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FORMAL DINING ETIQUETTE

Another formal situation that you may find yourself in at one point is a formal restaurant dining experience. It is very important to know the proper etiquette for formal dining before the meal as to not alienate oneself or stand out in a negative way during the meal. The following will provide instructions for proper etiquette during a formal meal.

Reservations

  • When making a reservation, call in advance if you will be more than 15 minutes late or cannot make it. This ensures that the restaurant can keep seating guests.

Table Setup/Using Silverware

  • Silverware is set up next to the plate with the forks on the left and the knives on the right.

  • The bread plate is placed to the left and the drinking glesses to the right of the plate

  • Silverware is used from outsideto inside with the fork and knife furthest form the plate being used for the first course or appetizer.

  • The knife should be held in the right hand and fork in the left hand while cutting a few small portions of food. Then the knife is placed on the edge of teh plate and the fork is switched fomr the left hand to the right hand.

  • Once a utensil has been used, it must not touch the table again. It must remain on the edge of the plate and cleared by a waiter.

Using Napkins

  • Upon sitting, unfold the napkin and place it on lap.

  • Do not shake open

  • Keep napkin on lap until th end of the meal. If you get up from the table, place the napkin loosely folded on your char. This tells the servers you will be coming back.

  • Don't use to wipe cutlery of face (except lightly around mouth) and never use napkin to wipe nose.

  • When finished with meal, loosely fold the napkin and place it to the left side of your plate.

Eating

  • Do not talk with food in your mouth. Always swallow food before talking.

  • Scoop food away from oneself.

  • Even if you don't like the food, eat a small portion of it as to not appear rude.

  • Do not blow on food to cool it off.

  • Do not slurp or burp

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