Dining etiquette is an essential part of refined social interactions, and even Hollywood stars like Zendaya can benefit from brushing up on their table manners. In a recent video made for Vogue India, Zendaya took on the challenge of trying different kinds of Italian food while answering questions from her fans. While her enthusiasm for the cuisine was evident, there were a few etiquette lessons that we can all learn from her experience.

Let's dive into the video and examine some of the do's and don'ts of proper dining etiquette.

1. Keep Unnecessary Items off the Table

One fundamental rule of etiquette is to keep anything unrelated to the meal off the table. This includes cutlery, utensils, and especially personal devices like phones. However, in the context of Zendaya's video, where she was interacting with her audience, we can understand the exception made for her phone usage. That being said, waving a fork while speaking is considered improper. While it's acceptable to use hand gestures while talking, utensils should be set aside during such moments to maintain decorum.

2. Cheese Board Etiquette

In the video, Zendaya indulged in some cheese from a cheese board. While her method seemed casual and enjoyable, there are more refined ways to handle this delicious treat. Instead of directly applying cheese to a large piece of bread, it is advisable to break a small piece of bread that can be consumed in one bite. Use a knife to cut a portion of the cheese and transfer it to your plate. Once it's on your plate, you can delicately combine the cheese and bread to savour the flavours. Sharing a cheese board with others requires the use of a specific knife provided with the board for hygienic reasons.

3. Elbows Off the Table

Zendaya's relaxed demeanour led her to rest her elbows on the table throughout the video. While this might create a casual atmosphere, it is important to remember the basic rule of etiquette: no elbows on the table when food is present. Once the meal is finished, it becomes permissible to rest your elbows while engaging in conversation. However, when dining, keep those elbows off the table to maintain proper decorum.

4. Graceful Bread Consumption

Another etiquette misstep we noticed in the video was Zendaya's approach to eating bread. She took large bites from the bread, resembling a sandwich. To enhance the elegance of the dining experience, it is recommended to break small, bite-sized pieces of bread with your fingers. This allows for more manageable and refined consumption, ensuring a neater and more enjoyable dining experience.

5. Transferring Rice Balls

In one episode, Zendaya astutely uses a fork to transfer rice balls to her plate. However, to avoid stained fingers and maintain an elegant appearance, a slight modification can be made. Instead of using her finger for support, a knife can be employed. By piercing the rice ball with a fork and using the edge of the knife as support, the transfer becomes clean, neat, and more refined.

6. Eating Rice Balls with Finesse

Zendaya's choice to eat the rice ball solely with a fork is permissible and can be considered a suitable method. However, if the crust is slightly harder, using a knife can make the process easier and less messy. By piercing the rice ball with the fork, cutting it with the knife, and then using the fork to transfer it to the mouth, the eating experience becomes both graceful and enjoyable.

5. Gesturing and Holding Utensils

Throughout the video, both Zendaya and Hayley are seen gesticulating while holding their forks. While it's important to express oneself, it is advisable to maintain a certain level of etiquette. When speaking, it is recommended to hold the fork closer to the plate or above it, without raising it too high. Alternatively, one can pause with the fork in a rest position and use hand gestures to articulate points effectively.

6. Handling Large Bites

In another episode, Zendaya takes a large chunk of a rice ball and covers her mouth while chewing, causing a momentary pause in the conversation. To ensure seamless interaction during meals, it is advisable to take smaller, bite-sized pieces. By chewing quickly and responding promptly, one can maintain an engaging conversation without hindrance. Remember, the purpose of dining is primarily to socialise, not solely to eat.

7. Understand Eating Styles.

Zendaya's approach to eating lasagna reflects the typical American style, also known as the zigzag method, where she alternates between the fork and knife in a continuous back-and-forth motion. This involves cutting a piece of lasagna, placing the knife on the edge of the plate, switching the fork to the right hand, and savoring each bite in a rhythmic zigzag pattern.

On the other hand, the European style, known as the graceful continental approach, offers a more refined and effortless approach. By holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right hand, one can cut a small piece of lasagna and continue eating without switching utensils. This elegant style minimizes excessive motion, creating a composed and sophisticated dining experience that exudes grace and charm through its simplicity, although it's important to remember that there's no universally "correct" way of eating.

8. Avoiding Unpleasant Sounds.

One aspect of impeccable table manners is minimising any unnecessary sounds while eating. Zendaya's video highlights the importance of avoiding the distinct noise that occurs when teeth come in contact with a fork. To prevent this, it's recommended to use your lips and tongue to transfer the food from the fork to your mouth, ensuring the utensils don't touch your teeth. By adopting this technique, you can enjoy your meal without drawing attention to any disruptive sounds, allowing for a more pleasant dining experience.

9. Indicating Finished

Zendaya's video also showcases a common mistake made when indicating that you have finished your meal. She pushes her plate away, suggesting she is done. However, proper etiquette advises against moving your utensils, cutlery, or dishes at the table. Instead, to signal that you have finished, position your utensils in a finished position, indicating to the waitstaff that you have completed your meal. It's important to maintain the integrity of the table setting and avoid disrupting the service staff's responsibilities.

10. Navigating Messy Dishes

In another episode, Zendaya is seen enjoying pasta with pesto. While her enthusiasm is evident, her eating technique could benefit from refinement. Ideally, when eating pasta, especially spaghetti, it's best to use only a fork. Avoid using a knife unless explicitly necessary. By mastering the skill of eating pasta with just a fork, you can gracefully enjoy these dishes without worrying about accidental spills or messy eating. This knowledge is particularly valuable in formal dining settings, such as business lunches or dinners.

12. Using The Napkin The Right Way

Throughout the videos, Zendaya's use of the napkin presents a mix of correct and incorrect practices. It's crucial to start any meal by unfolding your napkin discreetly and placing it on your lap. Zendaya's initial oversight in this regard highlights the importance of adhering to this basic rule of dining etiquette. Furthermore, tucking a napkin into your shirt, as Zendaya did while eating pasta with pesto, is generally considered poor table manners. Unless you are a child or dining on messy foods like lobsters, avoid using a napkin as a makeshift bib, as it portrays a lack of refined dining habits.

Conclusion

Mastering dining etiquette is a valuable skill that can enhance your personal and professional relationships. By adopting small adjustments to your eating habits, such as using a knife for support, cutting food into bite-sized pieces, and engaging in smooth conversations while dining, you can exude elegance and charm.

Remember, dining etiquette is not about rigid rules; it is about creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for yourself and those around you. So, savor your meals, engage in delightful conversations, and let your refined dining etiquette shine through.