Rules for the behavior of children at the table. Lessons in etiquette and good manners. Modern rules of table etiquette

For 7 centuries in a row it has been believed that the main indicator of a person's upbringing is his ability to behave at the table. The word "etiquette" originated during the reign of the world famous French king Louis XIV. Guests invited to his banquet received a label card in their hands, on which they signed the rules of conduct. The word "etiquette" came from the name of this very card. In this article, we will take a closer look at modern rules of etiquette at the table with a photo.

There are two main ways to use cutlery:

  1. Continental(common in Asian and European countries): the knife and fork should be kept in hand until the meal is over.
  2. American, according to which it is permissible to put the knife aside if you are not going to use it temporarily (in this case, it is placed on a serving plate with the tip inward, with the handle on the edge).

Consider the classic version table etiquette how to use cutlery. The main points are presented below:

  1. How to use forks:
  • if the fork is long, it has 4 cloves, and it lies to the left of the plate, then this is a dinner fork - you need to eat the main course with it (the snack fork looks exactly the same, but its size is much smaller - you need to choose it when you are served cold snacks) ;
  • a fork with 4 cloves and recesses, which is somewhat smaller in length than a dining fork, is used to eat fish dishes (the cloves are designed to separate the bones from the meat);
  • the dessert fork is thin and small, instead of 4 cloves it has 3;
  • there is also a special fork to eat fruit, it does not look like a dessert fork, but it does not have 3 cloves, but 2.
  1. How to use spoons:
  • a large tablespoon, lying to the right of the serving plate, is designed to eat soups and other liquid hot dishes with it;
  • a dessert spoon is designed to eat gluten-free sweet dishes that do not need to be cut with a knife (it has a long handle and a small cup);
  • a teaspoon is served exclusively with hot tea, and a coffee spoon (it is the smallest) is only served with black coffee.

  1. How to use knives:
  • a knife that is turned with a blade to the plate, in addition, it is located on the right - this is a device designed to eat second hot dishes;
  • the fish knife is blunt, it looks more like a “shovel”, its purpose is not to cut, but to hold the fish in order to remove bones from it with a fork;
  • the knife for snacks and desserts has a small shape, in addition, it has teeth on the blade.

If you can’t keep all this information in your head, then remember one secret how to use cutlery: they are always placed on the table in the order in which they need to be used. Always take the most extreme devices initially. After you finish your first course, these utensils will be taken away from you along with an empty plate.

Now let's figure out what to do with appliances after eating according to the rules of etiquette at the table:

  • if you have already finished eating, you need to fold the fork and knife so that they are parallel to each other with cloves and point up (fork on the left, and knife on the right);
  • if you are delighted with the dish you have eaten and want to signal this, it is not necessary to run to the chef, place the knife and fork on the plate parallel to each other, but so that the cloves are directed to the right (the fork must be placed on top and the knife under it) - the waiter will see this and convey your admiration to the author of the culinary masterpiece;
  • if you decide to pause during the meal, then place the fork and knife on the plate with the tip to each other (outwardly, it should look like the fork and knife form the letter “L”);
  • if you have finished the first dish and are waiting for the second, place the knife on the plate so that its blade is directed to the left, and place the fork perpendicular to the knife with the teeth up.

How to behave at the table in a restaurant: rules of etiquette

In public establishments, such as a restaurant, you need to behave accordingly. Be sure to check in advance basic rules of table etiquette in a restaurant, so that you are perceived as a person from high society:

  1. If a man invited a woman to dinner, then he must enter the restaurant first. If there is a porter in the restaurant at the entrance, then the man is obliged to let the lady go forward, help her take off her outer clothes, take her to the table, ask her where she wants to sit, move the chair away so that the lady sits on it.
  2. The man should sit either in front of the lady, or on the left side of her.
  3. Dinner must be ordered by the person who initiated it. Usually it's a man. He can only offer the woman to choose something from what he personally chose. According to table etiquette, girl she should not be capricious, talk about her illnesses, that she went on a diet or became a vegetarian. It is necessary to politely choose something from what her companion offers her.

