Dining with friends and family should be a convivial, fun, and enlightening experience; however, to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible, and to help others feel at ease and appreciated, it's better if you can always try to follow the rules of dining etiquette. Dining etiquette is something every person needs to learn no matter what the setup is.

Knowing the dos and don'ts of a dining table helps one interact with others with great confidence. Be it having supper at home or going to any of the best restaurants in Stockport for a meal, etiquette significantly makes sure that everyone around the table has a great experience. Below are the ways to master etiquette for every occasion. 

Dining Table Basics 

Knowing a few table dining basics will ensure proper etiquette when dining out. Use the left-hand fork for the first course and work rightward as the courses continue. To the right will be knives, in which case the one at the head of the plate is kept for the main course. Spoons, if needed, go to the right of the plate, usually for soup as a first course.

Glasses are placed above the knives. The water glass is always the first in line, followed by the wine glasses to the left and right, in the order in which they will be used,  white wine before red wine. Dessert cutlery is often placed above the plate. Master these placements and you will come across as confident in any dining situation.

Chew With Your Mouth Closed

Chewing with your mouth closed is an easy thing to do, though it's very important. It's respectful, and it keeps the atmosphere of the dinner pleasant. Always chew quietly without making any unnecessary noises. Keep your lips sealed while chewing, so as not to show the unseemly sight or sound. Never speak with food in your mouth. Swallow first before speaking up. When talking, put your silverware down to be present. It is a small thing but good manners, and it makes people comfortable. 

Keep Your Phone Away

Resist the urge to use your phone during meals. It’s one of the most significant aspects of modern dining etiquette. Keep your phone on silent and store it in your pocket or bag. If you’re expecting an urgent call, let your companions know in advance. When taking a call, excuse yourself from the table and make it brief. In a formal setting, do not take pictures of food that can be quite distracting for others. Sticking to the moment and paying attention is respect toward your dining companions.



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Use your Utensils Properly 

Proper utensil use is good manners. Hold your fork in your left hand and knife in your right hand when cutting. Once your food has been cut into manageable pieces, place your knife down and switch your fork to your right hand before eating. Try not to hold utensils like pens or use them to stab at food. Hold them gracefully to handle your meal with ease. With practice, this technique will make your dining experience flawless and enjoyable.

Don't Reach Across the Table

Reaching across the table is disruptive and can be uncomfortable for others. Instead, politely ask for things to be passed. Use such phrases as "Could you please pass the bread?" and always follow with a "thank you." Pass items, like condiments or bread baskets, to the right to keep the order. Do not lean or stretch over others. It is much more polite and considerate to wait to be helped.

Use Your Napkin Correctly 

Napkin etiquette is an essential part of dining manners. Place your napkin on your lap immediately after sitting. Use it to dab at your mouth or your fingers gently. Do not rub your face with it nor use it for anything other than its purpose, especially blowing your nose. If you have to leave the table for some time, place the napkin neatly over your chair. To signal the end of the meal, fold it loosely and place it to the left of your plate. Small gestures like these show good dining manners.

Conclusion 

Good table manners are not a matter of rules; it is respect and consideration. Mastering these settings of a table, quiet chewing, putting away your phone, handling utensils correctly, asking politely, and the use of your napkin appropriately sets a good atmosphere. All these habits will stick out in people's minds, and the experience at the table will be enjoyed by all. Polished manners make every meal be it formal or otherwise a time to shine.