Correctly behaving at a table, anywhere, at a social event, or just at home, is an art that characterizes you as a person.
Do not put your elbows on the table or answer questions with your mouth full. You should eat beautifully, not only in society, but also in the family.
How to sit at the table
Sit at the table should be level, without stooping, but not to be "stretched like a string", it is enough to lean slightly on the back of the chair. If you have finished eating, you can put your hands on your knees. If you can’t sit this way, you can put brushes on the edge of the table. And it’s better not to keep your hands on your face.
Do not swing on a chair, from the outside it looks very nice, even stupid and at the same time, by such actions you can damage the chair itself.
The napkin, as a rule, is placed on the lap in an expanded form, but only after the hostess of the banquet does it. Expand it is a sharp and clear movement, especially for a long time without ceremony.
Pat your lips lightly with a tissue, but never rub your mouth or face.
If you need to leave the table, then the napkin should be put to the left of the plate, and if they are already removed, then in their place.
When to start eating
If a small company has gathered, about 4-6 people, then you should start eating only after all the members of the banquet receive their dishes and the hostess picks up a fork and a knife to start eating.
If there are a large number of guests at the table, then you should not wait for the dishes to be served, just wait until 4-5 people are served and start the meal, otherwise the hot dish can cool down until you wait for everyone.
Putting food in your plate, you should carefully so as not to spill or pour on the tablecloth the contents of the dish.
If you want to season the dish with gravy or sauce, you should pour it directly on meat, fish, potatoes, etc. But the pickles, olives, nuts or radishes are placed next to the main dish on a plate.
If you are offered a dish that you don’t like, then you should refrain from unnecessary comments, just thank and refuse.
Cutlery - from the edge - to the middle!
As a rule, the devices on the table are located as the dishes are served, i.e. appliances that are located farthest from the plate should be used first and so on as dishes arrive. Of course, it happens when the table is not served correctly, then you have to take the knife and fork, which are most suitable for this dish.
After you have finished taking the main dish, the fork and knife should be placed on the plate in parallel, so that their handles protrude slightly beyond the edge of the plate.
Now a little about how you should not behave at the table.
When eating, using a spoon or fork, do not hold the plate with the other hand. You should also not push the plate away from you, after the meal.
The fact that your meal is over is best indicated by correctly placed appliances on a plate (parallel to each other), but you should never, leaning on the back of a chair, sighing heavily, declare to everyone that you are full.
It is not worth drinking anything until your food is swallowed, the exception may be only a small piece of dessert, washed with tea or coffee, but it should be so small that others do not notice it.
Avoid gesturing when there is a fork in your hand, also with leftover food. You should collect so much food that you can eat everything from the appliance at a time.
At the end of the meal, do not forget to thank for the pleasant company and delicious food.
