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What is Dining Etiquette?

Published on 15 Oct, 2024

Today in this article we will learn about the importance of 5 table manners, apart from this we will also know what dining etiquette is. Because it is very important for us. You can also understand the importance of dining etiquette with an example, imagine that you are having dinner somewhere, where there are many other people, out of which one person is eating food very badly, he is mostly dropping food down, talking while eating or stopping other people by talking in between, or not eating food by holding the spoon properly, this is a kind of bad manners. Dining etiquette helps to improve any function, apart from this, it makes the way of eating food even better so that you can also enjoy the taste of food completely. Let us first know, what dining etiquette.


What is Dining Etiquette?

Dining etiquette refers to the way one behaves at the dining table. If you eat food keeping dining etiquette in mind, it shows respect and consideration for others. It includes how one should sit while eating, how one should hold the spoon and fork, etc. Let us now know all these things in detail point by point.


1. Table Setting

Table setting is the first thing in dining etiquette. You should first know about the proper use of utensils, glasses and plates. You should start using utensils from the outside at the beginning, and move inwards with each course. You should place a napkin on your lap after sitting at the dining table and wipe your mouth with it when needed. After you have finished eating, you should place the napkin to the left of your plate.


2. Handling Cutlery

Cutlery includes how to hold the fork, spoon, and knife. European style requires you to hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand while cutting. American style requires you to put the fork in your right hand after cutting. Spoons are used for soup, etc., so you should hold the spoon in your dominant hand, and sip from the edge of the spoon while sipping soup.


3. Eating Manners

Eating manners play a very important role in dining etiquette. Whenever you eat, chew food with your mouth closed and do not make loud noises while eating. You should always eat in small bites. If you want to talk while eating, swallow the food first and then talk.


4. Serving and Passing Food

Whenever you eat at the dining table, you should always pass the utensils from the right side. If you need something, ask the person next to you to give it to you rather than reaching out. When food is served, you should first serve a little to everyone, then take care of those who haven't eaten yet.


5. Conversation

Always talk about positive things while eating, and avoid talking about controversial topics. Do not talk on the phone while eating, avoid any distractions and treat the people around you with respect.


6. Finishing The Meal

When you have finished eating, you should put the fork and knife on your plate at an angle (like it's four o'clock on the clock) although in some cultures the utensils are crossed to indicate that you are still eating. After eating, you should always express gratitude to the waiter. However, if you are eating at someone's home, you should express gratitude to him as well.


7. Alcohol and Beverages

You should drink alcohol in moderation. When you are invited to a party, you should toast properly. Clink glasses gently. Maintain eye contact while toasting. All the dining rules mentioned here make your dining experience more enjoyable. It also shows respect to the host and other diners.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dining etiquette during the meal?

While eating, chew your food with your mouth closed. Do not talk with food in your mouth; talk only after swallowing. Keep the accompaniment items (bread and salad) on your right. If you pass the basket of bread or salad, you should first give it to the person on your left, then take one for yourself, and pass the basket to your right.


What are the benefits of dining etiquette?

If you have good table manners, you can show respect to others at the table. If you have this etiquette, it increases your confidence, whether you are at a friend's house or at a hotel, etc.


What are the golden rules of dining etiquette?

You must know some basic golden rules of dining etiquette, which are as follows:

  • Do not move your mouth fast while eating, keep the speed of eating under control.
  • You always have to watch the speed of other people eating, so that you do not eat before them or eat late.
  • Do not chew food with an open mouth, do not make noise while chewing food.
  • If any food falls out of your plate while eating, you should carefully put it in the corner.


What is the proper etiquette for eating utensils?

When eating continental style, the fork should always be held in the left hand, with the tines facing down, and the knife should always be held in the right hand.

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