Etiquette Knowledge Base
Etiquette Knowledge Base : Table Manners & Dining Etiquette
Q. Is it considered rude to take a sip of your drink while still chewing?
A. It is considered good manners to wait until you have finished chewing and have swallowed your food before taking a sip of your beverage.
Q. What is the correct position for a coffee cup in a formal place setting?
A. The coffee cup and saucer is placed to the right of the place setting, to the right of the furthest utensil. Since most people are right-handed, the handle should face to the right.
Q. After the completion of a formal dinner, where do you place your utensils?
A. Place the knife and fork parallel to one another across the plate with the knife blade facing inward toward the plate. Position the knife and fork in the position of ten o’clock to four o’clock. For more information on dining etiquette, please consult the Manners 2000 Volume 1 Social Graces and Table Manners Video.
Q. How should I fold a large napkin before placing it in my lap?
A. Large dinner napkins should be folded in half after opening and before placing on one's lap.
Q. Is it proper for a woman to apply lipstick at the table after a meal?
A. It is appropriate for a woman to excuse herself and apply lipstick in a private area such as a restroom.
Q. When should the host/hostess of a dinner party be served?
A. The host hostess of a dinner party should be the last one served. If the meal is getting cold, the host/hostess may state something to the effect, "Please begin while the food is still warm".
Q. At a formal dinner party, how do I properly serve and remove the dishes and glasses?
A. When entertaining formally, dishes are presented or served at guest's left and removed from the right side. Glasses are filled from the right.
Q. When dining at a fine restaurant should you eat different types of food on your plate individually or eat all the food groups together?
A. It is appropriate to eat all items together as
Q. Is it considered rude to take a sip of your drink while still chewing?
A. It is considered good manners to wait until you have finished chewing and have swallowed your food before taking a sip of your beverage.
Q. What is the correct position for a coffee cup in a formal place setting?
A. The coffee cup and saucer is placed to the right of the place setting, to the right of the furthest utensil. Since most people are right-handed, the handle should face to the right.
Q. After the completion of a formal dinner, where do you place your utensils?
A. Place the knife and fork parallel to one another across the plate with the knife blade facing inward toward the plate. Position the knife and fork in the position of ten o’clock to four o’clock. For more information on dining etiquette, please consult the Manners 2000 Volume 1 Social Graces and Table Manners Video.
Q. How should I fold a large napkin before placing it in my lap?
A. Large dinner napkins should be folded in half after opening and before placing on one's lap.
Q. Is it proper for a woman to apply lipstick at the table after a meal?
A. It is appropriate for a woman to excuse herself and apply lipstick in a private area such as a restroom.
Q. When should the host/hostess of a dinner party be served?
A. The host hostess of a dinner party should be the last one served. If the meal is getting cold, the host/hostess may state something to the effect, "Please begin while the food is still warm".
Q. At a formal dinner party, how do I properly serve and remove the dishes and glasses?
A. When entertaining formally, dishes are presented or served at guest's left and removed from the right side. Glasses are filled from the right.
Q. When dining at a fine restaurant should you eat different types of food on your plate individually or eat all the food groups together?
A. It is appropriate to eat all items together as