Any other eating manners I should know about?

Question

I recently discovered that it's rude to leave your sandwich whole while eating it, as opposed to cutting it in half. I know that you're supposed to cut two pieces of steak at a time and keep your elbows off the table. Anything else I'm missing so I don't make a fool of myself?

Answer 1

Not talking with your mouth full and keeping your mouth shut as you chew? You can put your elbows on the table between courses, as it enables you to lean in to conversation. Having said that, in France for example, it is considered rude to have your hands under the table, because nobody knows what you're up to!

Oh, take your food to your mouth, not your mouth to your food, and "elbows!!!" as my mother always used to say! Keep elbows in to your sides.

Use knives and forks (when there is more than one set) from the outside in generally. Eat soup from the side of the spoon, not like you would with a dessert spoon, and move the spoon from the edge of the bowl nearest you to the edge furthest from you, bringing it over towards you, so that you are almost doing a complete circle, down, back, up, across and so forth.

Don't pour a full glass of wine, and wine pouring should normally be left up to the men.

Put your knife and fork neatly together on the plate at the end of a meal, not just skewif (sp?) on the plate.

Don't tuck a napkin in to your shirt! That just looks silly ;)

Some people think you should always leave the last mouthful on a plate, to imply that you have enjoyed it, but that you are full and have been fed enough.

ALWAYS wait for everyone at your table to be served before starting to eat (again this was a biggy at home!). If you are that worried that your food will get cold then just ask "may I start please?" Otherwise, unless the host/ess gives permission just wait. We're not from starving countries, we can afford a few minutes before eating for common courtesy.

Old fashioned politeness dictates that should a woman want to leave the table then the men present should stand as she does. This also goes for when a woman leaves the room.

Always ask permission to leave the table. Don't say "can I get down?" say "please may I be excused?"

NO HATS! Unless you are female and at a wedding for example. Men, never, women, no baseball caps etc.

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head, and remember, a lot of things vary from country to country, so if you are going to travel do take the time to find out what is acceptable in that country, e.g. burping is rude here, but in some countries it is seen as a sign of apprecation.

Answer 2

Keep your elbows close to your body, it should not matter wether you or your neighbor are left handed, or right handed.
Look up how to eat soup without dripping it on your self. There is a proper technique.
Learn which foods are OK to eat with your fingers, ie. Asparagus, and which are not.
Pass to the left.
Don't lick utensils at the table.
Use your silverware from the outside in, and don't drink from your fingerbowl.
Don't Start eating until after the Host/ Hostess does.

Answer 3

If there are more than eight people at the table you can start eating after four are served, you don't need to wait for everyone.

it is ok to eat/gnaw at the bone as long as you use your left hand.

If you have to leave during your meal and will return shortly leave your knife and fork crossed to show you aren't finished.

when you are finished leave your knife and fork aligned paralell with any scraps at the far end of the plate in a neat pile.

never hand anyone salt. Always put it on the table for them to pick up.

It's OK to eat one piece of steak at a time if you aren't swapping hands for your knife and fork. Sadly few americans can use their left hand on their fork.

Don't sit down until the last lady has been seated.

Never chew or crunch ice cubes with your teeth.

Never wear a tuxedo before six pm.

Answer 4

Put your napkin and one hand in your lap,
Don't talk about bodily functions or any gross topic at the table,
Look down and cover your mouth if you have to belch,
take one bite at a time, don't eat as if you are starved,
never say or do anything at the table that will make others uncomfortable,
chew with your mouth closed,
comment on the food ONLY if you have something nice to say.
Don't eat or drink after you have stood up from your chair.

That's a start! :)

Answer 5

Chew with your mouth completely closed. There is nothing more gross than the person or persons on the other side of the table seeing your chewed up food. And don't talk with food in your mouth, or smack. Just be a lady.

Answer 6

What setting are you in, that people pay attention to the number of steak pieces on your plate and the condition of your sandwich? Good grief. I don't know anyone who cares about that, as long as you're not chewing with your mouth open or flinging food.

Answer 7

Keep your napkin in your lap,eat with your mouth closed,and ladies never belch at the table or in public.I use to tell my daughters all these things and it worked.Hey, thanks for letting me know about the sandwiches,even a hamburgers?Hope mine helps.......

Answer 8

put a little amount of food on your plate. go back for 2nds if you are still hungry.
chew slowly
Don't eat and drink leaving floaters in your glass.
wipe your mouth often
say thank you and please