How to behave decently at the table in different situations. Rules for children's behavior at the table

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Agree, everyone has had such a situation in life when you feel awkward at the table. This may be due to the specific society you find yourself in, the environment, a huge amount cutlery on the table. You just don’t know which fork to start with, how to sit, what is appropriate or inappropriate to say, how to get out of awkward situations. Remember the episode from the movie “Titanic”, a simple guy Jack finds himself in sophisticated society, not knowing which fork to start with, he feels a little awkward. He asks the question: “Is all this for me?”

So, correct behavior at the table speaks about the general cultural level of a person. Some people are taught the culture of behavior at the table and in society from childhood, while others simply don’t know everything. Let's figure out together the rules of etiquette at the table, as well as how not to get confused in all this.

Etiquette rules exist to ensure that everyone present feels comfortable. Therefore, first of all, pay attention to your attitude to what is happening - be polite, include “magic words” in your speech - “thank you,” “please,” “I beg your pardon,” “sorry,” etc.

And if you try to follow simple rules of behavior at the table at home, then this will definitely become a habit and, when you come to a restaurant, you will easily, without hesitation, behave “as it should.”

There are several basic rules of table etiquette:

You must sit straight, without slouching your back, do not bend over the plate, try to look at ease. It is not recommended to sit too far from the edge of the table or too close and rest your elbows on the table. This can embarrass your neighbor. You are not supposed to reach across the table - the waiter can put the dish on the plate.
Always say "please" and "thank you."
When sitting down at the table, place a napkin on your lap.
Women are invited to the table first, men sit next.
If it is a festive event, being late is considered a sign of disrespect and your bad manners.
While eating, you should not put your elbows on the table - only your hands should be on the table.
If food is brought to you earlier than others, wait until everyone has their plates - only then can you start eating. You can start eating earlier than others only if the owners do not mind.
While eating, you must hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right, but if you ordered a dish that is eaten only with a fork, then hold it in your right hand. Do not take a fork, knife or spoon too close to the base.
You cannot take with a spoon what you can take with a fork.
You can take as much on the fork as will fit on it without falling off.
Pastu and others pasta They eat by twisting with a fork and helping with a spoon.
Dough products and bread must be carefully broken off and the broken pieces eaten; the bread must not be cut or bitten off.
If you suddenly drop any device, ask the waiter to bring you a new one; if you are at home, take or offer a clean device to your guest
Food should be chewed with your mouth closed. Under no circumstances should you slurp, even if it tastes very good to you.
Do not eat from a knife - this is a sign of bad taste.
If you are pouring yourself a drink from a shared container, offer it to your interlocutors first, and then pour it for yourself.
If you are serving food from a common plate, bring your plate and put in as much as you can eat, do not forget about the guests and offer them a dish too.
You can tilt the plate with the leftover soup, but only away from you, and it is better to leave the soup a little uneaten.
It is necessary to cut off such a piece of food that you can eat it at one time.
There are several taboos at the table: don't talk with your mouth full and don't drink drinks.
If you accidentally get a piece of food stuck in your mouth, take it out with a fork and put it on a plate (preferably so that no one can see).
During a conversation, you should not hold a fork or spoon with food in the air, much less wave it - eat it or put it on a plate.
Do not lean too far towards the plate, bring the food to your mouth; if you drink tea or coffee, you also need to bring the cup to your lips.
During or after a meal, cutlery should never be placed on the table - place it on a plate.
Cutlery is used in a certain order - starting from the outer ones, moving closer to the plate.
If you are expecting a change of dishes and have stopped eating, cutlery must be placed crosswise (so that the sharp part of the knife points to the left, and the fork with the convex side up).
If you are finished, the cutlery should be placed parallel to each other on the plate.
Under no circumstances should you lean over another person, if you cannot reach it, ask them to pass you this or that dish.
If you need to leave during a meal, apologize to your companion.

When should you apologize?

If you need to blow your nose at the table.
If you need to clear your throat at the table.
If you need to go out.
If you have a piece of food stuck in your tooth and need to use a toothpick or dental floss.
If you suddenly start hiccupping.
If you feel unwell.
If you have problems with your intestines or digestion at the table.

How to use a napkin correctly?

As soon as you sit down at the table, you need to put a napkin on your lap.
If the napkin is large, fold it in half before placing it on your lap.
If the napkin small sizes, it needs to be fully expanded.
If you need to go out, place a napkin on the table to the right of the plate, hiding the stained areas on it. Don't put your napkin on a chair - you could accidentally sit on it and get it dirty.
Place your napkin to the left of your plate if you have already eaten.
For small children, a napkin is tucked into their collar.

