The ABC of Table Manners

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 568.

Table manners

Although rules regarding table manners are not very strict in Britain, it is considered rude to eat and drink noisily. At formal meals, the cutlery is placed in the order in which it will be used, starting from the outside and work­ing in. The dessertspoon and fork are usually laid at the top of your place setting, not at the side.

After each course, the knife and fork should be laid side by side in the middle of the plate. This shows that you have finished and the plate can be removed. If you leave the knife and fork apart, it will show that you have not yet finished eating.

It is considered impolite to smoke between courses unless your hosts say otherwise. It is polite to ask permission before you smoke in people's homes.

In Britain, smoking is now forbidden in many public places, e.g. on the underground, on stations, in shops, in theatres and in cinemas.

Do not attract undue attention to yourself in public.

When eating take as much as you want, but eat as much as you take.

Do not eat too fast or too slowly, cut as you eat.

Take a little of every dish that is offered to you.

Sit up straight and face the table, do not put your el­bows on the table while eating.

Do not reach across the table — simply say: ‘Would you please pass the salt' etc.

At a small party do not start eating until all are served. At a large party it is not necessary to wait for all. The hostess gives a signal to her guests by saying: ‘Start eating, please (your food will get cold).'

There is no rule about eating everything on your plate, to indicate that you have had enough place knife and fork together, not criss-cross.

When refusing a dish or a helping simply say: ‘No, thank you.' When accepting — ‘Yes, please.'

Do not leave the spoon in your cup, when drinking tea or coffee.

Do not empty your glass too quickly.