Essential Dining Etiquette Tips

by Christine Chan — April 27, 2008

Have you ever shared a meal with someone who chewed with his mouth open? If you have, you will surely understand why table manners are vital in making a favorable impression. With lunch interviews and meetings becoming increasingly popular, it's a good idea to brush up on basic dining etiquette:

• Allow your host/hostess to be seated first. Immediately unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. A large napkin should be kept half folded and a smaller napkin can be completely unfolded. Do not shake it open.
• Set meeting materials or briefcases under your chair until it is time to discuss work.
• Keep liquids on your right and solids on your left. Work your way in with silverware.
• If the lettuce in your salad is larger than what can fit easily into your mouth, cut it up before eating.
• Leave a dropped utensil on the ground. Politely ask the server to bring another.
• Pass the salt and pepper shakers together, even if just asked for one. This prevents guests from searching for lone shakers.
• Butter, dips, and spreads should be transferred with a serving spoon from the dish to your plate before eating.
• Do not push your plate away from you when you have finished. To show that have finished, lay your fork diagonally across your plate. Place your knife and fork side by side with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, parallel to the left of the knife.

Remember etiquette rules exist to keep everyone comfortable. Once you become familiar with the basics, you will be able to enjoy the food without fretting about the forks.