Table etiquette. Table manners for a real lady. Elbows, distant plates and table troubles

It wouldn't hurt for each of us to brush up on the rules of table etiquette, and perhaps even learn something new about how to behave while eating. The most important rules of etiquette that absolutely everyone should use.

Each of us notices when in a cafe at the next table someone eats sloppily or secretly wipes their hands on their knees. In the same way, other people notice our mistakes; any behavior is striking and can cause embarrassment. Therefore, it is better to check yourself and correct your own behavior if necessary.

General rules apply to any situation; they will never be superfluous. The first thing we pay attention to when we see a person is his posture. Posture characterizes not only a person’s behavior or state, but also reveals the secrets of his character.

An insecure person will fidget nervously on the edge of his chair, a complex person will try to slouch in order to become less noticeable. Sit upright, but so that you are comfortable. Your hands can be placed on the edge of the table or on your knees, and it is better to press your elbows to your sides.

By the way, in order to learn how to hold your elbows near your body, in Soviet times it was advised to periodically train - have lunch, holding a couple of weighty books with your elbows. This is necessary so that the correct bodily pattern is formed, and you hold your elbows flawlessly even when you don’t think about it at all.

The rules of table etiquette cover almost all situations that can happen to a person and give a clear recommendation on what to do in a given situation.

Naturally, table etiquette at home and restaurant etiquette are somewhat different. However, there are rules that are appropriate in any situation:

Don't talk too loudly;
Do not move the fork or spoon with food too far from your mouth;
You should not make sounds while eating;
You should eat calmly, without unnecessary haste.

Restaurant

The rules of behavior in a restaurant imply some composure - you need to behave correctly and with dignity in order to make a pleasant impression on others.

The man must let the lady go first, but if a group of men or women goes to the restaurant, then everyone is on equal terms or relies on the initiator of the dinner.
If several people are supposed to meet at dinner, and some of them are late, then by mutual agreement with the rest of the guests, you can wait about a quarter of an hour for the latecomers. Waiting longer is a sign of disrespect for guests who arrive on time.
If you happen to be late, you should apologize and then simply join the others. You should not draw special attention to the fact of being late and explain the reason, just join in the table conversation.
When a man and a woman meet in a restaurant, the man must read the menu and offer his companion some dishes. For a girl in this case to express her indifference is a sign of bad manners. Etiquette in a restaurant implies the participation of the lady in choosing dishes.
In a restaurant, you should not have a conversation in a raised voice or laugh loudly. If this happened by accident, it makes sense to apologize to other visitors and be quieter. Observe table etiquette, and if someone behaves inappropriately at the next table, you should inform the waiter about it.
You need to start eating when the waiter has brought out the ordered dishes to everyone present. If the person who is waiting for his dish to be prepared does not mind, he can make an invitation to others to start eating.
It is strictly forbidden to perform hygiene procedures at the table - wiping your face, neck and hands with napkins, combing your hair or applying lipstick. If you need to pay attention to your appearance, it is better to do this in a special room. Table etiquette also does not welcome traces of lipstick on dishes. Before starting to eat, the girl must carefully remove the lipstick with a napkin.
Any interaction with food also looks uncivilized - food is on the table to be eaten. Taking photos for Instagram, blowing on the soup, meticulously picking at the salad, commenting on the ingredients is indecent.
If you come across a piece of cartilage or a bone in some dish, you need to carefully return the inedible element back to the spoon and move it to a plate (or napkin).

How to handle devices

Under no circumstances should you check the cleanliness of the cutlery, and if you do notice a cloudy spot on a fork or spoon, you need to quietly draw the waiter’s attention to this oversight and politely ask for a replacement.
In most restaurants, the table is set in advance, and the cutlery is laid out on both sides of the serving plate.
Don’t be confused if there are more dishes on the table than you expected to see - everything has its purpose, and if you are in doubt about which fork or spoon you should take, you can always see how the other guests solve this problem.
Those utensils that lie to the left of the plate are used with the left hand, and those that are laid out to the right must be held in the right hand.
When serving complex dishes, each dish requires its own utensils, so if you are in doubt about which fork to take, take the farthest one - the one that is furthest from the edge of the plate. As you change dishes, you will gradually move closer to the closest appliances.
The knife is used either for cutting food or for spreading pates and butter (for example, during breakfasts). You should not try pieces from a knife.
Meat or fish should be cut sequentially as it is eaten. Cutting the entire portion at once is bad form. It is generally accepted that this way the dish cools down faster and loses its main flavor nuances.

