What is Proper Table Setting Etiquette

Setting a table is not as hard as it seems. Setting the table properly is nessesary because if you always know what side of the table your glass is on, you wont be drinking from another guests glass.

When dinning the biggest rule is to always work from the outside, in. Therefore utensils are always placed in the order they are to be used, from the outside in. Another rule is forks go to the left of the plate, placing the edges facing the right side of the plate. Knives and spoons go to the right. The plate is placed directly in front of the chair. Fold a napkin and place it to either the left of the fork or on the plate. Glasses are placed directly above the knife on the right side of the table setting. If you are having wine and water, your wine glass is to the outside and your water glass is always closest to the plate. Bread and butter plates are optional but if you have them, they are placed directly above the fork, on the left side of the table setting.There is only one exception to the fork on left rule. If you are having seafood, place the fork on the far right, after the spoon. If there is soup, the bowl should be set on the dinner plate and then be taken away after the soup is finished.

Finally when everything is set up, make sure everything is spaced the same apart from one another. This enhances the look of the table setting.

When you come to the table to sit down, put your napkin in your lap, without shaking it, after the host or hostess unfolds there's. Keep the napkin in your lap for the entire meal, only raising it to blot your mouth when needed. Begin eating when you are served your hot food. You do not always have to wait for the host. For cold foods wait for the host to announce dinner and also wait for the guest to start eating. When you begin eating there are foods you should use proper etiquette when eating. When it comes to bread, break the bread in half by hand before buttering.When removing inedible items from your mouth such as olive pits, drop them into your hand before placing the pits on your plate. Food that you do not like or tastes bad, secretly place it into your napkin. When eating only load the silverware 3/4 full as to not put too much in your mouth and only cut enough for the next bite. Do not blow on your food if it is too hot, wait for it to cool down. Chew with your mouth closed. Try to finish the meal at the same time as your host or the majority of the group. Remember good table manners makes a lasting impression.

When you are finished, do not push your plate away from you, or place your napkin on the chair, carefully place your napkin to the left of the plate and place your knife and fork on the plate, this signals you are done.

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