  1. A person sitting at a table in a restaurant should watch their posture. The back should be even, but at the same time it should not seem from the outside that you are uncomfortable. Be at ease, confident, but do not relax.
  2. Immediately place a napkin on your lap to sit on your serving plate.
  3. If it so happened that you were brought a dish earlier than your companion, do not start eating it. Wait until the food is served to all participants in the meal.
  4. If a woman has made up lips, then she needs to go to the ladies' room to get rid of lipstick, because traces of it on the dishes are considered a sign of bad taste. And in general, any hygiene procedures at the restaurant table cannot be done. For these purposes, go to the toilet. But before you leave the table, you need to apologize.
  5. It is not allowed to take pictures of food and drinks during a meal in a restaurant. Such behavior is considered immoral in high-level establishments.
  6. If you come across something inedible in a dish, carefully remove it from your mouth, but not with your hands, but with a spoon.
  7. If some cutlery accidentally fell from your table to the floor, you do not need to pick it up. Call the waiter and ask him to bring you others.
  8. If a very hot dish is brought to you, wait until it cools down. You can’t blow on food, serbat, and generally make some sounds in a restaurant. It's not good, according to table etiquette rules.

  1. The fork must be held with the left hand during the meal, and the knife with the right. If the dish can be eaten with an ordinary fork, nothing needs to be cut, then it can be held in the right hand.
  2. If you eat meat, then cut off one small piece from it, which you will immediately eat. Cut slices should not remain on the plate.
  3. To eat pasta, you need to use a fork. Pasta is wrapped around it. If the dish is buried in the sauce, it is preferable to use a spoon.
  4. If there is a bread product on the plate with your dish, then you need to break off slices from it and eat them gradually. It is impossible to bite off a whole piece of bread or take it in hand.
  5. You need to chew food with your mouth completely closed.
  6. If you haven't finished your soup, it's okay. Yushka at the bottom of a soup bowl is considered the norm. If you want to finish eating, then tilt the plate away from you and scoop out the soup with a spoon.
  7. Don't lean too far over the plate. You must carefully bring the fork or spoon with food to your mouth.
  8. If you have something stuck in your mouth, do not remove anything with your hands. Use a fork, preferably at a time when no one sees it.

  1. Hide your phone somewhere so it doesn't bother you. If he calls all the time, it will look impolite. In this case, pick up the phone and ask to call you back later. Excuse yourself if you need to clear your nose or clear your throat and leave the table.
  2. Do not pass the dish, salt or pepper directly into the hands of the person who asked you for it. It will be right if you just put the item or food he needs next to his plate.
  3. Behave at the table calmly, do not gesticulate, so as not to accidentally break something.
  4. In no case should you put your elbows on the table. Hands should not touch the table at all while eating. Women are only allowed to lean slightly against the table with their hands.
  5. Bags, wallets, phones and other things should also not be left on the table.
  6. During the meal, you can communicate with a companion, but on those topics that will not provoke a scandal between you or disputes.
  7. After the meal is over, do not leave the dishes. Everything should remain on the table as it is.
  8. Do not forget to leave a tip to the waiter after dinner (this is about 10% of the total bill). If the tip is included in the amount of the check, then it is not necessary to leave additional money.

How to behave at the table at a party: rules of etiquette

When you come to someone's house, even if you were invited by your close friends, this does not mean that in this case it is not necessary to observe table etiquette rules. Be sure to show respect to the hosts and leave a good impression.

Of course, such strict requirements are not imposed on you, as in a restaurant, but a few etiquette rules, how to behave at the table while visiting, you still need to know:

  • do not sit down at the table until you are invited to do so by the owners of the house;
  • if you need any cutlery, or you are asked to pass it, remember to do this in a counterclockwise direction;
  • do not eat with your fork or spoon from a common dish into which, for example, a salad is poured - take a special cutlery and pour the dish off your plate;
  • if the dish is far from you, do not reach for it across the entire table, but ask the person sitting next to you to serve it;
  • drink water or an alcoholic beverage only after you have completely chewed your food;
  • do not talk at the table on political or religious topics, do not discuss diseases, but do not be silent, do not force the owners of the house to entertain you;
  • do not stay at a party until late in the evening (the optimal time to stay at a party is 2-3 hours);
  • after dinner, be sure to thank the owners of the house.

