Appropriate Manners When Eating and Dining

Manners are the acceptable, appropriate ways of behaving in society, the way you deal with people, and the way you treat someone.

Good manners positively contribute to one person’s brand.  It uplifts the person’s reputation and creates a lasting impression in both social and business situations.

Below are fifteen reminders on how we should mind our manners when eating and dining.

1. Getting better acquainted or doing business over a meal is common.  Not only should you be prepared for pleasant conversation, but you should present polished manners at the table.

2 .Manners can vary from culture to culture.  Take your cues from the local individuals you are dining with.  Don’t use overly formal manners as a put-down.  If the locals are relaxed and casual, then adjust accordingly.

3. This is not the time to announce that you are starved, or that you have just eaten.  Actually, any reference to the condition of your stomach is inappropriate.  And please, no noise.  To moan “ummmmmmm” to indicate that something looks good, or to groan and say, “I’m stuffed,” is inappropriate.

4. Sit erect. Do not slide down in the chair or crowd or inconvenience your neighbors.

5. Place your briefcase, book bag, purse, etc. out of the way.

6. Sit with your chair several inches from the table edge.  Do not rock back and forth on the two legs of the chair.

7. A gentleman will pull a woman’s chair out for her.

8. Unfold and place your napkin on your lap after everyone is seated.

9. Ask people to pass things you want. Don’t reach. If you need to leave the table during the meal, excuse yourself, fold the napkin neatly and place it in your chair, not on the table.

10. Don’t play with anything on the table.

11. Food is passed to the right.

12. If you need to leave the table during the meal, excuse yourself, fold the napkin neatly and place it in your chair, not on the table.

13. Take only one small serving until everyone has been served.

14. Don’t use the serving piece to put butter or condiments onto your food.  Put the butter, relish, or condiment on the edge of your plate, then use your own silverware to put it on the food.

15. Begin eating only after everyone has been served, unless instructed by the host or hostess to do otherwise.

Note: This article was previously published in the printed issue of The Corporate, Guide and Style for Professionals Magazine.