UTENSILS
Once you use your knife, where should it be placed?
On the edge of a plate or saucer, NOT directly back on the table
When should you place your napkin in your lap?
As soon as you sit down at the dining table.
What is the proper way to eat bread or rolls?
Break into small bites and butter each just before eating
True or False – If asked a question by your host while eating, you should answer immediately.
False, you should finish chewing and swallow your food before anwswering.
The golden rule of dinnertime conversation: Never talk more than you _______.
Listen
If there are multiple utensils next to your plate, which do you use first?
You should always work from the outside in.
If you excuse yourself from the table for a moment, where do you place your napkin?
On your chair
What should you do if someone asks you to pass the salt?
Always pass the salt & pepper together, even if both are not requested.
If in doubt of proper etiquette at some point during the meal, what should you do?
Follow the lead of the host.
True or False - It’s acceptable dinner etiquette to check your phone under the table as long as no one notices.
False - Leave your phone in your bag or pocket. If you are expecting an important phone call, politely excuse yourself and leave the room before answering any calls. Do not text during a meal.
If you do not care for something you just put in your mouth, what do you do?
Remove it the same way it went in, on your fork/spoon; then discreetly discard it at the edge of your plate.
True or False – It is OK to dip your napkin in your water glass and dab at a spot on your clothing.
False, if you spill something on your clothing, excuse yourself to the restr
True or False – It is ok to cut meat into small bites at the start of a meal.
False, meat should only be cut into 1 or 2 pieces at a time
How should you properly ask for something to be passed from the other end of the table?
Ask the person next to you, "Would you please pass the ________? Thank you!" That person should, in turn, ask the person next to them.
Which topic is the safest "go-to" dinner topic?
(Hint: It was also featured in one of your speeches.)
Travel stories
Where should your utensils be placed when you have finished your meal?
All utensils should be placed beside each other, diagonally across the center of your plate.
Once finished with dinner, where should your napkin be placed?
Placed loosely on the table next to your plate
What is the proper way to get the last of the soup out of your bowl?
Tilt the bowl away from you to get the last of it with a spoon. DO NOT slurp from the bowl or soak it up with bread!
When dining with a large group, when is it acceptable to begin eating?
When 3 or 4 people near you have been served, or when your host gives permission.
You’re at a dinner party, and someone drops a spicy political opinion. What's your best move?
Change the subject smoothly
There are two forks beside your plate; what are each called?
The first, smaller fork is the salad fork. The inside, larger fork is the dinner fork.
True or False – Gently blotting your mouth is the proper way to use a napkin during a meal.
True
When a lady approaches or leaves the table, what should gentlemen do?
Gentlemen should stand even if the lady gives them permission to remain seated. The gentleman to the right of the lady should assist with her chair.
Your mother always said, “Elbows off the table,” so what about your wrists?
It is acceptable to rest your wrists on the edge of the table.
What’s the polite way to handle a conversation you’re not interested in?
Redirect politely or ask neutral questions