Dinner parties are back in full swing, and whether you’re the host or a guest, how you carry yourself at the table leaves a lasting impression! The good news? Mastering a few timeless etiquette rules ensures you feel confident, comfortable, and gracious in any setting.
Here are 10 dining etiquette rules everyone may wish to know before their next dinner party:
1. Wait for the Host Before Eating
Never pick up your fork until the host signals it’s time to begin. A simple pause shows respect and sets the tone for the evening.
2. Napkin Etiquette Matters
Place your napkin on your lap as soon as you’re seated at a restaurant. A a private home however, we wait until the host or hostess puts their napkin in their lap and then we follow suit. If you step away, set it on your chair. At the end of the meal, place it neatly to the left of your plate and never crumpled on top of the plate.
3. Bread, Butter, and Small Bites
Break bread into small pieces before buttering and eating. Avoid biting directly into a whole roll - this is a subtle detail that elevates your polish by preventing crumbs falling all over the table and your lap.
4. Know Your Place Settings
Work from the outside in: salad fork first, entrée fork second. Glasses sit on the right and bread plate is on the left. This keeps you from accidentally borrowing your neighbor’s setting.
5. Pace Yourself with the Table
Match the speed of the group. Eating too quickly or too slowly can make others uncomfortable. Pro Tip: If in doubt, follow the host’s lead.
6. Engage in Balanced Conversation
Keep conversations light and inclusive. If you speak to your left after the starter course, be sure to speak to your right during the main course. Avoid dominating the table or veering into divisive topics like politics or religion. Ask open-ended questions to keep the discussion flowing.
7. Handle Utensils Properly
Between bites, rest utensils on your plate, not the table. When finished, place knife and fork parallel at the 4 o’clock position, it’s the universal signal that you’re done.
8. Be Mindful of Alcohol
If wine is served, pace yourself. Enjoy the offering without overindulging. Remember, it’s about connection, not consumption.
9. Compliment the Host
Acknowledging the effort behind the meal, whether it’s the food, the ambiance, or the company, is always appreciated. A sincere compliment goes a long way! Learn the most common guest mistakes here!
10. Follow Up with Gratitude
The dinner party doesn’t end at the table. A thank-you text the next day (or even better, a handwritten note) shows genuine appreciation and leaves a memorable impression.
Dining etiquette isn’t about being stiff or overly formal. It’s about creating a comfortable, gracious environment where everyone can enjoy themselves. By remembering these ten rules, you’ll not only feel more confident, but you’ll help make the evening a success!
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