Basic Formal Dinner Etiquette

If attending a formal dinner there are some simple etiquette rules that should be followed. Using proper etiquette is an easy way to make a great first impression to a potential employer, pageant judge or whom ever else you might be dining with. Before attending a formal dinner or other formal event there is some information that you should be sure to know including; where the event will be held, what time the event starts, the names of the people with which you will be dining, what the dress for the occasion will be, who is paying for the meal and if the food is pre-ordered or if you will be ordering off a menu. By knowing these pieces of information you will be prepared for the situation of the dinner. Once the specifics of the event are known then all that is left to do is get dressed, get to the event and use proper etiquette. There are several simple etiquette rules that should be followed.

1) Napkin

After being seated immediately place your napkin across your lap. Place the napkin ring in front of your plate. Once the meal is over and the plates have been cleared, you should gently place your napkin where your plate was.

2) Head of the Table

All the food items and condiments should first be offered to the head of the table. Before anyone takes or uses any of the food items they should first be passed to the head of the table and they will the first to remove something from the item passed to them then it will be passed to the person to the right of the head of the table. Nobody should begin to eat until after the head of the table has begun to eat.

3) Utensils and Eating

All items that are to be passed should be passed with your left hand and taken from your neighbor with your right. Start by using the utensils that are farthest from your plate and work inward with each course. When cutting meat you should only cut two or three bites at a time. When eating soup be sure to scoop away from you and then towards your mouth. Finally, be sure to take small bites and eat at a reasonable pace.

4) Preferences

If you are served something that you do not like, you should not mention that you do not like the food, be sure to only compliment the food that is served. Just leave unwanted food on your plate. Finally, during most meals that are served in a formal dining setting coffee and tea will be offered when the main course is being served. For tea point the handle of the coffee cup toward you and for coffee point the handle of the cup toward the center of the table.