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Closed 20 golden rules of dinner etiquette which everyone should know

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Your body language together with the manners you display are the two key things which allow others to form a first impression of you. Observing the basic rules of behaviour at dinner is the key to having a great time with your friends and loved ones. Here are twenty of the most important rules everyone should know

  1. Be aware of your posture. It can make people feel really uncomfortable if someone spends the whole evening with their head staring down at their plate, their shoulders hunched over, their elbows spread out. It gives the impression that they’re not only feeling uncomfortable themselves about being there, but also that they are only interested in their food. So remember to keep your back straight, your hands on the table and your head held up to eye level.
  2. Don’t start eating before your host does. This one is self-explanatory, don’t you think?
  3. Observe conventions regarding cutlery. No one likes it when you leave your knife and fork sticking into their personal space. And it’s just downright awkward if you use a spoon when everyone else is using a fork. So use cutlery only for what it’s meant to be used for (if in doubt, see what everyone else is using and copy them). Keep your hands only on the piece of cutlery you are currently using. Keep your cutlery close to you.
  4. When eating, keep your cutlery close to the line of your mouth. Don’t move your hands out to the side — you could quite easily spill something on the tablecloth.
  5. Don’t talk with your mouth full. It’s not only unpleasant, but you could also choke if you’re not careful.
  6. Even if you’re really enjoying your food, don’t smack your lips. It’s really quite annoying!
  7. Eat at a steady pace. A meal shouldn’t be a race. Plus, eating slower is good for you — it fills you up faster, so you will eat less.
  8. Remember what all these cutlery arrangements signify:You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now.
  9. If you’re drinking tea or coffee, don’t use a spoon. That’s just for stirring in sugar.
  10. If you need to leave the table for any reason, excuse yourself.
  11. If you need something on the table, don’t stretch over to get it. Ask someone who’s closer to pass it over.
  12. Don’t leave food you’ve started on the plate. If you want to talk to someone, first finish your meal.
  13. Don’t just concentrate on your food. Pay attention to what people around you are saying. Take an interest in the conversation.
  14. When eating spaghetti, either use a spoon to gather it up, or cut it with a knife. Otherwise, it can look unpleasant.
  15. Avoid discussing politics, religion or money at the dinner table. These topics rarely lead to anything good.
  16. Always look at who is addressing you. Don’t interrupt.
  17. There’s nothing wrong with leaving the table. Just don’t be absent for a long time.
  18. Maintain an even tone to your voice at all times.
  19. Never check your make-up or hair at the dinner table.
  20. Don’t look at your mobile phone whilst your at dinner. If you really have to, deal with business away from the table, and come back when you’re able to focus all of your attention on others.
 
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