Table Etiquette

Question 1

From which side should you approach your seat to sit down?

Answer 1

the left side

Question 2

In what order are guests seated?

Answer 2

ladies should be seated first, especially if a lady is the hostess or guest of honor

Note: if no ladies are present, the male host or guest of honor should be seated first

Question 3

Is bringing flowers the best way for dinner guests to thank the host or hostess?

Answer 3

no, the host or hostess might not have a vase readily available for use; guests should bring a bottle of wine or a dessert instead

Question 4

What should the men seated at the table do when a lady arrives late to the dinner?

Answer 4

stand to greet her

Question 5

Are hats appropriate to wear at the table?

Answer 5

only ladies can wear hats, and only when they complement their wardrobes

Question 6

Should ladies cross their legs at the dinner table?

Answer 6

Women should not cross their legs at the knees, but at the ankles.

Question 7

Where is the napkin placed on the table?

Answer 7

to the left of the main plate

Question 8

On which side of the main course plate are the bread and salad plates?

Answer 8

the left side

Question 9

Where is the soup spoon placed?

Answer 9

to the right of the knife, on the right side of the main plate

Question 10

Where is the (smaller) salad fork placed?

Answer 10

to the left of the main course fork, on the left side of the main plate

Question 11

Where is the dessert spoon placed?

Answer 11

above the main plate with the bowl of the spoon facing left

Question 12

On which side of the main course plate should the water glass be placed?

Answer 12

the left side

Question 13

On which side of the main plate are the wine glasses?

Answer 13

the right side

Question 14

Where are coffee and tea cups placed?

Answer 14

if pre-set, to the above right of the main plate

Note: most service will bring the cups out after dishes are cleared

Question 15

When should you place your napkin on your lap?

Answer 15

when the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin

Question 16

When is the appropriate time to begin eating?

Answer 16

when the host or hostess has lifted his or her fork or spoon

Question 17

In what order should you use your cutlery?

Answer 17

from the outside (farthest from the main plate) to the inside (closest to the main plate)

Question 18

If not given a tea spoon, what should you do?

Answer 18

Ask the host for a spoon; never use the spoon on the table for both tea and eating your meal.

Question 19

From which side of his/her guests should the host/hostess serve and remove beverages?

Answer 19

the right side

Question 20

From which side should the host or hostess serve guests individually?

Answer 20

the left side

Question 21

How should food be passed around the table?

Answer 21

The host/hostess should start the passing of any food that is near him/her.

Unless the person asking for the food is very close to the left side of the host, the host should always pass food to the right until it arrives at the proper person.

Question 22

How should you cut up your food?

Answer 22

in bite-sized pieces; do not cut up all of your food at once, but as you eat

Question 23

Where should knives be placed temporarily if they are still being used?

Answer 23

on the right edge of the main plate, facing left

Question 24

How should you apply dip or spread to your food?

Answer 24

do not apply it directly to your food; place the dip or spread on your own plate first

Question 25

How should you put spread on bread?

Answer 25

tear/cut up the equivalent of one bite of bread and only butter one bite at a time

Question 26

What should you do when asked for the salt or pepper?

Answer 26

pass both the salt and pepper without reaching across the table or in front of someone – pass to the nearest person if necessary

Question 27

Is it appropriate to refuse a dish or not to finish one’s plate?

Answer 27

Yes; however, comments regarding others’ eating habits (e.g., why they have refused a dish) are out of place.

Question 28

What is the appropriate way to remove food from your mouth?

Answer 28

quickly and discreetly remove it with your napkin and ask the waiter for a new napkin

Question 29

What should you say when leaving the table to go to the bathroom?

Answer 29

“Excuse me” – no need to mention the bathroom

Question 30

From which side of your seat should you get up when leaving the table?

Answer 30

the right side

Question 31

When is it appropriate to use your hands to pick up food at the table?

Answer 31

only when eating foods such as ribs or sandwiches

Question 32

How should you tilt bowls to finish their contents?

Answer 32

always tilt bowls away from you (and use your spoon to pick up the contents)

Note: soup should be spooned away from you

Question 33

Where should the soup spoon be placed after use?

Answer 33

on the plate under the soup bowl

Question 34

How should you signal to the servers that you are finished with your plate?

Answer 34

place your fork and knife right side up in the 2 o’clock position on your plate

Question 35

At the end of a meal, from which side of his/her guests should the host/hostess remove the dishes?

Answer 35

the right side

Question 36

What are some behaviors to avoid when at the table?

Answer 36

• burping
• playing with one’s food
• talking with food in one’s mouth
• chewing with one’s mouth open
• pointing with one’s silverware
• resting one’s elbows on the table
• cell phone usage
• private conversations when there are less than five people at the table