Learn in advance a few differences between different cutlery so as not to get into trouble.

Forks

Second hot dishes are eaten with a table fork; it has four teeth, and its length is slightly less than the diameter of the plate and is placed on the left;
a fish fork is used for hot fish dishes, it looks smaller than a diner and has four short teeth, a fish fork is easily recognized by its indentations - they are needed to separate the bones;
snack fork - a smaller duplicate of a table fork, used to eat cold appetizers;
dessert fork - for pies, small, matches the size of the dessert plate and looks atypical;
a fruit fork equipped with two prongs, usually served with a fruit knife;
the remaining forks are considered auxiliary, they are placed next to the dish that needs to be eaten with them.

Knives

Any second hot dish is eaten with a table knife, it is placed to the right of the plate, the blade is turned towards the plate;
a fish knife is dull and resembles a spatula, used to separate the flesh of fish from the bones;
the snack knife is small and has serrations;
the dessert and fruit knife look similar - they are the smallest.

Spoons

tablespoon - the largest, lies to the right of the plate;
a dessert spoon is served with desserts that do not require cutting - soft puddings, jellies and whipped cream;
an ice cream spoon is served with a bowl;
the cocktail spoon has a very narrow and long handle;
a teaspoon can be served with any hot drink;
coffee spoon is the smallest, served only with black coffee.

Dialogues and behavior at the table

Table etiquette involves not only the use of cutlery, correct positioning and good posture, but also the manner of conducting dialogues and conversations.

It is worth noting that table etiquette strictly prohibits discussing provocative issues that could lead to a serious conflict - therefore, you should refrain from comments about money, politics and religion.

How to behave at the table and what to say? Be sure to look at the person who is speaking to you, listen without interrupting, and only then respond. If you consider some of your interlocutor’s questions inappropriate for a meal, gently suggest discussing this a little later. In all other cases, you should answer easily and naturally.

The restaurant also does not imply heated arguments - refrain from inappropriate comments and lighten the mood with a sweet joke if someone else raises their voice.

You shouldn’t have a conversation with just the two of you; involve the rest of the meal participants in the conversation.. For example, if the conversation is about a recent vacation, you can ask one of the interlocutors whether he is going to go on vacation in the near future or what vacation spots he prefers.

It is also good form in any table conversation to praise the host, cook or initiator of the meeting - find a few kind words to note the general atmosphere of the evening.

A short course in etiquette

Do as the majority does.
Don't point out others' mistakes, as a last resort, you can say this quietly in an undertone and only to your neighbor at the table.
Don't be away from your meal for too long.
When leaving the table, apologize.
Try everything and eat what you like.
Diets, eating disorders, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and diet are not discussed at a common table.

It is better to study some rules of behavior at the table by looking at pictures - look at the basic table setting diagrams, you can also watch a video on how to properly hold this or that device.

Table etiquette is not that difficult if you put a little time into it, and following all the rules will help you present your best self.

Each of us constantly has important events happening in our lives that we prefer to celebrate at the table. It doesn’t matter where you are - in a restaurant with friends, at home with family, at any celebration or banquet - you should definitely know about the basic rules of etiquette, which will not only put you in the best light, but will also please the receiving party.

Below we have selected for you 9 very basic rules that should not be broken.

1. Pay attention to the little things

The first thing you should pay attention to is the small details. If you are invited somewhere, do not delay in responding. Also pay attention to whether the inviter asks you to come in certain clothes. If yes, then try to comply with the dress code as much as possible. If you accept the invitation, do not forget to bring a small gift for the hostess - a bottle of wine or some kind of souvenir. Attention is important here.

2. Pay attention to the napkin

The first thing you should do at the table is place a cloth napkin on your lap. Leave it there until the end of the meal. If you need to step away, leave the napkin on your chair. If it is dirty and you are afraid of staining the chair with it (especially if the seat is made of fabric), then place it to the left of your plate.

3. Understand the devices

If you are at an official reception, then most likely there will be a lot of different cutlery and dishes on the table. To avoid confusion, remember a simple rule: you need to use them from the outside and move inward. That is, you need to start with those devices that lie further from the plate, approaching those that are located next to it. This is the order in which the dishes will be served to you. In this case, dessert cutlery can be located above your plate, as shown in the photo below.