How to behave at the buffet according to the rules of etiquette?

Everyone knows what a buffet is when a lot of dishes are presented, and everyone can choose whatever they want and as much as they want.

It would seem that everything is simple, however, here it is necessary to observe 5 rules of table etiquette:

  1. As soon as you enter a buffet restaurant, look around to understand where and what is located. In many establishments, first courses are located separately from appetizers and desserts. Think about what you would like to eat so as not to overload the stomach with everything at once. Take the plate in your left hand, and lay everything with your right. If you need bread, then you need to take a special small plate for it.
  2. It is not allowed to appear at the buffet in a swimsuit or street clothes. An elegant dress is, of course, also not the best option for a buffet, but the fact that your appearance should be neat is unequivocal.
  3. When helping yourself to a dish, behave with restraint, do not shout, do not push, and do not make a fuss if the dish you wanted to take is over. Step aside, wait a few minutes for the waiters to bring the food you want. Try to make only one approach to the buffet.
  4. After you finish your meal, clean up after yourself. In many buffet restaurants, the waiters do not clean up after the customers.
  5. Do not try to take food from the buffet with you, unless it is provided for by the establishment.

Basic rules of table etiquette for children

As soon as your child turns one year old, you can teach him the rules of table manners. At first, the baby will take an example from mom and dad, so it is important that the parents themselves behave correctly during the meal.

What should the child pay attention to:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before every meal. By the age of two, the crumbs should already develop the habit of observing the rules of hygiene.
  2. The child must know his place at the table. If he is still small, then parents need to seat him in his chair, which should correspond to the height of the common dining table. It is better to place the chair on the left side of the mother so that she can help the child when necessary.
  3. The meal should take place every day at the same time, so that the baby develops a regimen and culture of proper nutrition.
  4. Explain to the baby that you need to start eating after all family members sit down at the table, and the phrase “bon appetit” will sound.
  5. Up to three years, you need to teach a child to use a spoon, up to 5 years - a fork, and after 5 years it is already possible to explain what a knife is and how to handle it. Don't let your child dig into the food with their hands. If he can't handle the kitchen appliance, feed him yourself.

  1. Explain to the baby that you can’t play, sing, dance and talk loudly at the table, especially if your mouth is full of food. After all, it is not only indecent, but also dangerous to health.
  2. Teach your baby that everything that he poured, he must eat. You can't spit food back on your plate, as it's ugly.
  3. The kid should already know at the age of three that after a meal you need to carefully wipe your mouth with handles, and say “thank you” to the one who cooked the food.
  4. Explain to the baby that you can get up from the table only after he is allowed by adults.
  5. You can use innovative technologies in the process of teaching your child. On the Internet, you can download educational cartoons and pictures, with the help of which the child will figure out in a playful and cognitive way what to do while eating. Great way to learn rules of table etiquette - creating a presentation on this topic on a computer (suitable for you if your child is already 5 years old). So the child will be more interesting, because the craving for computer technology in modern children manifests itself at a very early age.

In the modern program of secondary educational institutions, a course is provided for schoolchildren about the rules of etiquette at the table. At the lessons, children are told about the norms of behavior in public places, and in particular, special attention is paid to the topic of how to behave at the table.

Rules of etiquette at the table in pictures

Try to follow all the recommendations that we have given you in this article if you want to be accepted as a well-mannered and cultured person in public institutions. Remember that ignorance and frivolous behavior even while eating is a sign, first of all, of disrespect for yourself, and only then for others. Therefore, behave appropriately so as not to fall "face in the dirt."