How to behave at the table?

Don't take a bite big pieces, the pieces should be of such a size that you can easily carry on a conversation at the table.
You can't blow on hot food. Let the dish cool while you go wash your hands or start a conversation.
Salt and pepper must be passed on together, even if you were asked to pass on only salt.
If you are asked to pass something at the table, do not pass it directly into your hands, but place it on the table next to your interlocutor. If your interlocutor is sitting far from you, you don’t need to reach across the entire table; ask the person sitting next to you to pass the dish on.
At the table, moderate your gestures so as not to inadvertently touch your interlocutor or knock over the food.
Put your phone or other gadget in your pocket before starting your meal - it is not advisable to put it on the table.
The waiter must leave a tip of 10-15% of the amount of your order (unless, of course, it is included in the price of the food and this is customary in one place or another).

Remembering these simple rules table etiquette, you can easily and comfortably feel anywhere and in any company. Enjoy your meal!

Today we will tell you something more serious than things from the series “don’t put your elbows on the table” and “chew with your mouth closed.” Of course, we can’t do without this either: it’s a classic. But I promise you, the set of rules will be divided and strict.

Why table manners matter

I remember at school I had etiquette classes. We learned how to sit at the table, place plates and all that stuff. I don't know why we were taught this. No matter who I asked, everyone said that they did not have such an item. But now I am pleased to participate in various formal meals.

I understand that following the lunch protocol allows you to simultaneously relax, do everything correctly without paying attention to your actions, and have fun. When you know the rules, you don’t feel awkward and biased at the table, you are freed from the need to ask stupid questions like “What should we do about it?” You can just enjoy your meal.

Why you need to observe etiquette

When I began to periodically have the need to eat food in public places, I noticed that many people did not have the slightest idea about table manners. This surprised me so much that I don’t even know how to express it. Table manners have been a given for me since my school days. We still eat three times a day, and we need to do it in such a way as not to make others depressed.

At least follow these four rules:

Keep an eye on the owner of the house

If you do everything exactly like him, it will help you avoid shame 95% of the time. It's not that difficult - starting to eat when everyone else starts, using the same cutlery - this is already a guarantee of success. However, constantly staring at others is not the most pleasant option. This way you won’t be able to relax and enjoy your dinner.

Chew with your mouth closed and don't talk with your mouth full

Yes, there is still such a problem. Some types chew without closing their mouth and showing its contents to others. If you have to say something, swallow what's in your mouth first. To always be ready to talk, don’t stuff your mouth, let there be very little food in it - literally just one bite. Gone are the days when people stuffed their mouths in order to be satisfied faster. Your food won't run away from you anywhere

Bring food to your mouth, not your mouth to food

Don’t lean over the fork, much less the plate, scooping food into your mouth, almost like a scoop. Carrying food to the mouth is a distance of no more than 20 cm, it is easy to overcome. Sit up straight, don't scoop too much food into your spoon or fork, and bring your cutlery directly to your mouth. And never drink from a soup cup.

Say "thank you", "please" and "sorry"

These little words are truly magical and you need to use them freely.

The first rule of etiquette is to know who you are dining with and the seating arrangements for your guests.

You need to be prepared. If you have been invited to an official reception, you need to find out how many people will be there and generally what to expect. Dress appropriately and decently; if it is a work meeting, it is important to look professional. This shows respect for the owner of the house, and the impression made can be very important.

If you are going to someone's home, bring some small gift: flowers or a bottle of wine. If you're going to a close friend's house for lunch, it's worth finding out how you can help. Maybe he'll ask you to buy a cake for dessert or something like that. Arrive on time, but not earlier than ten minutes before the appointed time: final preparations are being made.

Informal lunch

This means that there is no specific time when a group of people should sit down at a table and start eating food together. For example, picnics and barbecues: people come, eat and leave at any time. Here the table manners are much more relaxed, but there are a few points that need to be paid attention to.

1. Get yourself a medium-sized portion.

It’s unpleasant to discover that you are able to eat only half of the food that is on the plate in front of you, and because of your zeal someone didn’t get some dish. You can take a refill at any time: there’s plenty of everything, and besides, it’s always a compliment to the person who prepared everything.

2. Don’t double-dip a piece into the same sauce.

If you like it so much, put the sauce on your plate so you don't spread your bacilli.