4. Hold appliances correctly

There are two ways to properly hold cutlery. The first is continental (or European) style, the second is American. In the European style, the fork should be in the left hand and the knife in the right. The tines of the fork should be pointing down. After you cut a piece, put it in your mouth. In this case, the teeth should also be facing down, and the back of the fork should be facing up.

In the American style, hold the fork in your left hand as if it were a pen. The knife is still in his right hand. You should hold the fork handle with your thumb and forefinger. The middle and thumb hold the base, and the index finger is located on top. The fork teeth should also face down. After you have cut a piece, move the fork to your right hand and place the food in your mouth.

5. If you take a break, arrange the equipment correctly

If you decide to take a short break from eating, place the utensils at the 3 o'clock position, crossing them: knife to the right, fork to the left. If you want to show that you have already finished eating, place the knife and fork on the plate next to each other, parallel.

6. Take your time to start eating

When everyone is already at the table, take your time to eat. Wait until the inviter starts eating, and only then proceed. This is an elementary gesture of politeness, which is not at all difficult to observe.

Today it is very important to know the rules of behavior at the table. This is one of the necessary branches of knowledge that helps us behave correctly in any situation, because eating is our daily procedure.

The extent to which a person knows the rules of behavior at the table (etiquette) shows the level of his upbringing and can say a lot about him. With this knowledge we make ourselves pleasant to talk to and show ourselves to have good manners. This can be either a dinner in a close family circle, where the rules of etiquette are often not particularly observed, or a meal with colleagues or on a date.

A modern person must follow several standard rules. We are talking about ordinary technical points, observing which we show ourselves in the best light. Here are a few such rules.

Conversation

An important part of etiquette is conversation. Rules of behavior at the table during a conversation also exist, and we are usually familiar with them since childhood.

When someone approaches you at the table with a toast, it is correct to lift the glass from the table and hold it in the air until the person toasting has finished. This is usually followed by the clinking of glasses, and all those dining take a sip from the glasses. By the way, you need to look directly into the eyes of the person whose glass you are bringing yours to. In some countries, such as Germany, looking away is considered rude.
Don't stuff your mouth when you want to address someone or when someone is talking to you. Do not chew when chewing.

Manners

It is important to know how to sit at the table, how to behave during a social event or an informal meeting. In principle, it can be noted that the rules of behavior at the table (etiquette) are no different in both cases. It’s just that some of them are not so strict to implement at informal meetings.

Don't slouch at the table or rest your elbows on it. It would be correct to rest only your wrists on the table or even put your hands on your knees, while pressing your elbows towards you. However, a woman is allowed to lean on the table with one elbow for a short time. The legs should be straight; stretching them out is also considered unsightly.
At events with many guests, dishes must be passed through those sitting next to them. And this is done counterclockwise. That is, you shouldn’t stand across the table to get the salad you want, for example. Just ask other guests to pass it to you.
The host of the evening or dinner begins to eat first.

Napkin

There are separate table manners regarding napkins.

These are simple actions that will demonstrate your knowledge of etiquette.

The napkin should be on your lap. The host of the event takes his napkin first. At the same time, do not make unnecessary sudden movements - shaking or waving; calmly and silently unfold your napkin.
Do not tuck the napkin into your collar or belt, or try to fit it somewhere above your knees.
It is customary to wipe your lips with a napkin before drinking from a glass, as traces of lipstick or fatty foods may remain on it.
If you need to leave the table, leave a napkin on your chair.
When the meal is finished, it is customary to place the napkin to the left of the plate. A napkin that has fallen on the floor should be replaced with a new one by asking the waiter about it.

Cutlery and other items on the table

Of course, an important part of etiquette is the table manners regarding cutlery.

We hold the fork in the right hand and the knife in the left. Golden Rule. For a left-hander, it's exactly the opposite. When pausing to talk, place your cutlery on the plate so that they are completely placed on it.
If you are simply interrupting your meal, fold your cutlery crosswise on your plate; if you are finished with this dish, stack the cutlery horizontally, parallel to each other, so that the handles face diagonally at 10 o'clock (when compared to a watch dial).
If a lot of different cutlery is served on the table, and you don’t know whether it’s a dessert spoon or a soup spoon, for example, then there is one hint: the cutlery is always in the order in which the dishes will be served. That is, the first device from the plate is used first, and so on - until the last one.

Table manners: how to eat?

