I'm Jamila Musayeva, an international social etiquette consultant and author of the book "Etiquette: The Least You Need to Know." In this article which is culled from my Youtube video on this topic, I will be discussing the basics of dining etiquette and what you need to know to enhance your dining experience.

But before we dive in, let's address two common questions. Firstly, what are table manners? Table manners refer to your behaviour around a dining table, including how you hold cutlery, how you eat, and the type of conversation you engage in.

Secondly, why are table manners important in today's world of casual and informal dining experiences? The truth is, good table manners make you and those around you feel comfortable and at ease, regardless of the occasion or degree of formality.

So, whether you are dining in a casual or formal setting, it's important to put your best foot forward and showcase your good manners. In this article, I will be sharing some essential tips on dining etiquette that will help you master the art of dining with ease and confidence.

Seating Arrangement

When it comes to seating arrangements, guests should wait for their host to gesture towards a seat or indicate where they should sit. For hosts, they should always point out the seat intended for their guests. The general rule is that guests get the best seats, usually facing the main area or entrance. If there are multiple guests, the guest of honour should get the best seat.

Once seated, there are a few rules to remember: sit straight with your shoulders back, leave some space between the back of the chair and your back, avoid placing your elbows on the table while eating, but it's acceptable to do so during conversation breaks.

Additionally, according to American dining etiquette, keep your hands on your lap when not using cutlery, while in French dining etiquette, it's customary to rest the wrist on the table to keep your hands visible to others at all times.

Setting Up the Table

When it comes to setting up the dining table, it's important to remember that anything that does not belong to the dining experience should be kept away from the table, including your phone and bag. It's best to silence your phone and put it in your pocket or bag. For larger bags, you can place them on a special little chair or use a bag holder. Small bags like clutches can be placed on your lap and covered with a napkin.

Once seated, there are a few rules to follow, such as sitting straight, leaving some space between the back of the chair and your back, and avoiding placing your elbows on the table while eating.

The dining table should be set up with essential items like a napkin, plate, soup spoon, salad fork and knife, main course fork and knife, dessert fork, dessert spoon, bread plate, and butter knife. Glasses should be arranged in order of height, and it's advisable to use a trick like making letters with your fingers to remember which glass belongs to you.

When it comes to eating, it's best to watch your host and follow their lead. You should also know how to use different cutlery and glasses for different courses. When you're done eating, you can indicate to the waiter that you're expecting the bill by making eye contact or raising your hand at your elbow.

Once you've paid the bill, it's time to leave, and you should take your napkin, fold it neatly, and place it on the left side of your plate. If you were invited to a dinner, it's always a good idea to send a thank you message to the host the next day and consider sending flowers with a handwritten thank you note.

These small gestures go a long way in showing appreciation and respect. Remember, dining etiquette is all about showing respect for others and making the dining experience enjoyable for everyone.