Table Manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. While going for vacations do not forget to remember these lest you offend the local people. Here are a few common dos and don’ts in terms of table manners which are followed the world over.
Table manners for all
Table Manners
- Wash your hands before eating or going to the table
- Eat with your right hand as in touching the food.
- Do not start eating before the host does or instructs guests to do so.
- Always cover your mouth when tooth picking.
- It is considered inappropriate to use your fingers to share food from someone else’s plate once you have started using your own. Instead, ask for a clean spoon to transfer the food from the common dish to your plate.
- It is rude to drink beer straight from the bottle; you are expected to pour it into a glass
- Do not leave the table until others have finished or the host requests you. If you must, ask permission from the host before leaving.
- You must not put your elbows on the table.
- Do not chew loud enough for others to hear. Chew with your mouth closed.
Table manners using chopsticks
- Chopsticks should always be held correctly, i.e. between the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand.
- When not in use, chopsticks must always be placed neatly on the table with two sticks lying tidily next to each other at both ends.
- Chopsticks are traditionally held in the right hand only, even if you are left handed. Although chopsticks may now be found in either hand, a few still consider left-handed chopstick use improper etiquette.
- Never point the chopsticks at another person. This amounts to insulting that.
- Never wave your chopsticks around as if they were an extension of your hand gestures.
- Never bang chopsticks like drumsticks. This is akin to telling others at the table you are a beggar.
- Never suck the chopsticks.
- Decide what to pick up before reaching with chopsticks, instead of hovering over or rummaging through dishes.
- To keep chopsticks off the table, they can be rested horizontally on one’s plate or bowl; a chopstick rest (commonly found in restaurants) can also be used.
- Never stab chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles incense sticks used at temples to pay respects to the deceased. This is considered the ultimate dinner table faux pas.
