Table Manners: General Information & Scenarios
Table Manners: Self-Control
Table Manners: Good Hygiene
Table Manners: Being Polite
Setting the Table
100
What are table manners?
Table manners are the polite behaviors and social rules you must follow while eating with others.
100
What should you do if you need to blow your nose, burp, cough, sneeze, spit out food, use the restroom or touch up your make up while at the dinner table?
Ask, "May I please be excused?" Although it's most polite to try and wait for everyone else to be finished if you can help it.
100
What should you do before you eat?
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
100
Which way do we pass serving dishes when seated at the table?
We pass serving dishes to the right so that everyone has a chance to take a helping and to avoid a "traffic jam" of dishes all in one place at the table.
100
True or False:
The spoon is placed to the right of the knife.
True. The spoon is to the right of the knife.
200
What rule does this picture represent and why is it important?
Chew with your mouth closed. It is important because it is gross to see the food someone else is chewing. Food can fall out of your mouth and make a mess. You could also choke.
200
There are 12 people at your table and only a small bowl of your favorite mashed potatoes. Should you take as much as you would like or take a little bit and hopefully get more after everyone has been served some?
It's tempting to take as much as we would like, but it's considerate to make sure there is enough for everyone. In this case you should take only a little bit and maybe take a little more of a dish that there is plenty of.
200
What hygiene habits should we use to be sure we are well-kept during meal time?
Comb/brush our hair, wear clean clothes, and wash our bodies regularly.
200
True or False:
At a formal family dinner like Thanksgiving, it's ok to start eating before everyone else gets their food?
False. You should wait until everyone gets their food before you begin eating.
200
On what side of the plate does the fork go?
The left side of the plate.
300
What is the name of the person who cooks the meal and what should we say to them?
The host. Make sure to thank them and offer to help clean up when the meal is over.
300
Why is it important to take small sips of drinks and small bites of food?
Take small sips of drinks and small bites of foods so that you do not choke, spill, or overstuff your mouth.
300
Where do you place your napkin while eating and why?
On your lap to catch any crumbs or spills from getting on your clothing. You should not put a dirty napkin on the table because it is soiled and carries germs.
300
If the host is serving a new food you have not tried before, what should you do?
Take a small portion to see if you like it. You can always get a second helping if you do. If you don't like it, then you aren't being wasteful.
300
On what side of the plate does the knife go?
The knife goes on the right side of the plate.
400
The server at the restaurant brought you the wrong order. What should you do?
Politely say, "Excuse me, but I ordered the ___."
400
Describe what it looks like to sit at the table nicely.
Hands and body quiet, keep your feet on the floor, sit up straight in our chair.
400
You should not use your hands to eat most meals/foods, always try to use your knife and fork first. Name two foods you do not eat with a knife and fork?
A bread roll, sandwich, hamburger, hotdog, ice cream cone, french fries, etc.
400
What should you do after the meal is over?
Pick up your plate and silverware when everyone is finished. Scrape off remaining food items into the trash. Rinse the plate and silverware in the sink and then place them in the dishwasher.
400
Does the salad fork go on the inside or the outside?
The outside because you start with the silverware on the outside and work your way in. The salad is generally served at the beginning of the meal.
500
Your younger cousin overfills his plate and then inhales his food quickly. He gets up from the table and sits on the couch playing his DS while the rest of the family is at the table. What 4 mistakes did he make in using good table manners?
Overfills his plate, eats too fast, does not excuse himself from the table, and is playing DS and not conversing with family.
500
What are two tips for talking to others at the dinner table?
Use a calm, quiet voice and talk about appropriate topics.
500
It is important to only touch the piece of food you are going to eat. Never touch someone else’s food. If two pieces of food are stuck together, what should you do?
Use a napkin or utensil to separate them. You can also ask someone else if they would like to take the other piece of food so you can pull it apart together and only touch your side.
500
We should only say polite things about the food that is served to us when speaking with the host/cook. If you are offered more of a dish that you don't like, what could you say to be sure you aren't served more without hurting the host's feelings?
No thank you. I am full/stuffed.
500
Name one of the two places the appetizer or bread plate can go.
Above the fork or on top of the dinner plate.