3. Don’t cut all the meat at once

If you fried something really big, cut off pieces for yourself and everyone around you only once, then cut them again. Otherwise the meat will be dry.

4. Clean up after yourself

Need some reasons?

Informal meeting at the table

You sit at the table, eat and communicate at the same time. Business meetings, Easter and Christmas lunches and the like. There are already places for everyone here. The basic instructions are this: all the pieces are arranged and laid out around the plate: forks on the left, spoons and knives on the right. Start using cutlery from the outside in: first you take the last cutlery, then the one next, etc. A water glass is usually larger than a wine glass.

Formal lunch

When you attend a formal dinner, you are required to wear a suit and, in many cases, a black tie. I won't go into too much detail: you can find this information on other sites. I'll just tell you: don't worry if you're invited. You can learn all the basics in practice in just half an hour. The picture is attached.

Napkin

The napkin is placed on the lap within the first minute after sitting down to eat lunch. There is no need to hook it with the corner of your shirt collar or tuck it into your belt. Just straighten it on your knees (you can open it only halfway, usually this is enough). This will protect your trousers from splashes and various crumbs, and you can also use this napkin to wipe your mouth. When you eat or have to go away, place it carefully to the left of your plate.

When should you start eating?

The safest and easiest answer is when others start. It is often unclear whether it is possible to eat: the hostess and her assistant are still in the kitchen, a couple of guests have gone somewhere and cannot be called. In this case, if the hot dish has already been served and there are at least two people left at the table, you can proceed. If the food has been brought and everyone is sitting, and three or four people have already been served, you can also start (if there are more than four of you, of course. If there are fewer, wait until everyone is served). The main thing is to never eat alone, but you should eat hot food while it is still hot.

If there is a tradition in the house of praying before meals, the owner of the house should read the prayer, and anyone can offer the initiative. The main thing is to express this desire even before everything is served on the table and placed on plates. Toasts can be made at any time when glasses are filled and, with the exception of formal dinners, they can be made by anyone. Guests often toast to the host's hospitality.

Elbows, distant plates and table troubles

As you understand, it is best not to put your elbows on the table, but there is nothing special if you put them on the table when communicating with someone during a change of course or over tea or coffee. Reaching is prohibited. If you cannot get a plate easily (you need to get up and reach the dish) or it is in someone's personal space, ask the nearest person to pass it to you. If something spills, first make sure it stops flowing, and then ask the hostess to help you wipe it up. Then forget about the incident and enjoy your lunch.

What to do if you don't want something

If you just don't want to try it. You haven't tried the dish, how can you know if you'll like it? Always try a little of all the dishes on offer. Sometimes even the most a small piece It’s enough, let the rest remain on the plate - but the hostess won’t be offended.

You are on a diet. Depending on the severity of the diet, you can notify the hostess in advance so that she can prepare something for you personally. You can eat something before this lunch so as not to be hungry and try a little of what you can.

You do not drink. Until recently, I didn't drink at all and had trouble at some dinners where I was expected to drink alcohol. You may be persuaded and even almost forced. What should I do? I’ll offer you a compromise option: make a toast, take a sip, and then barely touch the liquid with your lips. This usually works. When people know that you basically don’t drink, after a while they stop pestering you with this question. Just be persistent, don't give in to persuasion, and everyone will fall behind.

How to say you're done

The best way- place a fork and knife across the plate, as if the hands of a clock show 4:20. The fork lies closer to you with the teeth up, the knife with the blade towards the fork. This is the most convenient position of the cutlery for the waiter to remove the plate from the table without dropping anything.

Parting

Before you leave, thank all the owners of the house. If it was a large event (more than 30 people) and you need to leave urgently, and the hosts are somewhere in the thick of the crowd talking with other guests, you can leave in English and not say goodbye. In this case, it is better to ask a friend to say goodbye for you. However, within 24 hours, be sure to call the owners of the house and explain the reason for your hasty departure.

1. Have fun and allow yourself a couple of drinks, if you want, but don’t get carried away too much and don’t ruin the evening for the hosts. Often there is a dude at a party who has had too much and starts arguing loudly with his girlfriend or making suggestive jokes.

2. Talk to people. Listen to them, listen to what they say, be attentive. If during the last ten minutes you are the only one who spoke, then this is no longer a conversation, but a presentation.

3. Turn off your phone and enjoy the moment. Don't put it on silent: this way you'll check it every five minutes and let others know you have more important things to do. You can live one evening without Twitter and Instagram.