Do not finish the dish completely without leaving a trace of it. Leave decorative elements on the plate.
All dishes served in restaurants are eaten using cutlery. Special, exotic dishes that you may have eaten with your hands at home should also be eaten with utensils that will be served specifically for them.
Before asking for a salt or pepper shaker, you need to taste the dish. Even if you know for sure that it will be undersalted. The demonstration of such “foresights” also indicates a lack of taste and an attempt to upset the hostess by doubting her skill.
The bread should be broken off with your hands without biting. You should also not dip pieces of bread into a sauce or hot dish.
The rules of table manners say the following: if bread and butter are served with a dish, you need to break the bread into small pieces so that you can eat it in one or two bites, and only then spread butter on each piece.
It is customary to remove bones, cartilage or other inedible elements of a dish from your mouth using a fork: bring it to your mouth and help yourself with your lips and tongue, then place it on the edge of your plate. Of course, it would be better to do this as quietly as possible. It could be an olive pit or a fish pit.
The sauce for the dish is usually served with a special spoon. You need to take such a spoon and place the sauce on the edge of the plate. Don’t even think about dipping food directly into a communal saucepan or pouring sauce all over your dish. Sometimes a gravy boat can be served with a spout and without a spoon. In this case, look at the consistency of the sauce, if it is liquid and served with meat, then pour it over the meat. If it is of normal thickness, place it on the edge of the plate.

It is also important to explain table manners to children from a young age, at least the basics: do not slurp, eat carefully and slowly, sit upright.

Beverages

Don't blow on a hot drink. It's best to wait until it cools to your desired temperature.
Be sure to hold the cup by the handle. Don't grab it with both hands.
If it happens that a drink spills on a saucer, there is no need to wipe it with a napkin. In this case, you just need to ask the waiter to replace the saucer. Of course, you should not dip cookies, cakes or other sweets into your cup of hot drink.

If you want to attract attention to yourself, and you are not at all worried about your reputation, then humorous table manners will help you. In this case, you can do everything exactly the opposite. Just make sure that it is absolutely safe for you and will not affect your future life in any way. This can be done in an informal setting, let’s say you went to visit friends and, in order to show how pleased you are with this visit, nobly “munch” at the table, asserting how delicious it was for you to eat the treats.

Eventually

In our article, we told you the rules of table manners briefly, but there are also more extended versions. But it is important to understand that strict adherence to all these rules is not always appropriate. And if you use them all in an informal setting, it can make you look too pompous. Good things should always be in moderation.

Master4ef

The rules of good manners at the table are instilled in us from early childhood. Knowing how to behave during a meal gives us self-confidence and the opportunity to show our best side in society.

Norms and prohibitions in behavior while eating

The most important thing is to never have a conversation with your mouth full. This not only looks unsightly, but also prevents you from clearly expressing your opinion.
There is no need to try to bite as much as possible at once. With a mouth full of food, you will not only look ugly, but also make yourself look like an ill-mannered person.
It’s also better to forget about the habit of biting bread. Bakery products should be broken off in small portions and placed in the mouth.
It is also important to remember that a meat dish does not need to be cut all at once. Only after eating one piece can you cut off the next one.
You can use your hands for poultry dishes if you hold a knife and fork with them.
The bones from the fish also need to be pulled out with a fork. In rare cases, you can do this by hand. After which they need to be wiped with a napkin, and not licked, as ill-mannered people do.
Side dishes can be pricked with a fork, helping yourself with a piece of bread.
If the dish is made from minced meat and they can be broken with a fork, then you do not need to use a knife.
Eating from a knife is not only dangerous (you can get hurt), but also extremely indecent.
Let us once again remind you of such an important nuance as the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. Even if you feel so uncomfortable, you should practice at home in advance. Confidence comes with practice.
Do not use a spoon if the food can be eaten with a fork.
If you are served compote, then spitting out the bones from the fruit directly into the plate is not the best idea. First, bring the spoon close to your mouth to spit out the bone before placing it on a plate.
You shouldn’t show your greed and take the biggest pieces. From a common plate you should always take the piece that is closest to you.
To avoid embarrassing your tablemates, do not push dirty dishes towards them.
It is not customary to reach across the entire table to the dish you like. Ask for it to be served to you.
Bad habits such as smearing leftover sauce or drinking it off the plate are also prohibited.
Always eat with your mouth closed to avoid making unpleasant sounds.
Dirty cutlery should not be placed on the tablecloth. Leave them on the plate.
You should also be careful not to put the entire tablespoon into your mouth.
Under no circumstances should you lick the spoon, much less the plate, at the end of the meal.
After you have stirred the sugar in the tea, remove the spoon from the cup.
When serving a dish, do not pick at it, trying to see what it is made of, do not sniff or look closely at it.
Even if you didn’t like the treat at all, don’t say so directly. It's best to refrain from commenting.
In order not to show disrespect to the other people sitting at the table, sit up straight and do not cross your legs.

