What is the first thing you do when you sit down for a meal?

Question

I was taught as a child, that you should sit up straight and put your napkin on your lap. According to the Nanny Rose School of Etiquette in Medford, NY, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your hands are clean. I thought you were supposed to wash your hands before a meal. I am interested what other people think is the first thing a polite person does when sitting down for a meal.

Answer 1

For the good of your body..... wash your hands first....
But, "Family Book of Manners" didnt say that.
it said that

When we are called to the table, our hostess will indicate where we should sit, unless there are formal place cards by each plate.
It is considered polite to stand behind our chair at the table until the hostess is seated or asked us to sit.
Boys help the girls next to them be seated by pulling out their chairs and easing them back towards the table-gently pls!!
sit up straight
no chair rocking
keep your feet for yourself
put napkin on you lap
we wait to see if grace (pray) will be said before begin to eat
remeber to wait for our hostess to lift her fork before we begin to eat-or until she tells us to begin. At a large party of more than 8-12, we may begin to eat after 4 or 5 people have been served.

Answer 2

What Nanny Rose meant was, get the bathroom as quick as you can to check your make-up, cleavage, breath and nails before sitting down with a hottie in a possible intimate situation.
Keep your hands in your lap unless you are holding a menu, glass or silverware. You put the napkin on your lap only when bread/ appetizer or meal arrives.

Answer 3

I was taught to wash your hands before the meal also, then place the napkin at your lap.
Was never given a class in edict but it just sounds like the right thing to do.

Answer 4

Make sure you washed your hands, sit & pull the chair close to the table, when the meal arrives place your napkin on your lap & most importantly, wait for everyone to be seated and served before starting to eat.

Answer 5

1) wash hands before sitting down
2) pull out chair and sit
3) pull chair in close to the table
3) sit straight
4) napkin on lap - opened
5) elbows off table
6) await the host's lead

Answer 6

Immediately place your napkin on your lap. Don’t tuck it into you shirt or belt or shake it out to unfold it. Just lay it on your lap.
If you don’t know the people seated on either side of you, introduce yourself. Depending on how big the table is, you should also nod and say hello to any other people in your vicinity.

Answer 7

After washing my hands and sitting down, I thank the Lord for the food I am eating.

Answer 8

Reach for the napkins, check to see if I need anything else, then eat politely.

Answer 9

I wash my hands before the meal, then I pray, then eat !

Answer 10

I have read the answers you got and I would agree totally with GypsySoul52's
That is the best you can do.
Remember not to eat with your mouth open or make annoying sounds...