Table Manners

Table manners, it's the basic of the basic but you'd be surprised how many people just don't know. So here are some of the common things we see...

Napkins
Be it cloth or paper, as soon as you are seated, remove the napkin from your place setting, unfold it, and put it in your lap.
Never shake it open or dust it off. It is not a tissue. Don't polish your cutlery, if it's stained simply ask for a new one (politely).
Keep the napkin in your lap until everyone has finished thier meal.
Food Arrival

Wait until everyone at your table has received their food before beginning to eat

Cutlery Use

Golden Rule: "Eat to your left, drink to your right. Any food dish to the left is yours, and any glass to the right is yours."

When it come to cutlery, work your way in from the outsides. The salad fork is on your far left, next comes your dinner fork. Your soup spoon is on the far right, next comes your beverage spoon, salad knife and dinner knife.

Table Manners

Don't forget "please" and "thank you" when making a request and receiving it or when your plates are cleared.
When sharing dishes like appetizer, salads or even breads and butters transfer to your own side plates before eating.
Never reach across a table. Tap the person next to you or politely wait til they have finished a bite or conversation before asking.
Do NOT talk with food in your mouth or chew with your mouth open. Cut food into small bite-sizes.
Don't blow on your food to cool it off. If it is too hot to eat, wait until it cools.
Don't wave cutlery in the midst of a conversation. The cutlery should only leave it's place on the table to put food in your mouth.
Keep elbows off the table.
Turn off your cell phone. Never answer a call during dinner. Excuse yourself if need be.
The Bill

If you require separate bills and are dining with a group (2 or more) tell the server before you order so that the process is simplified later.Remember, the total price of your bill on which you will tip on is the price before any coupons, gift certificates, etc.

Happy dining everyone!