Proper Etiquette Know-How is a Must

Having appropriate etiquette can help other people's first impression of you. Table manners can even be more hygienic. There are two main different ways to set a table, formal and informal.

Etiquette is especially necessary when you are dining out, or having a formal dinner with some important person.

Informal Etiquette

Informal table settings are usually used when you are dining with your family or friends.

These type of dinners can be an everyday thing, and are not as elaborate as a formal table setting.

Placing an Informal Table Setting

The informal table setting includes; silverware (a salad fork, regular fork, dinner knife, and a spoon), a plate, and two glasses (a water glass and a red wine glass).

The forks are placed on the left of the plate as shown, and the knife and spoon are placed to the right of the plate.

Red wine is placed above and to the right of the knife, and the water glass is placed above and to the right of the red wine glass.

If you desire, the red wine glass can be taken out, or substituted for a glass of juice.

Napkins can be placed in three different places, on the plate, underneath your forks, or on the left side of the forks.

Etiquette for Everyday Situations

• Before you leave the table, remember to say "may I be excused?"
• Watch the pace of others while they are eating so that you won't be done eating your food way before they are.
• Wait until the host and hostess have taken the first bite before you begin to eat.
• Remember that food is passed to everybody's right.
• Remember to keep your elbows at your sides (and not on the table).
• Keep your hands to yourself and don't reach across the table because you could put your arm in someone's food, or knock a glass of water over.
• Wait until everybody is finished eating before excusing yourself from the dinner table.
• If you are not going to eat a certain part of your food, simply put it back on the edge of your plate.
• While you are at the dinner table, refrain from touching your eyes, teeth, face, mouth, or nose.
• When using your silverware, start from the outside and work your way in.

Formal Etiquette

Formal table settings are usually used for formal events like weddings and anniversaries.

A formal place setting is similar to the informal place setting, but it has a few additions.

The formal place setting includes; silverware (a salad fork, regular fork, dinner knife, and a spoon), a plate, and three glasses (a water glass, white wine glass, and a red wine glass).

The formal place setting includes three plates, a regular plate, a service plate which is used for salad, and a bread plate.

This type of place setting also includes a name card, which gives guests designated seats.

The forks are placed on the left of the plate and service plate as shown, and the knife and spoon are placed to the right of the plate and service plate..

Red wine is placed above and to the right of the knife, and the water glass is placed above and to the right of the red wine glass. The white wine glass is placed above and to the left of the red wine glass.

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