Correctly behaving at the table, wherever, at a social event, or just at home is an art that characterizes you as a person.
Don't put your elbows on the table or answer questions with your mouth full. You should eat beautifully not only in society, but also with your family.
How to properly sit at the table
Sitting at the table should be straight, not stooping, but also not "taut like a string", it is enough to lean slightly on the back of the chair. When you have finished eating, you can rest your hands on your knees. If you really don't feel like it, then you can put the brushes on the edge of the table. And it's best to try not to keep your hands to your face.
Do not sway on the chair, from the outside it looks very unattractive, even stupid, and at the same time such actions can damage the chair itself.
The napkin, as a rule, is placed on the lap unfolded, but only after the hostess of the banquet has done it. It is worth expanding it with a sharp and clear movement, especially without ceremony for a long time.
Dab your lips lightly with a tissue, but do not rub your mouth and face.
If you need to leave the table, then the napkin should be placed to the left of the plate, and if they are already removed, then in their place.
When to start eating
If a small company has gathered, about 4-6 people, then you should start eating only after all the members of the banquet have received their meals and the hostess picks up a fork and knife to start eating.
If there are a large number of guests at the table, then you should not wait for the dishes to be served to all those invited, it is enough to wait until 4-5 people are served and start eating, otherwise the hot dish may cool down while you wait for everyone.
When placing food on your plate, you should be careful not to spill or pour the contents of the dish onto the tablecloth.
If you want to season a dish with gravy or sauce, you should pour it directly over meat, fish, potatoes, etc. But pickles, olives, nuts or radishes are placed next to the main course on a plate.
If you are offered a dish that you don't like, then you should refrain from unnecessary comments, just thank and refuse.
Cutlery - from the edge to the middle!
As a rule, the cutlery is placed on the table as the dishes are served, i.e. the utensils farthest from the plate should be used first, and so on as food arrives. Of course, it also happens when the table is not served correctly, then you will have to take a knife and fork that are most suitable for the given dish.
After you have finished taking the main course, the fork and knife should be placed parallel to the plate so that their handles protrude slightly beyond the edge of the plate.
Now a little about how not to behave at the table.
When taking food using a spoon or fork, do not hold the plate with your other hand. You should also not push the plate away from you after the end of the meal.
The fact that your meal is over is best told by the devices correctly placed on the plate (parallel to each other), but in no case should you, leaning your elbows on the back of a chair, sighing heavily, announce to everyone that you are full.
You should not drink anything until your food is swallowed, the only exception may be a small piece of dessert, washed down with tea or coffee, but it should be so small that others will not notice it.
Avoid gesturing with a fork in your hand, also with food debris. You should collect enough food so that you can eat everything from the device at a time.
At the end of your meal, do not forget to thank you for the pleasant company and delicious food.
