Dining Etiquette: Simple Table Manners for Fancy Restaurants

Table manners are taught to most of us as children as a way to help us know how to behave as adults.  Yet a glance around most upscale restaurants and dining establishments will tell you that there are numerous adults who seem to have forgotten such lessons.  Here is a short refresher course in proper table manners and etiquette.

One thing to remember regarding table manners is that interruptions during the meal are not considered polite.  Turn off your cell phone and put iPods, purses, and other distractions out of sight.  Talking is acceptable in most situations, but take care not to interrupt others or to raise conversations to levels that could attract attention from other diners.  When you arrive at the table and you are male, wait for the ladies to be seated before you sit down, and pull out the chair of the woman to your right as a gesture of politeness. 

Table manners during the meal are equally important.  If many people are preset at the table, it is considered rude to start eating before everyone has been served their meals.  Remember not to eat with your elbows on the table.  Start the meal by taking a portion of the dish closest to you rather than spinning the plate around to get to your favorite food, and always pass foods such as bread baskets and side dishes to the right.  If there is something that you want, don’t stand up and reach over the whole table to get it, but instead ask someone to pass it to you.  Always chew with your mouth closed. 

If you are dining at someone’s house rather than at a restaurant and find that you need to get up to use the restroom, ask politely if you can be excused (you don’t need to mention the reason!).  If the need is not urgent, remain seated until the meal draws to a close to avoid disturbing other diners.

When the meal has ended, there are still table manners to mind.  Be certain that you thank and compliment the host, and it is considered a favor if you take your own dish to the kitchen.  Offers to help clean are usually declined, but are always appreciated.

When you mind your table manners, you will find that you are invited to quality meals much more frequently.