4. The best way to acquire good manners is practice. Make them your habit. Teach them to your children and you will never get into trouble.

For 7 centuries in a row, it has been believed that the main indicator of a person’s upbringing is his ability to behave at the table. The word "etiquette" arose during the reign of the world famous French king Louis XIV. Guests invited to his banquet received a label card on which the rules of behavior were signed. The word “etiquette” comes from the name of this very card. In our article we will take a detailed look at modern table etiquette rules with photos.

There are two main ways to use cutlery:

Continental(common in Asian and European countries): the knife and fork should be in the hands until the meal is finished.
American, according to which it is permissible to put the knife aside if you are not going to use it temporarily (in this case, it is placed on a serving plate with the tip inward, the handle on the edge).

Let's look at classic version rules of etiquette at the table, how to use cutlery. The main points are presented below:

How to use forks:

if the fork is long, has 4 teeth, and it lies to the left of the plate, then it is a table fork - you should use it to eat the main dish (a snack fork looks exactly the same, but its size is much smaller - you should choose it when you are served cold appetizers) ;
a fork with 4 tines and grooves, which is slightly shorter in length than a table fork, used for eating fish dishes(the cloves are designed to separate bones from meat);
the dessert fork is thin and small, it has 3 cloves instead of 4;
There is also a special fork for eating fruit, it doesn’t look like a dessert fork, but it has 2 teeth rather than 3.

How to use spoons:

a large tablespoon lying to the right of the serving plate is intended for eating soups and other liquid hot dishes;
the dessert spoon is designed for eating gluten-free sweet dishes that do not need to be cut with a knife (it has a long handle and a small cup);
a teaspoon is served exclusively with hot tea, and a coffee spoon (it is the smallest) only with black coffee.

How to use knives:

a knife, which is turned with the blade towards the plate, moreover, it is located on the right - this is a device designed to eat second hot dishes;
the fish knife is dull, it looks more like a “spatula”, its purpose is not to cut, but to hold the fish in order to remove the bones from it with a fork;
The knife for appetizers and desserts is small in shape and has serrations on the blade.

If you can’t keep all this information in your head, then remember one secret on how to use cutlery: they are always placed on the table in the order in which they need to be used. Always take the most extreme devices initially. After you finish your first course, these utensils will be taken away from you along with your empty plate.

Now let's figure out what to do with cutlery after eating according to the rules of table etiquette:

if you have already finished eating, you need to fold the fork and knife so that they are parallel to each other with the teeth and the tip up (the fork is on the left and the knife is on the right);
if you are delighted with the dish you have eaten and want to signal this, you do not have to run to the chef, place the knife and fork on the plate parallel to each other, but so that the cloves are directed to the right (the fork should be placed on top and the knife below it) – the waiter will see this and convey your admiration to the author of the culinary masterpiece;
if you decide to take a break during the meal, then place the fork and knife on the plate with the edges facing each other (outwardly it should look like the fork and knife form the letter “L”);
If you have finished the first course and are waiting for the second, place the knife on the plate so that its blade is directed to the left, and place the fork perpendicular to the knife with the teeth up.

How to behave at a table in a restaurant: rules of etiquette

In public establishments, such as a restaurant, you need to behave accordingly. Be sure to check in advance basic rules of table etiquette in a restaurant, so that you are perceived as a person from high society:

If a man invites a woman to dinner, he must enter the restaurant first. If in a restaurant there is a doorman at the entrance, then the man is obliged to let the lady forward, help her take off her outerwear, lead her to the table, ask her where she wants to sit, move the chair so that the lady sits on it.
The man should position himself either opposite the lady or to her left.
Dinner must be ordered by the person who initiated it. As a rule, this is a man. He can only offer the woman to choose something from what he personally chose. According to table etiquette rules, girl She should not be capricious, talk about her illnesses, that she went on a diet or became a vegetarian. She must politely choose something from what her companion offers her.

