Mind Your Manners
People used to be very uptight and particular with the way the dining experience should go. There were a ton of rules, many that make sense, but far more that were just over the top. That’s why we have compiled a list of 20 table manners no one follows anymore. Let's all laugh at the ridiculous dining rules everyone was expected to follow.
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1. No Elbows on the Table
Elbows should never be placed on the table. It’s seen as a sign of laziness and lack of enjoyment during the meal.
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2. Using the Proper Fork for Each Course
During formal dining experiences, you should be using the proper fork for each course. There are specific forks for salads, fish, desserts, etc. Using the wrong one was seen as inappropriate and ill-mannered.
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3. Waiting for the Host to Start Eating
You are supposed to wait until the host has brought all of the food to the table before beginning to eat. It is seen as a sign of disrespect.
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4. No Talking with Your Mouth Full
Never talk with your mouth full. It is considered both impolite and unhygienic. It is also difficult for people to understand what you are saying.
5. No Slurping or Making Noise While Eating
Eating is supposed to be a silent activity. Making too much noise or slurping your soup is seen as distracting and disrespectful.
6. Using a Napkin Properly
Napkins are supposed to be placed on your lap during the meal to catch any food that would otherwise fall on your lap. This also hides the dirty material from the view of everyone else at the table.
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7. Cutting One Bite at a Time
Traditionally, use are supposed to cut each piece of food one at a time, rather than all at once. It was simply seen as polite as it slows down the pace of eating.
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8. Serving from the Left, Clearing from the Right
In formal dining, when serving food you are supposed to start at the leftmost person. When cleaning up after the meal, everything should be cleared from the right side first.
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9. Avoiding Political or Controversial Topics
Any topic related to politics or controversial subjects while eating is considered inappropriate. It is thought to be rude as it typically sparks debates and controversial opinions.
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10. Passing Food to the Right
When you are passing food, traditionally you should always be handing it to the person on your right. This is simply done to create order and ensure that everyone gets some of the food passed to them.
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11. Using Utensils in the Correct Hand
No matter whether you are right or left-handed, the fork should always be in your left hand and the knife in the right. This was simply done for aesthetic reasons.
12. Touching Food with Hands
All food should be eaten with utensils. Even foods like bread are never supposed to be picked up directly. This is supposed to minimize the spread of germs from shared foods.
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13. Excusing Yourself from the Table
Traditionally, you are supposed to excuse yourself from the table before leaving so people are aware of where you’re going. It was seen as polite and classy.
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14. Finishing Everything on Your Plate
Leaving leftover food on your plate is a sign of disrespect. It also got people to avoid taking more food than necessary when eating.
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15. Taking Off Hats Before Dining
No hats were allowed at the table. It was seen as shady and impolite when eating.
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16. Waiting for Everyone to Be Served
You are supposed to wait until everyone at the table has received their food before digging in. It is a sign of respect for others at the table who are still waiting to eat.
17. Reaching Across the Table
Never reaching across the table to grab food. Instead, the polite alternative is to ask for the food to be passed to you.
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18. Chewing with Your Mouth Closed
Eating with your mouth open is unsanitary and gross. Food can be accidentally spit out which can be quite unhygienic for others at the table.
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19. Placing Cutlery Correctly After Eating
Each piece of cutlery has its proper location. Traditionally, forks and knives are supposed to be placed parallel to each other on the plate, signalling you are finished eating.
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20. Using a Spoon for Soup
Spoons were specifically designed for soup. Using any other utensils or your hands is poor dining etiquette.