Video: "Rules of etiquette at the table"

But here few people understood them in more detail. For many, it is sufficient that they know in which hand to hold a knife and in which to hold a fork. However, this is very little. In this article I want to talk about how to behave at the table correctly.

About etiquette

First of all, it must be said that there are different types of behavior in a particular institution and even in a particular country. If you figure out how beautiful it is to eat, this question will be completely the same for European countries, in which you need to be at least quiet at the table, and for Asian countries, where gratitude to the owner for a delicious dinner is expressed by loud champing and smacking. Also, behavior in a restaurant and visiting relatives at the table may differ slightly.

Restaurant etiquette

Understanding how beautiful it is is very important for those people who visit various restaurants from time to time. So, here it is important to behave correctly immediately after crossing the threshold of the institution. It is important to remember that the head waiter meets guests, tells if there are free seats, and takes them to the desired table. It is also his duty to pick up the outerwear of visitors. Approaching the table, a man (if guests of different sexes have come) must first help the lady sit down, pushing her chair a little, then he sits down himself. It is also important to remember how to sit at the table correctly. As for the position, the representative of the stronger sex should be opposite the woman or to her left. If the lady is a little late, the man can take a seat at the table, but when the head waiter takes her to the appointed place, the guy will definitely stand up as a sign of respect.

Order selection

When the couple is already at the table, the waiter is sure to serve the menu. It is not customary to rush to choose the desired dishes, in such establishments it is not customary to rush. Most often, the waiter will see that the guests are ready to order something, and he himself will come. But you can also call the attendants to you with a slight movement of your hand. The order is made first by a woman, only then - by a man. However, a lady can ask a guy to do it for her, this is also allowed. If the guests cannot decide on the choice of wine, they can ask the waiter for advice. You can also consult with him about a particular dish, this is allowed by the rules of etiquette.

Expectation

How to behave at the table while the order has not yet arrived? At this time, guests can quietly communicate. The waiter will most likely bring the wine first. Only a restaurant employee uncorks bottles; a man should not take off from his place to do this. First, the drink is served to the ladies, then to the guys. As for food, you can start eating only after everyone at the table already has ordered dishes.

rules

Understanding how beautiful it is to eat, it is also important to remember that in restaurants it is strictly forbidden to pick up fallen objects from the floor. The waiter will do it. He must bring a clean instrument. If there was an embarrassment and broke, for example, a plate or a glass, do not worry. Just the restaurant will include its cost in the bill, and the case will be closed. No one will make scandals about this. If you want to salt the dish, and the salt shaker is on the other side of the table, you should not reach out for it yourself, you need to ask the neighbor just to serve what you need. It is also important to remember about decibels: you need to speak in a restaurant in a way that does not disturb others.

How to sit

Understanding how beautiful it is, it is important to remember that you need to sit at the table correctly. So, it is forbidden to put your elbows on the table, fall apart on a chair, swing on it. Also, you can not bend low over the plate. The back of the seated person should be straight, no need to slouch either. However, there should be no tension and rigidity in the posture, everything should be natural. When there is a change of dish, the guest is allowed to lean back a little so as not to interfere with the waiter and to rest a little in a comfortable position.

About food

It is worth remembering that it is not customary to rush in restaurants; dishes are eaten slowly in order to enjoy their taste. If the food is quite hot, you can not blow on it. To cool down, you just need to wait a little, keeping the conversation going. If burning with burning food occurs, you can’t wave a napkin or hands into your mouth, you can only drink everything with water. Various bones, including fruit ones, are strictly forbidden to spit out or remove from the mouth with your hands. For this, a fork is designed, which is gently brought to the mouth and everything unnecessary is added there. If the person did not like the taste of the dish at all, you can bring a napkin close to your mouth and spit everything out there, without attracting the attention of others with indignation about this.

