All of us like to go to expensive and fancy restaurants and/or hotels. Is our demeanour there dignified enough? Unfortunately not! Don’t we often hear people snapping their fingers in every direction for the waiter or the steward. How many of us actually know the difference between a maitre d’ hotel, steward and a waiter or that the same waiter/steward does not take the order for wines in a respectable restaurant? Do we over or under tip? Do we not hear people talking, laughing loudly in the corridors of the hotel or turning the lobby into a family common room?
I am not referring merely to the proper use of cutlery, sitting at or laying the table. I am talking about common sense gestures and habits like not speaking while you have food in your mouth, not making a slurping sound while drinking your soup or noisily munching on the food. It also includes the kind of conversation you start on the table. It also means not finishing off everything in sight but sharing things that are getting exhausted.
Here are some table manners we should follow, whether we are eating at home or at restaurants.
Eat with a fork unless the food is meant to be eaten with fingers.
Don’t stuff your mouth full of food, it looks unpleasant, and they could choke sometimes.
Chew with your mouth closed and don’t make chomping sound. No one wants to see food being chewed up or hearing it being chomped on. This includes no talking with your mouth full.
Don’t make any rude comments about any food being served. It will hurt someone’s feelings.
Always say thank you when served something. Shows appreciation.
If the meal is not buffet style, then wait until everyone is served before eating. It shows consideration.
Eat slowly, don’t gobble up the food.
Don’t reach over someone’s plate for something; ask for the item to be passed to you.
Don’t pick anything out of your teeth, it’s disgusting. If it bothers you that bad, excuse yourself and go to the restroom to pick.
Always use a napkin to dab your mouth, which should be on your lap when not in use. Remember, dab your mouth only. Don’t wipe your face or blow your nose with a napkin. Excuse yourself from the table and go the restroom to do those things.
When eating at someone’s home or as a guest of someone at a restaurant, always thank the host and tell them how delicious it was, even if it wasn’t. Show your appreciation.