Rules for using napkins at the table

If the napkin is made of fabric, then its purpose is solely to protect clothes from contamination. There is no need to wipe dishes with such a napkin, wipe your lips or hands.
There are paper napkins on the table to clean your hands and lips.
After eating, a cloth napkin is left on the side near the plate. Paper ones are placed on a plate rolled up.

It must be taken into account that you can sit at the table only after inviting the hostess. The duty of men is to help all women by pulling out a chair for each one. You also need to ensure that your back is always straight. Do not stretch your legs under the table, do not put your elbows on the table - all this will not have the best effect on your reputation.

How to use cutlery

Knowing how to use cutlery is an integral part of proper table manners.

If you still can’t remember the purpose of each device, then use them in the order in which they were installed. Starting from the edges to the center.
In order to put something on a common plate, you need to use the utensils that are located near this dish.
When there is a change of dishes and a pause in the meal, the fork and knife are placed crosswise.
At the end of the meal, the cutlery is placed parallel to the plate.

Proper table manners includes much more than the above points. It is important to know not only table etiquette and be able to use cutlery, but also to monitor your manners, behavior and ability to carry on a conversation.

Dinner events are an exam for every person on their knowledge of etiquette and good manners. It’s hard to imagine modern life without going to a restaurant or visiting. Compliance with the rules will help both the guest and the host of the event appear in society as a well-mannered individual with properly instilled communication skills.

What it is?

Often the concepts of “ethics” and “etiquette” are equated or combined. Ethics has a broader meaning; when talking about it, one should keep in mind the personal moral values of the individual. Such human traits are cultivated from early childhood. Typically, the depth and strength of an individual’s morality depend on interpersonal relationships in the family (family model), methods of upbringing, efforts of educational institutions aimed at instilling good manners in schoolchildren, friendly environment, and personal character traits.

Etiquette is a set of specific rules that any well-bred person must adhere to., these are norms of behavior accepted by society for society as a whole or for a specific individual in particular. You can be a highly moral person with extremely correct moral values, but not know good manners. And vice versa.

Table etiquette is the rules of how a person should behave in a restaurant, guests, at a picnic, the order of relationships between men and women, people of different ranks and ages at such events.

Any educated person should know the basics of table etiquette. Anyone who wants to achieve certain heights in life, get promoted on the career ladder, or get into high social circles must learn and follow the rules of good manners thoroughly.

Standards and regulations

You can identify the basic elements of how you should behave during a feast. Such rules are known and understandable for both children and adults. Therefore, you should start instilling good manners in yourself and the younger generation from the following basics:

Compliance with etiquette proxemics. Proper placement of guests at the table is important. Thus, the host of the event has a place at the head of the table, all important, honorary and senior guests are seated near the host on the right and left hand, youth and children are at the opposite end of the table. Sometimes the youngest are given a separate children's table.
It is very important to monitor what intonation prevails in the voice during a conversation, the timbre, volume, tone, and speed of speech. The voice should sound clear, you should not speak too quickly, and loud exclamations are unacceptable. You can't talk with your mouth full.
At the table you need to watch your gestures and posture. You cannot lounge on a chair, put your elbows on the table, sit with your cheek resting with your hand, cross your legs, or wave your arms, especially if they are holding instruments.
At the table you cannot start a conversation that could provoke an argument. Politics, religion, health and money are closed topics of conversation. You also cannot discuss your diet, alcohol restrictions, or foods you are allergic to. You should silently set aside the inappropriate dish and replace alcohol with any other drink.