If you need to leave

The culture of behavior at the table has its own recommendations about mobile phones. So, if a guest is called, he can briefly say that he will call back without leaving his seat. However, if the conversation is urgent, be sure to move away. Talking at the table on the phone is a bad form. Also, if you need to leave, for example, to the restroom, you need to ask permission from everyone present at the table. You can also not talk to people sitting at the next table. If these are comrades or you just need to ask something, you need to get up and approach them. In the case when acquaintances enter the restaurant, they should be greeted sitting, with a slight nod of the head. A man gets up only if a lady joins his table. Women do not move in all situations.

End of meal

When the dinner has come to an end, the guests are full and satisfied, they can ask the waiter for the bill, which will mean that their stay in this institution has come to an end. The attendants will bring a folder in which the account will be indicated. It is also important to remember about the tip - 10% of the order value. Who should pay - that's another question. So, in the countries of the post-Soviet space, this is done mainly by men. In European countries, women are actively fighting this, considering it a relic of the past, and there everyone pays for himself. If the dinner was just friendly, you can ask the waiter in advance to bring a personal bill, for each person separately. It is also important to remember about surrender. If it is necessary, the person is simply silent. If there is money in the folder, part of which does not need to be returned, you just need to say: “Without change”, and this will be the end of the matter. It is important to remember that it is necessary to decide who will pay in advance, it is ugly to do this in front of the waiter. You also need to know who to complain to. To talk about everything that you liked or didn’t like, you need the head waiter, not the waiter.

Cutlery

But if all of the above is not too terrifying for the unknowing, then here's how to properly deal with cutlery - this is a whole science. After all, there are a huge number of plates, knives, spoons and glasses of various sizes and purposes. It is elementary to know how to properly hold the fork and how to use it. So, when a person sits down at a table, no matter where it happens - in a restaurant or at home, he must definitely look around. So, according to the rules, a snack plate should stand straight, to the right of it - a pie or napkin plate. To the left of the plate should be spoons and knives, to the right - forks. If all this is observed at the table, we can conclude that certain manners are required from the guest. You also need to remember that a dessert device will be located in front of the plate, most likely a teaspoon. Wine glasses and glasses will stand behind the plate, they all also have their own purpose.

How to use cutlery

So what is the right way to hold a fork? This question often worries people. It is worth remembering that those devices that lie to the left of the plate are taken with the left hand, those on the right - with the right. That's all science. Dessert devices are arranged so that the handle will look to the right or left. Depending on this, you need to decide which hand to take them with. As for the knife, according to the rules, the end of its handle should rest against the center of the palm, the thumb and middle finger are on the sides of the knife, and the index finger is in the center. The rest of the fingers are slightly bent towards the palm. The fork while eating is held so that its teeth look down, the handle, like that of a knife, rests on the palm. In the case when you need to eat small pieces of food, as well as a side dish - mashed potatoes or porridge, turn the fork upside down, and a knife can help in picking up food. The spoon is held in the left hand so that its end is at the base of the index finger, and the beginning is at the middle. If the dish is easily separated, the waiter can serve only the fork, in which case it must be held in the right hand. Now it should be clear to everyone, not only how to hold a fork and knife, but also other nuances of using cutlery. Moreover, it is not as difficult as it might seem at first.

Napkin

When figuring out how to eat beautifully, it is important to know that you also need to be able to manage with a napkin. Often it becomes the subject of table decoration, but at the same time it also has its direct purpose. Before eating, the napkin should be carefully folded in half and placed on your knees with the edge towards you. This will help protect your suit or dress from drips that might spill. You can also wipe your hands or lips with this napkin after eating or drinking. Hanging it by the collar, making a bib, is strictly prohibited. This is both inconvenient and very ugly. Soiled fingers are gently and imperceptibly wiped on the upper edge of the napkin, which remains on the lap. If you need to get your lips wet, the napkin is raised, however, so that it is completely in the palm of your hand, and not hanging. Blot (but do not wipe) the lips with the middle of the napkin, then it is placed back in place. It is strictly forbidden to use it as a handkerchief or towel for wet or dirty hands. Also, you can not wipe the cutlery with a napkin, looking for a speck on them. This can be great to offend the owners. If this item has fallen, you need to ask to bring a new one. At the end of the meal, the napkin is placed to the left of the plate, but never hung on the back of a chair.

