During a meal, it is very important to get not only taste sensations, but also aesthetic pleasure. For this, the rules of etiquette at the table were invented. Decency at the table has been welcomed and appreciated at all times.
What is table etiquette
Table etiquette is a set of rules and regulations that allow people to simplify the process of mutual communication and taking a meal at the table. In addition, thanks to etiquette, a person is able to master the simplest knowledge regarding the process of serving food and decorating the table.
History of table etiquette
For the first time, they started talking about dining etiquette in the 18th century in France. Then, in some houses, certain norms and rules were already established, which have survived to this day in a slightly modified form. It is understandable: epochs changed - cultural norms and spiritual values changed. Modern rules of table etiquette differ markedly from those adopted in the 19th century. Then all actions and norms of human behavior at the table were regulated by rather strict rules and principles.
All cultured people, regardless of their political views and worldviews, were obliged to adhere to dining etiquette. The table in the 18th and 19th centuries was dominated by aesthetics and cultural traditions. Table etiquette of the XXI century is based on expediency and on the mutual attention of all people sitting at the table and taking a meal. In addition, in the modern world, the norms and rules of behavior at the table are constantly being supplemented and improved. Some of them are being abolished altogether.
Rules of conduct at the table
Rules for choosing a seat at the table. The rules of etiquette at the table differ depending on the status of the room and on the place where the meal takes place. For example, at a home reception, households, as a rule, should sit at the table in the same order; at a banquet, it is customary to seat all invited guests to the hero of the occasion or toastmaster, indicating to each his place. In restaurants or cafes, table etiquette, in principle, does not regulate the choice of a particular place occupied by a visitor.
Table etiquette. The rules of behavior at the table during a meal also regulate a certain human interaction with the dishes. First, all dishes must be clean. Secondly, plates and dishes must be taken from below, holding them with your thumb. In no case should you specifically touch food with your fingers. Cutlery should only be handled by its handles. Glasses and glasses should be taken from below, without putting your fingers in them.
Rules for serving guests at the table. The first to start eating are the guests sitting to the right of the owner of the house. Then the food is served in a circle. If this is a home meal, then the hostess serves the food. In addition, she must ensure that the guests' plates and glasses are constantly filled with food. The hostess of the house also clears the dishes from the table. There is one interesting point in home dining etiquette: it is customary to offer all the dishes served (except for soups) to guests twice.
The sequence of serving dishes. Cold appetizers are served first, followed by hot ones. Next, you should serve the first course, consisting of soup or broth, and then the second course, which includes fish, meat, pasta, mashed potatoes, etc. The last to be served is a sweet dessert or some fruit, neatly cut into slices. This order of serving dishes is classic and should be known to every person.
Rules of conduct for guests at the table. Guests at the table are advised to sit slightly forward. At the table, during a conversation with a neighbor, you cannot raise your voice and turn your whole body towards him. You should not pay attention only to yourself at the table - there are other people nearby. You need to keep your legs next to the chair, and not stretch them under the table, touching the legs of other companions. Only hands should be on the tabletop, not elbows. Do not go over the food on the plate, as well as criticize the quality of the dishes prepared and the culinary abilities of the person who prepared these dishes. It is not customary to sit at the table for a long time. Men should help ladies to get up from the table.