A linen napkin should be spread on your lap, this will prevent your clothes from becoming dirty, and you will also have the opportunity to discreetly wipe your hands on it.
You can start eating when everyone has food on their plates, and also after the host of the holiday starts the meal.
If while eating you come across a piece that cannot be chewed or a bone, you should discreetly bring the napkin to your lips and remove the inedible element.
During the feast, you should turn off your phone or put it on silent mode. Under no circumstances should you place it next to the plate on the table.
A woman should place her handbag or clutch on a chair behind her, and a large bag on the floor or hang it on the back of a chair. Sometimes restaurants offer a special chair for bags, you can use it. You cannot even put bags and packages on the table for a while.
If cutlery or food falls on the floor, you should not focus on this; you need to call the waiter and ask him to bring a new one. You cannot bend under the table and pick up a fallen object.
You should not use a toothpick at the dinner table. When there is a pause in the conversation, you need to apologize and leave the table. You can remove a stuck piece of food in the restroom.

The host of the event should not place toothpicks on the dining table; their place during the feast is the bathroom. The same rule applies if there is a need to clear your nose. Blowing your nose at the table while eating is indecent, and this gesture will also be unpleasant for other guests.

Good manners for a meal

Before going to an event, you should become more aware of its nature. This can help in choosing an outfit, and for women – also in choosing hairstyle and makeup.

If the event is of an official nature, most likely all guests were offered programs. They usually indicate the start time, the time of the entertainment or official part, the time of the buffet and the end of the evening.

Informal gatherings are often more intimate and relaxed. Men can neglect ties, and ladies wear floor-length evening dresses. However, this does not exempt you from observing etiquette at the table.

A date in a restaurant: rules for a man and a woman

Usually, at the entrance to the restaurant, guests are greeted by a hostess or head waiter. An employee of the establishment offers his customers free tables and calls the waiter to take the order. If such a position is not available, you can ask any waiter to help you find a place or decide on your own. The man accompanies his lady to her place, usually on the left, and helps her sit on a chair.

The waiter brings the menu and gives the guests time to make a choice. The right of primacy in choosing a dish belongs to the woman. That being said, there is a common mistake that women often make. It is absolutely forbidden to say “Order something to suit your taste.” Correct interpretation – “Please advise what is best to order? "
The man makes the order to the waiter after listening to the woman’s wishes.
Girls should not choose dishes that are too cheap; this may hint to a man that, in her opinion, he is not wealthy enough. But choosing the most expensive dishes for a woman can cause unnecessary speculation.

The specifics of the restaurant should be taken into account. If the event is held in a Mediterranean restaurant, you do not need to order borscht or dumplings.
If the choice is difficult, you can call the waiter, clarify what ingredients are present in the dish, what is the cooking time.
You should not address the waiter first name; usually the employees of the establishment have a name badge with their name written on it.
While waiting for an order, you should start a small talk. The topic of the conversation should be general; you should not go into details or go deeper. The interlocutors should look each other in the eyes, speak quietly so as not to disturb others, and also create an intimate atmosphere for the date.
While the dishes are being prepared, the waiter may bring a bottle of wine as an aperitif. A male guest should not uncork it himself, nor should he pour the drink. This is the waiter's job. There is no need to wait for the waiter to pour a second glass. The lady is served first, then the man can pour himself a drink. The glass should be filled a little less than halfway.
The glass should be held by the stem with three fingers. Thus, it will remain as clean as possible, and this is important for the aesthetic component, which is key to the concept of etiquette.

To notify the waiter about a change of dish, you need to place cutlery diagonally on top of the plate. A fork and knife connected at the free end indicate that the meal is not over yet. It should be remembered that it is strictly forbidden to put cutlery on the table after use; their place is only on the plate.
You should not try your partner's dish. The only way to know what it tastes like is to order one.
In a restaurant, it is customary to eat slowly, enjoying the taste and the process. Even if the feeling of hunger is very strong, you should follow your partner’s pace, otherwise he will perceive this as an escape or a desire to quickly leave the restaurant.
When dinner is finished, the napkin is placed to the left of the plate.
The gentleman pays first. A woman should not interfere, asking “How much?” “or try to pay for your half by putting money into the man’s pocket.
If a man and a woman have a friendly relationship, it is possible to pay the check 50/50, then the man, having examined the check, tells the woman the amount of her order, and they agree on a tip.

A business meeting

In the modern world, very often business meetings take place in restaurants and cafes. This is especially true during international visits in the interests of business. The receiving party introduces the partners to the customs and culture of their country. In this case, the invited party should familiarize themselves with the traditions before the event so as not to offend their partners. Generally speaking, the following rules must be observed:

First of all, a business meeting is a solution to a business issue. If it does not take place at lunchtime, then you should limit yourself to a cup of coffee or tea.
When meeting with a partner, you should adhere to the main principle: time is money. You can begin to resolve the issue immediately after the greeting, without being distracted by small talk.
After discussing the issue, you should briefly summarize the meeting; if there is time left, move on to abstract topics in order to maintain personal relationships.
During international feasts, the inviting party pays. If a business meeting is limited to coffee or tea, then everyone pays for themselves.

