Table Etiquettes

Sit down from the left side of your chair Assist with passing of foods when appropriate, pass to the right Use flatware from the outside in Napkin • place on lap before starting to eat; cover your mouth and nose if you must cough or sneeze • leave on your chair if leaving the table and returning during a meal • leave to the left of the plate when finished with the meal When eating with a small group wait until everyone is served before eating Follow actions of host/hostess as a guide when dining in someone’s home Avoid talking with food in your mouth; chew with your mouth closed Cut food into pieces as you eat; cut into small bite-size pieces; but meat one bite at a time Sit up straight; avoid leaning on elbows while eating Place spoon on soup plate rather than the bowl/cup when finished eating Place the knife and fork on the plate with the handles parallel to the edge of the table when finished eating Break one piece of bread/roll and butter one piece at a time Place butter on your own plate before buttering your bread/roll