Etiquette Corner

If you’re a little clumsy at times and tend to spill that glass of water all over the table, it’s O.K. Just simply and politely ask your server to clean up the mess for you. However, you should only use your napkin to protect yourself from spills instead of cleaning up the mess with it. [...]

Nowadays, it seems like EVERYONE owns a cell phone. Kids, younger and younger are getting them, and bringing them EVERYWHERE with them, and using them CONSTANTLY. However, when you are at the table, it is proper etiquette to turn off your cell phone, or switch it to silent, or vibrate mode before sitting down to [...]

When you are out to eat, and are a guest, it is polite to take your cues from the host/ hostess. When you arrive at the table, allow the host to indicate where they would like you to sit. If they do not, then you are welcome to take a seat where you would like. [...]

If you ever order soup as an appetizer, or as your main entrée, make sure you DO NOT SLURP the soup from your spoon. The proper way to “eat” your soup is to spoon the soup AWAY from you when you take it out of the bowl, then SIP it from the side of the [...]

It has always been my practice to put salt in the shaker with larger and fewer holes to accommodate the grains of salt, which are larger and heavier than pepper. Also, the fewer holes in the salt shaker will help monitor how much you put on your food. If the salt ends up in the [...]

Most restaurants you go to have your silverware rolled inside of a napkin, and all you do is unroll your napkin and dump all your silverware onto the table. However, if you’ve ever been to a really nice restaurant, the silverware is usually set out for you. When you sit down, you could see up [...]

Ever wonder whose bread plate is whose, or which drink is yours and which drink is your neighbor’s? Well, follow this rule of thumb and you’ll never wonder again: Hold up your hands as if you’re giving someone a high ten. Bring your forefingers to your thumbs. Do you see a letter “b” in your [...]

To start a meal, the knife and fork should always be held in a certain way: with the handles in your palm, with your forefinger on top of the handle, and your thumb on the bottom of the handle. The tines should be pointing down. The knife should be in your right hand and your [...]

As soon as you sit down, unfold the napkin and place it onto your lap. At some fancy restaurants, the server will do it for you. The napkin should stay there until the end of the meal. If you need to get up at anytime, just simply place the napkin tidily off to the side [...]