What you need to know about Table Etiquette.

Do you know when to sit or when to stand up in a formal atmosphere? Do you know when to start eating? Have you ever been in the situation where you bit off more than you can chew? Have you ever bitten off a piece of meat that had a bone in it? What do you do? In this article, we will explain the best ways to get your self out of trouble in these kinds of situations.

When do you stand?
If you arrive first and/or seated before anyone else make sure to stand for the host. In addition, men, anytime a woman comes to the table or gets up from the table, stand up. This shows that you are a gentleman, and shows that you have manners. This will impress any guest at the table. Also, if a member of another party stops by to say “hello”, stand up and greet them.

When do I start eating?
Culinary experts say you do not always have to wait for everyone to begin which means you can eat when the food is hot. However, for cold foods of buffets, wait until dinner is announced by the host, and make sure that the most important guest starts first.

Foods that you can eat with your hands:

1. Corn on the cob
2. Spare Ribs
3. Lobster
4. Clams and Oysters on the half shell
5. Chicken wings and bones
6. Sandwiches
7. Certain Fruits (Apple, Oranges, etc.)
8. Olives
9. Celery
10. Dry Cakes
11. Cookies
12. Breads –Break slices of bread, rolls and muffins should be broken into small pieces.
13. Bacon –Only if it is not greasy.
14. Finger Meals –If plates are provided for you, use the plate, first them place into your mouth, or if the host picks from the platter then follow the lead.

Removing inedible items from your mouth:

1. Chicken Bones –use your fork to return it to your plate.
2. Fish Bones –Remove with you fingers
3. Olive Pits –drop delicately into your palm before putting them onto your plate.
4. Larger Pieces –Larger bones or food you do not appreciate you should surreptitiously spit into your napkin, so that you can keep it out of sight.

* Remember these are suggestions from the CookingSpot Chef and team. They are just rules of thumb. Thanks for reading.