Customs of different countries of the world

Historically, food intake among different peoples of the world developed in its own way, taking into account national characteristics, the structure of life, the influence of conquerors, cultural and historical facts. In many countries, the rules of table etiquette overlap with each other. Thus, a general international etiquette can be identified, but there is always room for originality.

In Russia

Russia is a large international country in which pan-European norms of behavior at the table have been officially adopted. However, given that there are more than 190 nationalities in our country, when traveling around it, you can encounter unusual traditions and norms of behavior at the table.

The Tatars place great importance on etiquette at the table. The head of the family starts the meal first, only then the rest of the family members and guests. They leave the table only when the head of the family has left. Praise is offered to Allah before and after meals.

The peoples of the Caucasus have other characteristics. Each family member has his own role, which must be respected without controversy. It is worth noting an important feature: men and women in the Caucasus do not eat together at the same table. Men eat food first, only then women and children.

Any large feast in the Caucasus must have a manager - a “toastmaster”. The oldest and most honored guest of the event can become a toastmaster. He makes toasts and gives others the right to speak. A Caucasian feast without toast is not a feast. They are distinguished by extraordinary pomp and exaltation of the master's merits.

Among the Mongolian and Buryat peoples, a guest at the table is first offered a bowl of tea or vodka. The guest, having taken the bowl, must put the thumb of his right hand into the drink and splash it towards the fireplace. It is interesting that this custom has actually been preserved in some places to this day. Of course, the customs of many nations are gradually weakening, and more and more families are beginning to adhere to European standards of etiquette.

However, when traveling across vast Russia, you should study the peculiarities of life of the local residents before heading to one or another corner of the vast homeland. This knowledge is necessary in order not to offend or offend the hosts, as well as to show respect for their culture and traditions.

In France

For those lucky enough to receive an invitation to dinner in France, it’s worth knowing:

Lunch and dinner in France always begins with an aperitif; it is selected depending on the region. The French don’t need a reason to drink a glass of wine; they start drinking wine from adolescence. The wine is selected strictly for the dish that is expected. If it is fish - dry white wine, meat - dry red.
The French usually eat out, as they don’t usually cook. Cafes, bistros and restaurants host meetings with friends, relatives, and just family dinners. Sometimes men and women visit cafes to drink a cup of coffee and read a book or newspaper.
The French also love family holiday dinners. They usually consist of several servings, each of which contains several dishes. The feeding process itself is carried out from right to left.
While guests are being served a new dish, you should not keep your hands under the table or on your knees - such a gesture can be regarded as distrust. You should lower your wrists to the corner of the tabletop.
Large feasts among close friends and relatives are held with complex table settings, and all generally accepted norms of etiquette are observed.

You should be careful when using spices. You shouldn’t be too zealous - this may offend the hostess or cook, as it can assume that you didn’t like the dish, that they want to “embellish” it.
In France, it is not customary to ask for more wine or a change of wine. The French believe that only a specific wine can be consumed with a specific dish. Also, do not add ice to a glass of wine. Temperature changes will affect the experience of the drink, and melting ice will change the taste.

In general, French etiquette has the same basic aspects as in Russia and throughout Europe. In the customs of this country, it is not customary to rush, so the French are very attentive to all table rules and strictly follow them; a guest of this country must also show respect for the culture and remember etiquette.

In England

The British are very scrupulous about observing etiquette, especially at the table. Even among close friends and relatives, dinner follows all the rules of good manners. It can be said that The main rule of etiquette in England is adherence to etiquette.

At the table you should use utensils according to their intended purpose. The knife is held strictly in the right hand, the fork in the left. It is not allowed to rearrange the cutlery; in addition, the sharp end of the knife and fork always faces towards the plate.

An unusual rule, but if the invited guest is allergic to any ingredient or has special food requirements, the hosts should be notified 2 days before the event. At a large table in England it is unacceptable to have an intimate conversation with only one guest, The topic should be common to everyone, and you should not contact a stranger.

