As Trinis we tend to be more easy-going and less formal but when the occasion arises it’s good to know the proper dining etiquette and table manners to be followed.
So here are some top table manners tips:
Napkin Etiquette
At informal meals, place the napkin in your lap immediately upon seating. During formal occasions, before unfolding the napkin, wait for the hostess to remove her napkin from the table and unfold it in her lap.
1. Place the napkin in your lap upon seating.
2. When leaving the table temporarily, put the napkin on your chair.
3. At the meal's end, fold your napkin and place it to the left of your place setting.
Handling Utensils
The continental style prevails at all meals, formal and informal, because it is a natural, non-disruptive way to eat.
1. Hold your fork in your left hand, tines downward.
2. Hold your knife in your right hand, an inch or two above the plate.
3. Extend your index finger along the top of the blade.
4. Use your fork to spear and lift food to your mouth.
At informal meals the dinner fork may be held tines upward, American table manners style.
The Table Setting
Deciding which knife, fork, or spoon to use is made easier by the outside-in rule – use utensils on the outside first and working your way inward. So, if you are served a salad first, use the fork set to the far left of your plate.
Your water glass is the one above the knife in your place setting and your bread plate is to the left.
When to Start Eating
At a small table of only two to four people, wait until everyone else has been served before starting to eat. At a formal or business meal, you should either wait until everyone is served to start or begin when the host asks you to.
Resting Utensils
When you pause to take a sip of your beverage or to speak with someone, rest your utensils in one of the two following styles:
Continental Style: Place your knife and fork on your plate near the center, slightly angled in an inverted V and with the tips of the knife and fork pointing toward each other.
American Style: Rest your knife on the top right of your plate (diagonally) with the fork nearby (tines up).
When each course is finished:
Place the knife and fork parallel with the handles in the four o'clock position on the right rim of the plate.
Passing Food Etiquette
Pass to the right (if the item is not being passed to a specific person). One diner either holds the dish as the next diner takes some food, or he hands it to the person, who then serves herself. Any heavy or awkward dishes are put on the table with each pass.
Soup Etiquette
Hold the soup spoon by resting the end of the handle on your middle finger, with your thumb on top. Dip the spoon sideways at the near edge of the bowl, then skim away from you. Sip from the side of the spoon. To retrieve the last spoonful of soup, slightly tip the bowl away from you.
Refusing a Dish
If you're allergic to a food or on a restricted diet, explain to your host (not to the table at large) why you have no choice but to decline.
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