Article - Dining Etiquette

Yes, as always, mother was right - table manners are important, not only in social settings, but at home as well.  They make a meal with friends, family or acquaintances more enjoyable, and they create a positive impression on others, speaking volumes about how we conduct ourselves in other areas of life and work. 

Many of the ideas listed below may seem outdated, but in the professional world, your lack of table manners may be a 'deal-breaker.' 

So, sit up straight, elbows off the table and pay attention!


Q: What do I do with my napkin?

The meal starts when the host unfolds his/ her napkin, and ends when he/ she places it on the table.  In both cases, you should follow suit.

Place your napkin on your lap.  If it is small, unfold it completely; if it is large, fold in half lengthwise.

The napkin should remains on your lap throughout the meal, with 2 exceptions: a) to be used to dab your mouth as required; and b) if you must leave the table during the meal, it should be placed on your chair to indicate that you will be returning.

Q: How do I Order Correctly?

If you are uncertain about something, ask the waiter/ server - do not bluff your way through a menu.

As a guest, you should not order one of the most expensive items on the menu, or more than two courses.


Q: The Table Setting

Imagine a line in the middle of your place setting.
To the right: glassware, cup and saucer (Hint - Liquids), knives, and spoons, as well as a seafood fork if the meal includes seafood.
To the left:  bread and butter plate, salad plate (Hint - Solids), napkin, and forks.

Q: What do I do with all of the cutlery?

Start with the knife, fork, or spoon that is farthest from your plate and work your way towards your plate, using one utensil for each course.

The salad fork is on your outermost left, followed by your dinner fork. Your soup spoon is on your outermost right, followed by your beverage spoon, salad knife and dinner knife. Your dessert spoon and fork are above your plate or brought out with dessert.

There are two ways to use a knife and fork to cut and eat your food. They are the American style and the European/ Continental style.

American style - cut the food by holding the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left hand with the fork tines piercing the food to secure it on the plate. Cut a few bite-size pieces of food, then lay your knife across the top edge of your plate with the sharp edge of the blade facing in. Change your fork from your left to your right hand to eat, fork tines facing up. (If you are left-handed, keep your fork in your left hand, tines facing up.)
The European or Continental style is the same as the American style in that you cut your meat by holding your knife in your right hand while securing your food with your fork in your left hand. The difference is your fork remains in your left hand, tines facing down, and the knife in your right hand. Simply eat the cut pieces of food by picking them up with your fork still in your left hand.

Q: Is there a right way to hold a wine glass?

Absolutely!  Holding a wine glass by the bowl of the glass will warm the wine.  It is recommended to hold the glass by the stem.

Q: How much do I tip when dining?

Check out our Tipping Guide for full details on International tipping etiquette!