they can ask the waiter for the bill, which will mean that their stay in this institution has come to an end. The attendants will bring a folder in which the account will be indicated. It is also important to remember about the tip - 10% of the order value. Who should pay - that's another question. So, in the countries of the post-Soviet space, this is done mainly by men. In European countries, women are actively fighting this, considering it a relic of the past, and there everyone pays for himself. If the dinner was just friendly, you can ask the waiter in advance to bring a personal bill, for each person separately. It is also important to remember about surrender. If it is necessary, the person is simply silent. If there is money in the folder, part of which does not need to be returned, you just need to say: “Without change”, and this will be the end of the matter. It is important to remember that it is necessary to decide who will pay in advance, it is ugly to do this in front of the waiter. You also need to know who to complain to. To talk about everything that you liked or didn’t like, you need the head waiter, not the waiter.

Cutlery

But if all of the above is not too terrifying for the unknowing, then here's how to properly deal with cutlery - this is a whole science. After all, there is great amount plates, knives, spoons and glasses of various sizes and purposes. It is elementary to know how to properly hold the fork and how to use it. So, when a person sits down at a table, no matter where it happens - in a restaurant or at home, he must definitely look around. So, according to the rules, a snack plate should stand straight, to the right of it - a pie or napkin plate. To the left of the plate should be spoons and knives, to the right - forks. If all this is observed at the table, we can conclude that certain manners are required from the guest. You also need to remember that a dessert device will be located in front of the plate, most likely a teaspoon. Wine glasses and glasses will stand behind the plate, they all also have their own purpose.

How to use cutlery

So what is the right way to hold a fork? This question often worries people. It is worth remembering that those devices that lie to the left of the plate are taken with the left hand, those on the right - with the right. That's all science. Dessert devices are arranged so that the handle will look to the right or left. Depending on this, you need to decide which hand to take them with. As for the knife, according to the rules, the end of its handle should rest against the center of the palm, the thumb and middle finger are on the sides of the knife, and the index finger is in the center. The rest of the fingers are slightly bent towards the palm. The fork while eating is held so that its teeth look down, the handle, like that of a knife, rests on the palm. When you need to eat small pieces food, as well as a side dish - mashed potatoes or porridge, turn the fork upside down, while a knife can help in picking up food. The spoon is held in the left hand so that its end is at the base of the index finger, and the beginning is at the middle. If the dish is easily separated, the waiter can serve only the fork, in which case it must be held in the right hand. Now it should be clear to everyone, not only how to hold a fork and knife, but also other nuances of using cutlery. Moreover, it is not as difficult as it might seem at first.

Napkin

When figuring out how to eat beautifully, it is important to know that you also need to be able to manage with a napkin. Often it becomes the subject of table decoration, but at the same time it also has its direct purpose. Before eating, the napkin should be carefully folded in half and placed on your knees with the edge towards you. This will help protect your suit or dress from drips that might spill. You can also wipe your hands or lips with this napkin after eating or drinking. Hanging it by the collar, making a bib, is strictly prohibited. This is both inconvenient and very ugly. Soiled fingers are gently and imperceptibly wiped on the upper edge of the napkin, which remains on the lap. If you need to get your lips wet, the napkin is raised, however, so that it is completely in the palm of your hand, and not hanging. Blot (but do not wipe) the lips with the middle of the napkin, then it is placed back in place. It is strictly forbidden to use it as a handkerchief or towel for wet or dirty hands. Also, you can not wipe the cutlery with a napkin, looking for a speck on them. This can be great to offend the owners. If this item has fallen, you need to ask to bring a new one. At the end of the meal, the napkin is placed to the left of the plate, but never hung on the back of a chair.

About drinks

Everyone understands that proper behavior at the table is the key to a successful evening in a cultural institution. It is also important to give a few words and drinks, as well as the containers that suit them. The main thing is to remember the rule: the stronger the drink, the less capacity it needs. Glass - for vodka drinks, Madeira glass - for fortified, glasses or glasses for white and red wines, a glass or a glass - for champagne. First served over strong alcohol, then - in ascending order. The wine glasses are two-thirds full.

About children

Etiquette is also important, because kids should also be able to behave correctly in society. However, it should be said that the rules for them will be lighter and more restrained than for adults. And no one should pay attention to the mistakes of the kids at the table special attention. However, a mother or other parent should quietly make a remark to the baby, teaching him the right behavior. What is the most important thing for children when behaving at the table? It is important that the kids know that at the table you can not talk loudly, laugh, shout. You can not talk with a full mouth, it is ugly and even harmful to the process of eating. Also, you can not champ and smack, it is unacceptable. It is necessary for the child to be told how to properly handle the napkin: it should be used to wipe dirty lips and hands, and when not needed, it should be on your knees. Also, the baby needs to be told that there are dishes that you can eat with your hands, and those for which you need to use cutlery. For example, french fries, shrimp, fish fingers you can easily take it with your hands, you can also grab a cauliflower inflorescence. But this ends the list of products that are taken without appliances. For unknown reasons, babies love to eat spaghetti with their hands, but this is ugly and wrong. The kid needs to be told about this. Children should also remember that they need to stay at the table until everyone has eaten. And, of course, it is important to say “thank you” to the hosts who served. In the case of a meal in a restaurant, “thank you” is said to the head waiter. If etiquette at the table is too hard science for the crumbs, pictures can be a great help in learning. You just need to show the baby a few video tutorials or characteristic pictures, and everything will become clearer to him.