1. As soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your
place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap.
If you excuse yourself from the table, leave your napkin
on the chair.
If asked for the salt or pepper, pass both together, even if
a table mate asks for only one of them. This is so dinner
guests won't have to search for orphaned shakers.
Always taste your food before seasoning it
Butter, spreads, or dips should be transferred from the
serving dish to your plate before spreading or eating.
Use the silverware farthest from your plate first and
work your way in, using one utensil for each course. The
fork and spoon above the plate are for dessert.
Once used, your utensils, including the handles, must
not touch the table again.
If there are place cards on the table, sit at your
assigned seat.
Never change seating arrangements pre-planned by the
hosts/hostess.
Signify that you are finished eating by rest your knife and
fork at the 5 o’clock position on your plate. Leave your
napkin semi-folded to the left of your plate.
Beverages are poured from your right.
Do not turn your glass over to refuse a drink instead,
politely hold your hand over the glass.
If you take a break from eating, leave your utensils in the
resting position, crossed over your plate.
Turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent mode before
sitting down to eat. Leave it in your pocket or purse, not
on the table. It is impolite to use your phone during
dinner. If you must make or take a call, excuse yourself
from the table.
Food will be served from the left and removed from
the right.
When passing food, pass to the left.