Proper Table Etiquette

Table etiquette are the rules and regulations that one needs to follow during formal luncheons and dinners. It is natural for one to get intimidated with the thought during the first time, however, one is sure to make a positive impression if one remembers and follows the following etiquette.

Table Setting Etiquette
A proper table setting is a must for a formal or a business dinner. The following are the simple rules of placing the cutlery and china on the table for a formal dinner or a luncheon. This should also be remembered by the diners so as to avoid the confusion about the proper use of the cutlery and china on the table.

• Starting from the immediate left of the dinner plate, place the salad fork, then the dinner fork and then the dessert or cake fork to the far left.
• The dinner knife is placed on immediate right of the dinner plate. Next to it, place the teaspoon and then the soup spoon to the extreme right of the plate.
• To the top right side of the dinner plate, starting from left, place the water glass, the wine glass and the liqueur glass respectively.
• The bread and butter plate with the butter knife is placed on the top left side of the dinner plate.
• The soup bowl should be placed on the dinner plate. The napkin should be folded and can be placed on the dinner plate or to the top of the plate.

Table Service Etiquette
The table service etiquette may differ from place to place or culture to culture. However, the following are some serving rules that are observed while dining.

• In a smaller group, people should start eating when the guest of honor does so; while in larger groups, one can begin eating when 4-5 people are served food.
• In most of the places, the food and drinks are served from left and cleared from the right. However there can be exceptions if the waiter finds this inconvenient.
• One should always remember that the food (bread and butter) towards one's left and drinks towards one's right are theirs and avoid eating or drinking from other's plates or glasses.
• When asked to pass the salt, one should always pass both the salt and pepper, even when only salt is asked for.
• When bread or rolls are passed from one person to the other, it is bad manners to take one for oneself from the basket in midway.
• Sometimes, the plates are cleared immediately when a person stops eating. While in other places, the waiter may wait till everyone finishes his / her meal.

Table Etiquette at Formal Meals
Lastly, once the setting and the service is carried out, begins the most important part, the actual meal. However, the following tips on proper table etiquette at a formal business luncheon or dinner show that it is simpler than thought.

• Never place one's cell phones or bag on the table. It is also considered bad manners to place elbows on the table.
• The napkin should be place on the lap for the whole time during the meal. If you wish to leave the table temporarily, place the napkin on the chair and never on the table.
• With the cutlery, always begin from the outermost one and work your way in. This can be mastered by practice. However, if in doubt, follow the host.
• In the European style for eating, the food is cut with the knife in the right hand, and eaten with the fork in the left. Whereas, in American style, the food is cut with the knife in the right hand and then eaten by switching the fork to the right hand.
• Do not ever blow on the soup to cool it.
• The bread and meat should be cut into smaller parts and eaten with the fork. Do not butter the whole slice of bread at once.
• The stem glasses should be held by the stem for chilled as well as non-chilled drinks.
• It is advisable to use the napkin before using the glasses or the teacup.
• It is bad manners to place used forks, knives or spoon back on the table. One should leave them in the plate or the bowl.
• Once the meal is over, partly fold the napkin and place it on the table. Do not leave it crumpled. It is also not advisable to crumple the paper napkins after use.

These were the tips and techniques that should be followed at a business and formal meal party. As a concluding note, one should simply remember that practice makes man perfect, and also helps in boosting confidence. Good luck!