Etiquette at the table is very important in social and family gatherings. It not only shows respect for others and self-cultivation, but also makes the dining process more pleasant and harmonious. Here are some basic table manners:
Seating etiquette: After entering the restaurant, you should wait for the host or elders to take their seats first, and then take your seats in order. Be gentle and steady when sitting down to avoid making noises. If it is a round table, the position facing the door is generally the main seat, usually occupied by elders or important people.
Use of tableware: Understand the purpose of various tableware and use knives, forks, spoons, etc. correctly. Knives are used to cut food, forks are used to fix food and put food into the mouth, and spoons are used to drink soup and eat liquid food. Do not wave when using tableware to avoid touching others or making unnecessary noises.
Placement of napkins: After sitting down, unfold the napkin and lay it flat on your thighs. During the meal, if you need to leave your seat, you should put the napkin on the chair to indicate that you will come back; after the meal, fold the napkin and put it on the table.
Ordering Etiquette: When dining with many people, everyone's taste and dietary taboos should be taken into consideration when ordering. Don't just order the dishes you like, and don't be too extravagant. You can ask others for their opinions and choose the right dishes together.
Dining Etiquette: When dining, you should maintain a good posture, sit up straight, and don't lie on the table. When chewing food, keep your mouth closed to avoid making noises. Don't eat fast, chew slowly and enjoy the deliciousness of the food.
Catching Etiquette: When picking up food, use public chopsticks or a public spoon, and don't stir it in the dish with your own chopsticks. Don't put the food you pick up back into the dish to avoid affecting other people's appetite. If you can't reach the food far away, you can ask the person next to you to help pass it.
Don't be picky and don't waste: Try to try a variety of dishes, cherish food, and avoid waste. If you can't finish it, you can take it away.
Conversation Etiquette: You can talk appropriately during the meal, but pay attention to the choice of topics and volume control. Don't talk about sensitive topics or argue loudly to avoid affecting others' mood for dining. Don't talk when you have food in your mouth to avoid it spitting out.
Drinking etiquette: If you drink, drink in moderation and don't drink too much. Pay attention to the order and etiquette when toasting, and don't force people to drink. Don't force people who don't drink.
Leaving etiquette: After the meal, wait for the host or elders to leave first, and then leave in turn. When leaving, thank the host and other diners, and tidy up your seat.
By following these table etiquette, you can not only improve your personal image and cultivation, but also promote family harmony and social harmony.