About drinks

Everyone understands that proper behavior at the table is the key to a successful evening in a cultural institution. It is also important to give a few words and drinks, as well as the containers that suit them. The main thing is to remember the rule: the stronger the drink, the less capacity it needs. A glass - for vodka drinks, Madeira glass - for fortified, glasses or glasses for white and red wines, a glass or a glass - for champagne. Stronger drinks are served first, then in ascending order. The wine glasses are two-thirds full.

About kids

Etiquette is also important, because kids should also be able to behave correctly in society. However, it should be said that the rules for them will be lighter and more restrained than for adults. And no one should pay much attention to the mistakes of the kids at the table. However, a mother or other parent should quietly make a remark to the baby, teaching him the right behavior. What is the most important thing for children when behaving at the table? It is important that the kids know that at the table you can not talk loudly, laugh, shout. You can not talk with a full mouth, it is ugly and even harmful to the process of eating. Also, you can not champ and smack, it is unacceptable. It is necessary for the child to be told how to properly handle the napkin: it should be used to wipe dirty lips and hands, and when not needed, it should be on your knees. Also, the baby needs to be told that there are dishes that you can eat with your hands, and those for which you need to use cutlery. So, for example, french fries, shrimp, fish sticks can be taken with your hands without problems, you can also grab a cauliflower inflorescence. But this ends the list of products that are taken without appliances. For unknown reasons, babies love to eat spaghetti with their hands, but this is ugly and wrong. The kid needs to be told about this. Children should also remember that they need to stay at the table until everyone has eaten. And, of course, it is important to say “thank you” to the hosts who served. In the case of a meal in a restaurant, “thank you” is said to the head waiter. If etiquette at the table is too hard science for the crumbs, pictures can be a great help in learning. You just need to show the baby a few video tutorials or characteristic pictures, and everything will become clearer to him.

You were invited to dinner - there are a lot of unfamiliar objects on the table. How to use them correctly so that others do not think that you are poorly educated. You can learn the rules of etiquette at the table in a short period of time. It is also easy to learn the rules of table setting and instill good table manners in your child.

Tell

Having familiarized yourself with the rules of etiquette at the table, you will always feel at your place while eating, not only at a party, but also at business receptions and in a restaurant. The key to success will be your confidence and knowledge. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the rules of conduct at the table and try to immediately put into practice the studied material.

As soon as you find yourself at a party, cafe or restaurant, people immediately pay attention to your behavior. How you behave at the table, whether you know how to use the devices correctly - this will help to draw a certain conclusion and understand whether you are a cultured and educated person, or you still have a lot to learn.

Table etiquette culture

Let's start with the main thing - with the general rules. Have you noticed how you sit? The back should be straight. You need to sit not on the very edge of the chair, but in such a way that you feel comfortable. Sitting, bend your elbows so that they are level with the appliances. When there is nowhere to put their hands, they are placed on their knees. In this position, it is convenient to wait for the dish to be served. If you are visiting, then you need to wait until the host of the feast offers to start the meal. It is not necessary to wait for late guests.

Table etiquette says - when the table is large, it is impossible to reach all the dishes, so you need to take only those that can be reached with an outstretched hand. It is impossible to bend over a neighbor and interfere with him. In the event that you wish to take a distant dish, then you can ask the guest who is convenient to serve it to do this. Don't forget to politely thank the person for the help.

According to the rules of etiquette at the table, before the start of the meal, the host must make sure that the table is fully laid.

How food should be served:

  1. According to the rules of table etiquette, dishes are served across the table from the left to the right.
  2. One person can hold the dish, and the second can fill the plate.
  3. If the dish is too heavy and inconvenient to hold on weight, then it can be put on the table.
  4. The tureen must be passed with the protruding part forward to the guest.
  5. When the food on the dish needs to be cut, then according to the rules of etiquette at the table, the person who holds the dish must wait until the neighbor cuts off and puts the food on his plate with common utensils.

