The document provides basic rules of table manners. It outlines how to properly use napkins, cutlery, chopsticks and etiquette around talking, slurping and finishing a meal. Key points include placing a napkin on your lap, keeping elbows off the table, waiting until everyone is served before eating, holding cutlery correctly, practicing using chopsticks at home, avoiding talking with a full mouth or making noises while eating, and placing cutlery together on the plate when finished.

1. Table Style presents...
THE BASIC RULES OF TABLE MANNERS

2. NAPKINS
Place your napkin on
your lap as soon as you
sit down. When you get
up, leave it unfolded to
the left of the place
setting

3. ELBOWS
Sit up straight, square
to the table, with your
hands on your lap,
before you eat. Never
put your elbows on the
table!

4. WHEN TO EAT
If served a meal already on the plate, wait until
everyone has their food before starting, unless your
host invites you to begin. Eat at a relaxed pace,
matching your speed to that of your fellow diners so
you finish at the same time.

5. CUTLERYHold your knife in the right hand, tucking the handle into your palm and
your index finger along the top. Hold the fork in the left when used with a
knife or spoon with the prongs facing downwards. If on its own, use the
right hand with prongs facing upwards.

6. CHOPSTICKSPractice using these at home - hold the top stick between thumb and
forefinger, with your middle finger between the sticks. Use the top stick
to grip your food and place it in your mouth. Whatever you do, do not
pass food to people using your chopsticks or point at anyone with them.

7. TALKING
At all costs - even if you’
ve got the spiciest story
to tell - avoid talking
with your mouth full.
This is a huge faux-pas!

8. SLURPING
Almost as bad as talking
with your mouth full! Try
not to make any noises
as you eat, like slurping
soup or cutlery against
your teeth or plate.

9. WHEN FINISHED
After you’ve finished
eating, place your knife
and fork (with the
prongs facing upwards)
together on your plate.

10. Brought to you by...
THE GOOD FOLK AT TABLE STYLE
www.tablestyle.co.uk