Food Etiquette: Mind your table manners
DINING occasions generally require attention to good table manners. The average person will ask: “What has that got to do with me?†It has a lot to do with us all. Young or old, we are all expected to use the knife and fork properly while we eat.
By Gilbert Kidimu
DINING occasions generally require attention to good table manners. The average person will ask: “What has that got to do with me?†It has a lot to do with us all. Young or old, we are all expected to use the knife and fork properly while we eat.
Below are some tips on proper table manners:
Most food is generally eaten with cutlery.
Foods not eaten with a knife, fork or spoon include sandwiches, crisps, corn on the cob and whole fruits.
Rushing to eat before your host reflects greed. You will be sorry if you eat first and everyone else is waiting and watching you.
Eating before everyone has been served is equally eye-rolling.
Always say ‘thank you’ when served.
Chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking a drink. It is disgusting to give people an oral shower loaded with bits of food.
You may eat chicken and pizza with your fingers if you are at a barbecue, finger buffet or an informal setting. Otherwise always use a knife and fork.
During formal dining occasions, take some butter from the butter dish with your bread knife and put it on your side plate and use it to butter pieces of the roll.
To let others know that you have finished eating, place your knife and folk together facing upwards, on your plate. Never lick or put your knife in your mouth no matter how delicious the meal is.
Never chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see food being chewed.
Do not reach over someone’s plate for something. Ask for the item to be passed.
It is impolite to put too much food in your mouth.
Avoid using your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork.
A napkin should never be used to blow your nose. Napkins should be placed across the lap to keep your clothes from being stained by dropped food.
Do not take food from your neighbour’s plate.
Although it may be convenient, never pick food out of your teeth with your finger nails.
At a dinner party with many knives and forks, start with the cutlery on the outside and work your way inward.
DINING occasions generally require attention to good table manners. The average person will ask: “What has that got to do with me?†It has a lot to do with us all. Young or old, we are all expected to use the knife and fork properly while we eat.
Below are some tips on proper table manners:
Most food is generally eaten with cutlery.
Foods not eaten with a knife, fork or spoon include sandwiches, crisps, corn on the cob and whole fruits.
Rushing to eat before your host reflects greed. You will be sorry if you eat first and everyone else is waiting and watching you.
Eating before everyone has been served is equally eye-rolling.
Always say ‘thank you’ when served.
Chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking a drink. It is disgusting to give people an oral shower loaded with bits of food.
You may eat chicken and pizza with your fingers if you are at a barbecue, finger buffet or an informal setting. Otherwise always use a knife and fork.
During formal dining occasions, take some butter from the butter dish with your bread knife and put it on your side plate and use it to butter pieces of the roll.
To let others know that you have finished eating, place your knife and folk together facing upwards, on your plate. Never lick or put your knife in your mouth no matter how delicious the meal is.
Never chew with your mouth open. No one wants to see food being chewed.
Do not reach over someone’s plate for something. Ask for the item to be passed.
It is impolite to put too much food in your mouth.
Avoid using your fingers to push food onto your spoon or fork.
A napkin should never be used to blow your nose. Napkins should be placed across the lap to keep your clothes from being stained by dropped food.
Do not take food from your neighbour’s plate.
Although it may be convenient, never pick food out of your teeth with your finger nails.
At a dinner party with many knives and forks, start with the cutlery on the outside and work your way inward.