Table setting etiquette

Regardless of the organization of the event, you need to set the table according to all the rules. First you need to try to make each guest feel at the table freely. Try to seat guests so that there is a small gap between the chairs.

Now about the most important thing - how to properly set the table. There are many ways to serve: for different times of the day and individual occasions. In addition, the ways of table setting in different countries differ and depend on the customs and culture of the population. We will consider the classic type of serving.

The basis of serving is a tablecloth. More often choose a cloth of light and white color. According to the rules of serving, the corners of the canvas should cover the legs of the table (square or rectangular). The tablecloth should not fall below the level of the seat, a maximum of 25-30 centimeters.

You need to spread the fabric cloth freely at the table, lifting and shaking it from the ends so that air forms between the fabric and the table - this will make it easier to distribute the tablecloth on the surface. You can not pull the canvas by the corners and stretch it.

Napkins play a role in table setting. They can be chosen to match the tablecloth or in a contrasting color.

Cloth napkins (linen or cotton) are used for special occasions, and paper napkins are used for every day. A napkin is placed on a plate rolled up for each guest. A paper napkin is allowed to be placed under the plate on the right side.

Table etiquette. Serving cutlery

When setting the table with cutlery, you need to take into account the number of dishes and their type, and think in advance what kind of dishes you will need. For example, if there are dishes on the table that are customary to eat without cutlery, then you need to put napkins or put a container of water.

How to properly set the table:

  1. Look at the table and mentally divide it into separate zones, taking into account the fact that 80 centimeters of length should be allocated for each person. Place a serving plate - this shallow, large-diameter plate serves as a coaster. The next one is put on it - with food. Puree soup is served in a soup bowl, and the broth is served in a special bowl.
  2. To the left of the serving plate is a bread plate (pie). Next to it is a container with water and lemon slices for rinsing hands if food is eaten with your hands.
  3. Basic cutlery: forks, spoons and knives are laid out on the right and left sides of the plate. The knife is on the right, and the fork is on the left. When dessert is listed on the menu, then the spoon is placed over the plate.
  4. For ice cream, put a teaspoon.
  5. Four glasses of wine and water can be placed on the table at the same time.

Table setting rules for etiquette:

Dinner table etiquette

The design of the table is of great importance. The mood and appetite of family members and guests will depend on how well the table is served.

Dinner table setting:

  1. The table is covered with a tablecloth and a snack plate is placed on it. To her left is a pie shop.
  2. Two forks are placed between the plates: a canteen and a diner, cloves up. On the right is a knife. The blades are located towards the plate.
  3. One glass is placed behind the snack plate, and a napkin is placed on the plate itself. You don't need to unpack it completely.
  4. A vase of flowers is placed in the middle of the table.
  5. When the hostess serves the table, the serving is allowed to be supplemented with cutlery.
  6. The soup is served in special bowls to the right of the seated person. At a festive dinner, preheated soup is poured into a tureen and placed next to the hostess.
  7. If a fruit compote with seeds is served for dessert, then you need to put a bowl on a saucer.
  8. Coffee and tea for all family members are served in a coffee pot, cups and saucers are placed on the table in advance. If the drink is immediately poured into cups, then they are served on a tray along with saucers and spoons.
  9. Sugar is served in a separate sugar bowl along with a spoon.

The day before the proposed feast, review your dishes - they must be clean.

Table etiquette lessons

You need to sit at the table slightly leaning forward. Sit on the entire seat of the chair.

When a person sits at a table, then only brushes can be placed on it, and it is better to press the elbows to the body.

Table etiquette says you can't chew with your mouth open. When you chew food, it is undesirable to talk, there is no need to rush either.

The remains of food between the teeth are taken out with toothpicks, but only in the restroom. If you come across cartilage, then the contents are removed, lowered onto a spoon and transferred to a plate.