A person sitting at a table in a restaurant must watch his posture. Your back should be straight, but from the outside it should not seem that you are uncomfortable. Behave at ease, confidently, but do not relax.
Immediately place a napkin on your lap that will sit on your serving plate.
If it happens that you were brought a dish before your companion, do not start eating it. Wait until the food has been brought out to all participants in the meal.
If a woman has lipstick on, she needs to go to the ladies' room to get rid of lipstick, because traces of it on dishes are considered a sign of bad taste. In general, any hygiene procedures cannot be performed at a restaurant table. For these purposes, go to the toilet. But before you leave the table, you need to apologize.
You are not allowed to take photographs of food and drinks while dining in a restaurant. Such behavior is considered immoral in high-level establishments.
If you come across something inedible in a dish, carefully remove it from your mouth, but not with your hands, but with a spoon.
If some cutlery accidentally falls onto the floor from your table, there is no need to pick it up. Call the waiter and ask him to bring you others.
If you are served a very hot dish, wait until it cools down. You cannot blow on food, blow on food, or make any sounds in general in a restaurant. This is not decent, according to table etiquette rules.

The fork must be held with your left hand while eating, and the knife with your right. If the dish can be eaten with an ordinary fork, there is no need to cut anything, then it can be held in the right hand.
If you eat meat, then cut off one small piece of it, which you will eat right away. There should be no slices left on the plate.
To eat pasta, you need to use a fork. Pasta is rolled onto it. If the dish is drowning in sauce, then it is preferable to use a spoon.
If there is any on the plate with your dish bread product, then you need to break off slices from it and eat them gradually. You should not bite off a whole piece of bread or pick it up.
You need to chew food with your mouth completely closed.
If you haven't finished your soup, it's okay. Yushka at the bottom of a soup plate is considered normal. If you want to finish eating, tilt the plate away from you and scoop out the soup with a spoon.
You can’t lean too much over the plate. You must carefully bring the fork or spoon with food to your mouth.
If you have something stuck in your mouth, do not remove it with your hands. Use a fork, preferably at a time when no one sees it.

Hide your phone somewhere so it won't bother you. If he calls all the time, it will seem impolite. In this case, pick up the phone and ask to call you back later. Excuse yourself if you need to clear your nose or clear your throat and leave the table.
Do not hand the dish, salt or pepper shaker directly into the hands of the person who asked you for it. It will be correct if you simply place the item or food he needs next to his plate.
Behave calmly at the table, do not gesticulate, so as not to accidentally break something.
Under no circumstances should you place your elbows on the table. Hands should not touch the table at all while eating. Women are only allowed to lean slightly against the table with their hands.
Bags, wallets, phones and other things should also not be left on the table.
During the meal, you can communicate with your companion, but on topics that will not provoke a scandal or controversy between you.
After finishing the meal, do not put the dishes away. Everything should remain on the table as is.
Don't forget to leave a tip for the waiter after dinner (this is approximately 10% of the total check). If a tip is included in the check amount, then there is no need to leave additional money.

How to behave at a table when visiting: rules of etiquette

When you come to someone's house, even if you were invited by your close friends, this does not mean that in this case it is not necessary to comply table etiquette rules. It is imperative to show respect to the owners and leave a good impression of yourself.

Of course, such strict requirements are not imposed on you as in a restaurant, but a few rules of etiquette, how to behave at the table While visiting, you still need to know:

do not sit down at the table until you are invited to do so by the owners of the house;
if you need any cutlery, or you will be asked to pass it, remember that this must be done in a counterclockwise direction;
do not eat with your fork or spoon common dish, into which, for example, salad is poured - take a special cutlery and pour the dish onto your plate;
if the dish is far from you, do not reach across the table for it, but ask someone sitting next to you to serve it to you;
drink water or an alcoholic drink only after you have completely chewed your food;
do not talk about political or religious topics at the table, do not discuss illnesses, but also do not be silent, do not force the owners of the house to entertain you;
do not stay at a party until late in the evening (the optimal time to stay at a party is 2-3 hours);
After dinner, be sure to thank the owners of the house.

How to behave at a buffet according to the rules of etiquette?

Everyone knows what a buffet is - this is when a lot of dishes are presented, and everyone can choose whatever they want and as much as they want.

It would seem that everything is simple, however, here too you need to observe 5 rules of table etiquette:

As soon as you enter a restaurant operating on the system buffet, look around to understand where and what is located. In many establishments, first courses are located separately from appetizers and desserts. Think about what you would like to eat so as not to overload your stomach with everything at once. Take the plate in your left hand and add everything with your right. If you need bread, then you need to take a special small plate for it.
You are not allowed to appear at the buffet in a swimsuit or street clothes. An elegant dress is, of course, also not the most the best option for a buffet, but what's yours appearance must be neat - that's for sure.
When helping yourself to a dish, behave with restraint, do not shout, push, or make a scandal if the dish you wanted to take is finished. Step aside, wait a few minutes for the waiters to bring you the food you want. Try to make only one approach to the buffet.
After you finish your meal, clean up after yourself. In many buffet establishments, waiters do not clear away the dishes after customers.
Do not attempt to take food away from the buffet unless the establishment specifically allows it.

