Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. Many table manners evolved out of practicality. For example, it is generally impolite to put elbows on tables, since doing so creates a risk of tipping over bowls and cups. Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.

Before dining

• A prayer or 'blessing' may be customary in some households, and the guests may join in or be respectfully silent. Most prayers are made by the host before the meal is eaten.

• One does not start eating until every person is served or those who have not been served request that you begin without waiting.

• Napkins are placed in the lap. At more formal occasions diners will wait to place their napkins on their laps until the host places his or her napkin on his or her lap.

• At more formal occasions all diners should be served at the same time and will wait until the hostess or host lifts a fork or spoon before beginning.

• Even if one has dietary restrictions, it is inappropriate for non-relatives to request food other than that which is being served by the host at a private function.

General manners while dining

• When a dish is offered from a serving dish (a.k.a. family style), as is the traditional manner, the food may be passed around or served by a host or staff. If passed, you should pass on the serving dish to the next person in the same direction as the other dishes are being passed. Place the serving dish on your left, take some, and pass to the person next to you. You should consider how much is on the serving dish and not take more than a proportional amount so that everyone may have some. If you do not care for any of the dish, pass it to the next person without comment. If being served by a single person, the server should request if the guest would like any of the dish. The guest may say "Yes, please," or "No, thank you."

• When serving, serve from the left and pick-up the dish from the right. Beverages, however, are to be both served as well as removed from the right-hand side.

• Dip your soup spoon away from you into the soup. Eat soup noiselessly, from the side of the spoon. When there is a small amount left, you may lift the front end of the dish slightly with your free hand to enable collection of more soup with your spoon.

• If you are having difficulty getting food onto your fork, use a small piece of bread or your knife to assist. Never use your fingers or thumb.

• It is acceptable in the United States not to accept all offerings, and to not finish all the food on your plate. No one should ask why another doesn't want any of a dish or why he has not finished a serving.

• There should be no negative comments about the food nor of the offerings available.

• Chew with your mouth closed. Do not slurp, talk with food in your mouth, or make loud or unusual noises while eating. Do not make excessive noise with utensils.

• Say "Excuse me," or "Excuse me. I'll be right back," before leaving the table. Do not state that you are going to the restroom.

• Refrain from blowing your nose at the table. Excuse yourself from the table if you must do so.

• Burping, coughing, yawning, or sneezing at the table should be avoided. If you do so, say, "Excuse me."

• Never slouch or tilt back while seated in your chair.

• Do not "play with" your food or utensils. Never wave or point silverware.

• You may rest forearms or hands on the table, but not elbows.

• Do not talk on your phone or "text" at the table, or otherwise do something distracting, such as read or listen to a personal music player. Reading at the table is permitted only at breakfast. If an urgent matter arises, apologize, excuse yourself, and step away from the table so your conversation does not disturb the others.

• If food must be removed from the mouth for some reason, it should be done using the same method which was used to bring the food to the mouth, i.e. by hand, by fork, etc., with the exception of fish bones, which are removed from the mouth between the fingers.

• Before asking for additional helpings, always finish the serving on your plate first.

• Gentlemen should stand when a lady leaves or rejoins the table in formal social settings.

At the end of the meal

• When you have finished your meal, place all used utensils onto your plate together, on the right side, pointed up, so the waiter knows you have finished. Do not place used utensils on the table.

• Except in a public restaurant, do not ask to take some uneaten food or leftovers home, and never do so when attending a formal dinner. A host may suggest that extra food be taken by the guests, but should not insist.

• Leave the napkin on the seat of your chair only if leaving temporarily. When you leave the table at the end of the meal, loosely place the used napkin on the table to the left of your plate.

Discussion Questions:

1. 1. What have you noticed that is different from your culture’s table manners?

   2. How does your family or culture begin a meal?

   3. What are the differences in table manners between a family meal and a formal banquet?

   4. What table manner(s) were you taught as a child that you still practice today, and teach your child(ren) the same?

   5. What do you find interesting from this article?