What table manners should mean to you?

Have you ever had the feeling of how to behave at the dining table, or when you pay a visit to that family friend? Many fill unease about how to handle certain things on the table during meals. Table manners are the rules observed while eating, which may also include the use of utensils, napkins […]

Have you ever had the feeling of how to behave at the dining table, or when you pay a visit to that family friend? Many fill unease about how to handle certain things on the table during meals.
Table manners are the rules observed while eating, which may also include the use of utensils, napkins and other materials. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. Each family or group sets its own standards on how strictly these rules are to be enforced.
Many people also feel out of place when dining simply because they don’t know how to follow table manners, especially when invited to a nice place.
Good table manners are so much more than just keeping up appearances; proper manners at the table are important because they signify and establish a connection to the food and those gathered around the table to share it.
The codes help us show respect and consideration to others and the others glad that we are with them. Without proper manners and etiquette, the customs of polite society would soon disappear and we would act less like people.

How to have good table manners
Observe your hosts: Follow their lead. Feel comfortable when dining with others; the host is generally the leader at a dinner party or meal. If you are the host, don’t panic.
Wait for the host to invite you to the table; he or she may assign you to a seat. Stand behind the chair as the other guests get assembled. Don’t drag your seat to sit down.
Emulate your host: Put your napkin on your lap when you see them doing so. Match their rate of eating. Assume that your host is always right; unless you can definitely tell that they have bad manners, in which case you may follow another guest.
Use the appropriate cutlery: If there are many utensils in your place setting and there is more than one course, start on the outside and work your way in.
Be polite: Consider every action before you do it and if you have the slightest doubt, don’t do it!
Take small bites: Do not chew with your mouth open; do not talk with food in your mouth.
Learn to pass items from one person to the other when there is a request for such until it reaches the person who asked for it.
Place your napkin next to your plate on the table when you wish to leave: Wait for your host to indicate the meal is complete. Then stand up. Push your chair back in and thank your host for a delicious meal.