Basic rules of table etiquette for children

As soon as your child turns one year old, you can teach him table manners. At first, the baby will follow the example of mom and dad, so it is important that the parents themselves behave correctly during meals.

What you should pay attention to:

Before each meal, you must wash your hands thoroughly with soap. By the age of two, the baby should already have developed the habit of following the rules of hygiene.
The child must know his place at the table. If he is still small, then parents need to seat him in his high chair, which must correspond to the height of the overall dining table. It is better to place the chair on the left side of the mother so that she can help the child when necessary.
Meals should occur at the same time every day so that the baby develops a routine and culture of proper nutrition.
Explain to your baby that you need to start eating after all family members have sat down at the table and the phrase “bon appetit” is heard.
Until the age of three, you need to teach a child to use a spoon, until the age of 5, to use a fork, and after 5 years, you can already explain what a knife is and how to handle it. Do not allow your child to dig into a plate of food with their hands. If he can't cope with kitchen appliance, feed him yourself.

Explain to your baby that you cannot play, sing, dance or talk loudly at the table, especially if your mouth is full of food. After all, this is not only indecent, but also dangerous to health.
Teach your baby that he must eat everything that is poured into him. You cannot spit food back onto the plate, as it is unsightly.
A child should already know at the age of three that after a meal he needs to thoroughly wipe his mouth and hands, and say “thank you” to the person who prepared the food.
Explain to your child that he can only get up from the table after adults give him permission.
You can take advantage of innovative technologies in the process of teaching your child. On the Internet you can download educational cartoons and pictures, with the help of which the child will, in a playful and educational way, figure out what to do while eating. Great way to learn table etiquette rules - creating a presentation on this topic on the computer (suitable for you if your child is already 5 years old). This will make it more interesting for the child, because the craving for computer technology in modern children manifests itself at a very early age.

IN modern program average educational institutions, a course is provided for schoolchildren about table etiquette rules. During the lessons, children are taught about the norms of behavior in public places, and in particular, special attention is given to the topic of how to behave at the table.

Table etiquette rules in pictures

Try to follow all the recommendations that we have given you in this article if you want to be accepted as a well-mannered and cultured person in public institutions. Remember that ignorance and frivolous behavior even while eating is a sign, first of all, of disrespect for yourself, and then for others. Therefore, behave appropriately so as not to fall “face in the dirt.”

Video: “Rules of etiquette at the table”

The way a person behaves in public places can tell a lot about him. It's about not only about the nature of the conversation with other individuals, but also about how he eats, drinks, and holds cutlery. The rules of etiquette at the table are observed by every well-mannered person, no matter where she is - at home, in a cafe, restaurant or with guests. This knowledge and skills must be taught kindergarten.

What are the rules of table etiquette?

They are based on compliance with aesthetic standards, expediency, and convenience. Basic Rules:

You should sit at the table not too far away and not too close to the edge; you should also not put your elbows on it, only your hands.
Table etiquette states that you must sit upright in a chair, without bending over a plate of food.
Don't reach for the dish if it's far away; ask other participants in the meal to pass it along.
Adults place a napkin for individual use on their laps; children (preschoolers and schoolchildren) tuck it into their collar.
Ethical behavior allows you to take some products with your hands: sugar, cookies, cakes, fruits.

Rules for using cutlery

Everyone needs to know the table rule of the left and right hands: all cutlery laid out on the left side (only forks) must be held in the left hand (but there are exceptions here too). Knives and spoons are placed on the right - they are operated with the right hand. Soups and broths are eaten hot with a spoon meat dishes– table knife and fork, hot fish– fish knife and fork, desserts – tea or dessert spoon, cold snacks - with a snack knife and fork, fruit - with your hands or fruit cutlery.

How to properly hold a fork or spoon

Hold the spoon so that your thumb is on top of its handle. Draw liquid from the plate away from you, this way you won’t stain your clothes. If they brought you broth with pieces of chicken, first eat the liquid part of the dish, then, using a knife and fork, eat the meat. Don't take the fork too close to the base. Its teeth point down or up depending on the dish.

Which hand should you hold the knife in?

How to hold a fork and knife according to the rules of etiquette at the table? When you eat only with a fork, take it in your right hand; if you use a knife, hold the fork in your left. The index fingers rest against the upper part of the device handle and help apply pressure.

