I've been invited to a British Dinner Party. But, never having been to such a formal one before, i do not know what to do/say!? Cans omeone please help out here. For example...We start eating with forks//knives layed out from outside to inside or vice versa? Such simple stupid things that matter so much in dinner parties.
Any links to sites will also be great. Thank You.
(PS: not to dicourage anyone, but since im going to selecting a best answer by tommorrow,please write a good one...10 points await you :P)
2006-11-21 05:53:00 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Forks, from out to in. Conversation. Keep it brief. Napkin on lap, not tucked into the chin. The wine will be served in the proper order for the proper dish. Don't sit until the ladies do first. DON'T SLURP! Take a small gift for the hostess. Thank her for a "charming" evening when leaving. DON'T get into politics or religion. Other than that, keep it real, be yourself. Have fun. IF you have time, get to the library and pick up a book on etiquette, for additional tips.
2006-11-21 06:00:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Following the hostess's lead with respect to the cutlery is a good place to start. Generally, the same rules apply in the UK as in the US for a formal setting, start with the outside utensils and work your way in. Do not rest your knife on the table cloth, but use your plate or a knife rest, if provided.
Brittains do not perform the "cut and switch method" of eating. That is, in the US, we usually cut our food with the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Then we put down our knife and switch the fork to the right hand to eat.
In Europe, they cut their food with the knife on the right and the fork on the left, and then they eat with the fork still in the left, with the tines turned down and resting the knife, still in the right hand, on the edge of the plate. This supposedly cuts down on the clinking noise of cutlery going around.
However, if you still eat in the 'cut and switch' fashion, politenes would prevent anyone around you from commenting upon it unless they were boors, as it would be considered rude to make a guest feel uncomfortable. Just remember to place your napkin in your lap, relax and enjoy the meal.
2006-11-21 06:07:42 · answer #2 · answered by phantomlimb7 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always start with the closest fork or spoon or so and work your way out. Always be polite and if there is a large group restrict your visiting with those in close proximity no hollering. In conversation don't discuss Politics, Religion or money or at least let the others bring it up but its hard for one to win at those kinds of arguments...
2006-11-21 06:04:36 · answer #3 · answered by Scott 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the cutlery, start with the outermost pieces. At the table, you can always look to see which piece of cutlery the hostess is using and follow her lead.
General chat is the best i.e. nice weather, what are you planning to do over the holidays.
2006-11-21 05:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by eilishaa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Start from the outside and work your way in. Be careful of elbows on the table, etc. Just be on your best behavior, and stay away from talking about politics.
2006-11-21 07:21:18 · answer #5 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work from the outside in with the flatware, and keep an eye on the person next to you (and hope they know what they're doing :-).
2006-11-21 06:00:19 · answer #6 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just use a fork, chew with your mouth closed, and smile and nod yes every now and then
2006-11-21 06:20:05 · answer #7 · answered by Tosha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a leader of a pack canine Belmondo
2006-11-21 06:00:54 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could be of more help. I'd say follow the host or some other guest.
2006-11-21 05:58:39 · answer #9 · answered by tina 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I cannot really help but wanted to wish you luck, and suggest perhaps you do some research online and see what you can find...
Have fun!
2006-11-21 05:55:31 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