How to Act at a Dinner Party
Unfold your napkin and place it on your knee., Wait your turn for food., If there are lots of different sets of cutlery beside the plate, start at the outside and work in., Hold the knife and fork with the handles in the palm of the hand, forefinger...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Unfold your napkin and place it on your knee.
Use it for occasionally wiping your lips or fingers once seated.
At the end of dinner, leave the napkin tidily on the place setting. -
Step 2: Wait your turn for food.
It is traditional to serve the most senior lady at the table, then the other ladies in descending order of rank (usually equating to age unless you have royalty staying), and lastly the gentlemen.
Never start eating until the hostess begins to eat, then you may. , If in doubt, have a look to see what the other guests are doing/using. ,, When you have finished eating, place them side by side in the center of the plate. , In the event of being presented with a dish which you feel unable to eat, it is polite to at least make some attempt to do so.
Or at the very least, cut it up a little, and move it around the plate! It is quite acceptable to leave some food to one side of your plate if you feel as though you have eaten enough.
On the other hand, don’t attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as though you haven’t eaten in days! , Dinner parties are not just about the food; they are intended to be a sociable occasion. ,, -
Step 3: If there are lots of different sets of cutlery beside the plate
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Step 4: start at the outside and work in.
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Step 5: Hold the knife and fork with the handles in the palm of the hand
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Step 6: forefinger on top
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Step 7: and thumb underneath.
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Step 8: While eating
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Step 9: rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate between mouthfuls.
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Step 10: Try your food.
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Step 11: Make polite conversation with those guests around you.
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Step 12: Make a point of thanking the host and hostess for their hospitality before leaving.
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Step 13: Send a personal note to the host and hostess shortly afterwards thanking them for the pleasurable evening.
Detailed Guide
Use it for occasionally wiping your lips or fingers once seated.
At the end of dinner, leave the napkin tidily on the place setting.
It is traditional to serve the most senior lady at the table, then the other ladies in descending order of rank (usually equating to age unless you have royalty staying), and lastly the gentlemen.
Never start eating until the hostess begins to eat, then you may. , If in doubt, have a look to see what the other guests are doing/using. ,, When you have finished eating, place them side by side in the center of the plate. , In the event of being presented with a dish which you feel unable to eat, it is polite to at least make some attempt to do so.
Or at the very least, cut it up a little, and move it around the plate! It is quite acceptable to leave some food to one side of your plate if you feel as though you have eaten enough.
On the other hand, don’t attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as though you haven’t eaten in days! , Dinner parties are not just about the food; they are intended to be a sociable occasion. ,,
About the Author
Jerry Griffin
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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