How to Maintain Proper Etiquette at a Fancy Dinner

Got an important dinner party coming up? Do you need to impress an employer or new in-law at the table, and need to make sure you don't mess anything up? Here are five easy-to-remember tips which will help you impress your fellow diners, and keep you looking cool and confident throughout the evening:

Sit up straight! Keeping perfect posture will impress everyone at the table. Keep your shoulders back and your head held high. Fold your hands elegantly in your lap and be sure not to lean on the table. Excellent posture is extremely flattering, and will make you look gorgeous and confident. Slumping over the table will not do you or your fancy clothes justice, so I encourage you to think about elongating your spine and sitting up while seated at the table.

Eat slowly! If you're intending to make a good impression on the people you're dining with, I suggest you focus more on the conversation than the food. Eat slowly and casually, but when engaged in conversation, set down your fork and maintain good eye contact with the speaker. Make whoever is talking feel like the most important person in the room, and you're likely to end the evening on very good terms.

Use your napkin! When dining at home we sometimes forget the most basic social conventions. Your napkin is there for a reason! If you're trying to impress someone with your manners, remember that it's never ok to wipe anything on your hand, arm, or sleeve, and that a napkin should stay in your lap until it's needed, and return there when you're finished with it.

One thing at a time! Never take a sip of your beverage while there's still food in your mouth, or attempt to speak before swallowing. Put down your fork or spoon when reaching for your glass or napkin, and don't hold a glass or utensil in the air while speaking. A common mistake is for people to spear a piece of food, and absentmindedly wave it around while pontificating to a neighbor at the table. This is very poor etiquette, and should be avoided, even if one of your dining companions is doing it. Simply remember to take your time while eating, and you'll maintain a very elegant presence at the table.

Be polite - to everyone! If you're in the sort of situation where you're being served by waiters or caterers, make sure you say please and thank you to them for even the slightest favor, like re-filling a water glass. It's never attractive to be snobbish and impolite, and your companions will notice and appreciate your refined manners, and look forward to dealing with you in the future.

As a final note, even though you've read this article and are now prepared to display absolutely flawless table manners for the rest of your life, I urge you not to use your newfound manners against your fellow diners! If a friend seated next to you has poor posture or doesn't acknowledge a waiter who's taken her plate, do not attempt to correct her behavior! Your good manners are your own business; pointing out the flaws of others is not your job, and won't earn you any friends.