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Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.
Contents
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• 1 United Kingdom
• 2 North America
• 3 India
• 4 China
• 5 South Korea
• 6 See also
• 7 References
• 8 External links
[edit] United Kingdom
In the UK, the host or hostess takes the first bite unless he or she instructs otherwise. The host begins after all food is served and everyone is seated.[1] Food should always be tasted before salt and pepper are added. Applying condiments or seasoning before the food is tasted is viewed as an insult to the cook, as it shows a lack of faith in his/her ability to prepare a meal.[2] In religious households, a family meal may commence with saying Grace, or at dinner parties the guests might begin the meal by offering some favourable comments on the food and thanks to the host. In a group dining situation it is considered impolite to begin eating before all the group have been served their food and are ready to start.
When eating soup, the spoon is held in the right hand and the bowl tipped away from the diner, scooping the soup in outward movements. The soup spoon should never be put into the mouth, and soup should be sipped from the side of the spoon, not the end.[3] The knife should never enter the mouth or be licked.[1] Food should always be chewed with the mouth closed.[4] Talking with food in the mouth is seen as very rude.[1] Licking ones fingers and eating quickly is also considered impolite.
On formal dining occasions it is good manners to take some butter from the butter dish with your bread knife and put it on your side plate (for the roll). Then butter pieces of the roll using this butter. This prevents the butter in the dish getting full of bread crumbs
References: 9. ^ "Miss Manners" syndicated column, by Judith Martin, Universal Press Syndicate, June 18, 2009 10. ^ "Humble reader sees the light" 13. ^ [2][dead link] 14. ^ Emily Post 's Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners, Completely Revised and Updated by Peggy Post (Harper Collins 2004)