You should not reach across the table to take any dish; you should ask for it to be passed. However, you are also not supposed to pass it back; you must place the plate in an empty space next to you.

Each time a new dish is served to a guest, you should say “thank you.” If there is a common dish on the table, you should not put too much on your plate, you need to put enough so that after the end of the feast the plate is clean. Otherwise, the owner may think that the guest did not like the dish.

In Korea

In Korea, it is also not customary to leave uneaten rice or too much of another dish on your plate. Also, you should not use a spoon and chopsticks at the same time, stir the soup with utensils, select certain pieces and separate them from the main dish. Everyone needs to finish lunch at the same time.

Sometimes in Korean restaurants the waiter serves the table without leaving the table. His task is to ensure that guests always have food on their plates. Therefore, a satiated guest needs to leave a small piece of the uneaten dish, which will be a signal that the supplement is no longer required. The same rule applies to drinks.

After the end of the feast, the chopsticks or spoon should be returned to their original position, where they were before the start of the event. The eldest person at the table usually pays the bill, rather than everyone paying for themselves.

In China

The Chinese are very jealous of their traditions and customs, strictly follow them themselves and are very happy when foreign guests try to adhere to them.

The Chinese begin their meal with flower tea. This drink acts as an aperitif and also entertains the crowd until the rest of the invited guests arrive.

In Chinese etiquette, the shape of the table is important - it is always a circle. The country's traditions are very symbolic. So, the circle is the earth, fertility and femininity. The center of the table rotates around an axis, and since all dishes are common, it is very convenient to rotate such a center in order to bring the desired dish closer. Despite the fact that all dishes are common, anyone can make an individual order, but it should be taken into account that everyone can also eat it.

The Chinese, like the Russians, love to toast and drink alcohol at the table. During the toast, you must stand, and then lightly clink the edges of your glasses. You can only drink from a full container; if the glass is half empty, you should wait until the person responsible for pouring the drinks fills it.

The Chinese will be very pleased if foreign guests use chopsticks while eating. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to hold them correctly. Both convenient and correct. However, it is very uncivil to use such a traditional device for other purposes. You should not use sticks as a pointer, chew them, or just put them in your mouth. During breaks between dishes, chopsticks are placed on a special stand; they cannot be left on the plate, and sticking them into food is offensive.

First, the first courses are served - soups, which are the only portions, then the “main food” - rice or noodles, and the evening ends with dessert. You shouldn’t eat too much and overeat; a feast in China is an occasion to taste different dishes and enjoy their taste.

In Turkey

Turkey's national customs are gradually being replaced under Western influence. Restaurants and behavior there have completely adopted the rules of international etiquette. But in Turkish houses you can still encounter the fact that the owners observe the peculiarities of life that personify the history of the country.

For those who were invited to visit, you should know:

When entering a Turkish house, you should take off your shoes on the threshold in front of the door. It is unacceptable to enter a house or apartment wearing street shoes.
Turks eat at a low round table, sit cross-legged on the floor, with their feet hidden under the tabletop.
You should never refuse food offered, as this may offend the hosts. You should try at least a small piece and praise the dish.
Turks serve common dishes on a tray. Each guest fills his plate with his hand or spoon. You should not choose “better” pieces - this is also indecent.
The meal should begin after the approval of the head of the family.
The feast usually lasts at least two hours. Turks follow the order of dishes, so after the main serving there is a serving of tea, coffee, and sweets. They eat leisurely, enjoying the process.
It’s also not worth staying for a long time visiting. You should politely thank them for lunch or dinner and leave.

Compliance with generally accepted international rules of etiquette is the best proof of good upbringing. Any country in the world will appreciate good manners. Tourists and foreigners are often forgiven for not knowing the peculiarities of the country’s traditions and way of life, but they should not abuse their position.

There are several rules that should be followed when visiting another country or in an unfamiliar company:

You can bring dessert for tea and give it to the hostess when you meet;
You should not sit down at the table before the host invites you;
You should not start eating before the owner starts;
There is no need to build a mountain of food on your plate; it is better to put a little of each dish, eat it, and only then reach for more. This method will protect you from overeating and will also allow you to leave your plate clean;
Don't ask too many questions to the hosts or other guests;
You should always be modest and friendly, be sure to thank the owners and note the culinary talent of the hostess.

In a difficult and incomprehensible situation, adhere to the principle of common sense. The main task is not to cause inconvenience to others, even if you have to sacrifice your well-being.