Alt Text: Fine dining restaurant

If you’re looking to experience the finer things in life, it’s important that you know how to properly conduct yourself at the table. Regardless of your culinary inclinations, certain courtesies should be observed when dining out.

Some fine dining rules may seem obvious (not chewing with your mouth open or clinking your champagne), but other rules fall into the realm of etiquette, which is to say they might be up for debate. Either way, here are some basic guidelines to remember the next time you dine out in a fancy restaurant or at someone’s house for a formal meal.

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Don’t Lift the Menu

While formal dining, the menus are mostly printed on a thin plastic or vellum paper sheet and placed on the table before guests are seated. Moreover, don’t begin to read the menu before the server comes to your table to take your order. Wait until your entrée has been ordered to begin looking at the menu without lifting it off the table.

Using Your Napkin

As a general rule, you should always use a white napkin when eating your meal. Make sure to place the napkin on your lap before eating, and don’t start your meal before the host.

Avoid tucking your napkin into your shirt or cleaning your mouth or nose with it. Once you’re finished with the meal, you fold and place it back on the table, indicating to your server that you’re finished eating.

Using Silverware

This is where most people make a mistake. When you sit at a dinner table, there are three types of utensils, a butter knife, a dessert fork, and a teaspoon. These are placed to the left of the plate in order of use from left to right. The simple trick to using the cutlery is to use the item on the far end of your plate. If you’re confused about which silverware to use first, make sure to observe other guests or the host.

Ordering and Passing Food

 If there is no set menu, you have to order your own food. Make sure you’re making eye contact with your server and wait for the person before you place their order first. Avoid calling your waiter out loud or gesturing with your hands.

Tips For Eating

Here are some tips you should know:

• Take smaller bites
• Avoid belching
• Avoid using the napkin to directly wipe your mouth
• Make sure you start and finish your meal with everyone at the table
• Use the right utensils

To learn more about fine dining rules and my most incredible travel experiences, join me on my journey by following my blog: Irina Bukatik. I have traveled all over the world and enjoyed the most spectacular travel experiences.

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