Restaurant etiquette

How to behave at the table public institution? Cultured people adhere to the following rules and feel at ease:

You can start eating when everyone has been served food or drinks.
According to restaurant etiquette rules, the waiter opens bottles of alcohol at the table.
Guests of the establishment need to monitor the volume of their conversation - talk in such a way as not to cause discomfort to others.
The rules of behavior in the restaurant state that you should not clink glasses loudly every time; this is done only during important, ceremonial toasts.

Table setting rules according to etiquette

It is best to arrange items according to the photo - this way you will see what is where. It is not difficult to arrange cutlery correctly. Very refined English style, he wins the hearts of girls, women, men. However, many are more accustomed to regular home serving:

the tablecloth is laid;
2-3 cm from the edge there are plates - deep ones on the shallow ones, pie plates on the left;
Small cellulose napkins are placed under each device;
to the right of the plate - a tablespoon with the convex side down, a knife with the sharp side facing the plates, on the left a fork with the tines up;
A glass for juice or water is placed in front of the knife edge;
Snacks and salads are placed in the center, and common cutlery is placed next to them.

Video about table manners for children

The younger generation best assimilates knowledge presented in a playful or cartoon form. Show your kids a video about Koksik and Shunya. Fairy-tale characters together with the kids will learn the rules of table etiquette. Aunt Daria will become a kind and wise mentor who will guide boys and girls into the world of cultured people.

It wouldn't hurt for each of us to brush up on the rules of table etiquette, and perhaps even learn something new about how to behave while eating. The most important rules etiquette that absolutely everyone should use.

Each of us notices when in a cafe at the next table someone eats sloppily or secretly wipes their hands on their knees. In the same way, other people notice our mistakes; any behavior is striking and can cause embarrassment. Therefore, it is better to check yourself and correct your own behavior if necessary.

How to behave at the table

General rules apply to any situation; they will never be superfluous. The first thing we pay attention to when we see a person is his posture. Posture characterizes not only a person’s behavior or state, but also reveals the secrets of his character.

An insecure person will fidget nervously on the edge of his chair, a complex person will try to slouch in order to become less noticeable. Sit upright, but so that you are comfortable. Your hands can be placed on the edge of the table or on your knees, and it is better to press your elbows to your sides.

By the way, to learn how to hold your elbows near your body Soviet time They advised me to periodically train and have lunch while holding a couple of heavy books with my elbows. This is necessary so that the correct bodily pattern is formed, and you hold your elbows flawlessly even when you don’t think about it at all.

The rules of table etiquette cover almost all situations that can happen to a person and give a clear recommendation on what to do in a given situation.

Naturally, table etiquette at home and restaurant etiquette are somewhat different. However, there are rules that are appropriate in any situation:

Don't talk too loudly;
Do not move the fork or spoon with food too far from your mouth;
You should not make sounds while eating;
You should eat calmly, without unnecessary haste.

Restaurant

The rules of conduct in a restaurant imply some composure - you need to behave correctly and with dignity in order to make a pleasant impression on others.

The man must let the lady go first, but if a group of men or women goes to the restaurant, then everyone is on equal terms or relies on the initiator of the dinner.
If several people are supposed to meet at dinner, and some of them are late, then by mutual agreement with the rest of the guests, you can wait about a quarter of an hour for the latecomers. A longer wait is a sign of disrespect for guests who arrived on time.
If you happen to be late, you should apologize and then simply join the others. Shouldn't be attracted special attention to the fact of being late and explain the reason, just join in the table conversation.
When a man and a woman meet in a restaurant, the man must read the menu and offer his companion some dishes. For a girl in this case to express her indifference is a sign of bad manners. Etiquette in a restaurant implies the participation of the lady in choosing dishes.
In a restaurant, you should not have a conversation in a raised voice or laugh loudly. If this happened by accident, it makes sense to apologize to other visitors and be quieter. Observe table etiquette, and if someone behaves inappropriately at the next table, you should inform the waiter about it.
You need to start eating when the waiter has brought out the ordered dishes to everyone present. If the person who is waiting for his dish to be prepared does not mind, he can make an invitation to others to start eating.
It is strictly forbidden to perform hygiene procedures at the table - wiping your face, neck and hands with napkins, combing your hair or applying lipstick. If you need to pay attention to your appearance, it is better to do this in a special room. Table etiquette also does not welcome traces of lipstick on dishes. Before starting to eat, the girl must carefully remove the lipstick with a napkin.
Any interaction with food also looks uncivilized - food is on the table to be eaten. Taking photos for Instagram, blowing on the soup, meticulously picking at the salad, commenting on the ingredients is indecent.
If you come across a piece of cartilage or a bone in some dish, you need to carefully return the inedible element back to the spoon and move it to a plate (or napkin).

How to handle devices

Under no circumstances should you check the cleanliness of the cutlery, and if you do notice a cloudy spot on a fork or spoon, you need to quietly draw the waiter’s attention to this oversight and politely ask for a replacement.
In most restaurants, the table is set in advance, and the cutlery is laid out on both sides of the serving plate.
Don’t be confused if there are more dishes on the table than you expected to see - everything has its purpose, and if you are in doubt about which fork or spoon you should take, you can always see how the other guests solve this problem.
Those utensils that lie to the left of the plate are used with the left hand, and those that are laid out to the right must be held in the right hand.
When serving complex dishes, each dish requires its own utensils, so if you are in doubt about which fork you should take, take the farthest one - the one that is furthest from the edge of the plate. As you change dishes, you will gradually move closer to the closest appliances.
The knife is used either for cutting food or for spreading pates and butter (for example, during breakfasts). You should not try pieces from a knife.
Meat or fish should be cut sequentially as it is eaten. Cutting the entire portion at once is bad form. It is generally accepted that this way the dish cools down faster and loses its main flavor nuances.

Learn in advance a few differences between different cutlery so as not to get into trouble.

Forks

Second hot dishes are eaten with a table fork; it has four teeth, and its length is slightly less than the diameter of the plate and is placed on the left;
a fish fork is used for hot fish dishes, it looks smaller than a diner and has four short teeth, a fish fork is easy to recognize by its indentations - they are needed to separate the bones;
snack fork - a smaller duplicate of a table fork, used to eat cold appetizers;
dessert fork - for pies, small, matches the size of the dessert plate and looks atypical;
a fruit fork equipped with two prongs, usually served with a fruit knife;
the remaining forks are considered auxiliary, they are placed next to the dish that needs to be eaten with them.

Knives

Any second hot dish is eaten with a table knife, it is placed to the right of the plate, the blade is turned towards the plate;
a fish knife is dull and resembles a spatula, used to separate the flesh of fish from the bones;
the snack knife is small and has serrations;
the dessert and fruit knife look similar - they are the smallest.

Spoons

a tablespoon is the largest, lies to the right of the plate;
a dessert spoon is served with desserts that do not require cutting - soft puddings, jellies and whipped cream;
an ice cream spoon is served with a bowl;
the cocktail spoon has a very narrow and long handle;
a teaspoon can be served with any hot drink;
coffee spoon is the smallest, served only with black coffee.

Dialogues and behavior at the table

Table etiquette involves not only the use of cutlery, correct positioning and good posture, but also the manner of conducting dialogues and conversations.

It is worth noting that table etiquette strictly prohibits discussing provocative issues that could lead to a serious conflict - therefore, you should refrain from comments about money, politics and religion.

How to behave at the table and what to say? Be sure to look at the person who is speaking to you, listen without interrupting, and only then respond. If you consider some of your interlocutor’s questions inappropriate for a meal, gently suggest discussing this a little later. In all other cases, you should answer easily and naturally.

Restaurant etiquette rules also do not imply heated arguments - refrain from inappropriate comments and lighten the mood with a sweet joke if someone else raises their voice.

You shouldn’t have a conversation with just the two of you; involve the rest of the meal participants in the conversation.. For example, if the conversation is about a recent vacation, you can ask one of the interlocutors whether he is going to go on vacation in the near future or what vacation spots he prefers.

It is also good form in any table conversation to praise the owner, cook or initiator of the meeting - find a few kind words to mark the general atmosphere of the evening.

A short course in etiquette

Do as the majority does.
Don't point out others' mistakes, as a last resort, you can say this quietly in an undertone and only to your neighbor at the table.
Don't be away from your meal for too long.
When leaving the table, apologize.
Try everything and eat what you like.
Diets, eating disorders, and dietary restrictions are not discussed at a common table. alcoholic drinks and diet.

It is better to study some rules of behavior at the table by looking at pictures - look at the basic table setting diagrams, you can also watch a video on how to properly hold this or that device.

Table etiquette is not that difficult if you devote a little time to it, and following all the rules will help you present your best side.