According to the rules of table etiquette, the napkin can be removed from the plate when dishes are served. She is turned on her knees. After eating, wipe hands and mouth with a napkin. They do not crush it - they carefully place it on the table. A paper napkin can be wrinkled and put on a plate.

Table etiquette rules:

  • the fork is held in the left hand, and the knife in the right;
  • when using one fork, it is held in the right hand;
  • while chewing food, cutlery is placed on a plate.

Etiquette at the table photo:

Table etiquette: briefly

  1. Bread must be broken off by hand.
  2. Oil is taken with a fork.
  3. Fish bones are separated with a special knife, and meat with a fork.
  4. Soft cheeses are allowed to spread on a slice of bread. Hard cheeses are placed with a fork on a plate.
  5. The broth is eaten with a spoon, meat and croutons are caught with a spoon. First, the broth is eaten, and then the pieces of meat.
  6. Porridge is eaten with a dessert spoon.
  7. A piece of meat is cut off from a piece of meat and brought to the mouth together with a side dish.
  8. Pasta is eaten with a fork. Spaghetti is lowered into the middle of the plate and lifted up to separate a small portion. Spaghetti is wound on a fork and eaten immediately.
  9. The soup is not eaten to the end, and the spoon must remain in the plate all the time.
  10. The kebab is removed from the skewer and put on a plate.
  11. Watermelon slices are eaten with a fork.
  12. Cherries and pitted cherries are taken by the twigs. The bones are first spit into a fist, and then discreetly sent to a plate.
  13. If tea is poured into a glass, then you can leave the spoon, and if it is into a cup, you need to get it. The pieces of sugar do not stir much, but wait until they dissolve.

Etiquette at the table in pictures

Festive table etiquette:

Restaurant etiquette

Have you decided to go to a restaurant? Then you just need to familiarize yourself with the rules of etiquette in advance.

So the man enters first. If the visitors are both women and men, then the one who will pay for the dinner should enter first. In the case when the porter meets you at the entrance to the restaurant, the woman should enter first.

If a meeting with a woman is scheduled in the institution, then the man comes first 5 minutes before the appointed time. He undresses and finds out where his table is. Then you can return to the hall, meet the lady and help her undress.

If a table is booked for several people, then it is allowed to wait 20 minutes for latecomers. After that, you can go to the table.

In the event that a man accompanies a woman, he must give her the right to choose a seat at the table, for example, facing the stage. Seats facing the hall and the entrance are considered convenient. The man should sit opposite or to the left of the lady. If there are two men, then the woman sits between them.

According to the rules of etiquette at the table, the man chooses the menu himself. It is allowed to offer a woman a choice of several selected dishes. She should not choose very expensive and cheap dishes. The phrase: “Order what you yourself will eat” will also be inappropriate.

According to the rules of etiquette at the table in a restaurant, you cannot laugh and talk loudly, as well as lean your elbows on the table. In addition, at the table you can not use a comb, wipe your face with napkins, examine dishes with interest and wipe them. Do not vigorously blow on hot food.

After the ordered dishes are served, you can start eating. If you do not like something in the food, then you can invite the waiter and ask him to replace the dish.

Both men and women are allowed to order alcoholic drinks. The wine can be tasted and after a nod of approval the waiter will fill the glasses. A restaurant visitor has every right to refuse an insufficiently chilled drink.

During and after the meal, cutlery is folded according to non-verbal communication with the waiter:

According to the rules of etiquette, it is forbidden to smoke indoors.

By the end of the meal, you need to decide who will pay for the reception. A man is allowed to pay for a lady if she doesn't mind. By the way, now you will not surprise anyone with the fact that a woman pays herself. She should discuss this with the man in advance.

When paying, you need to look at the check and put the money inside a special booklet or on a plate. Tipping is 10-15 percent of the amount.

Etiquette at the table for children

How to teach your child the rules of table etiquette? Start at an early age. Just when the baby turns a year old - it's time to start. First, it is enough to show the baby how the mother behaves at the table, so that he tries to imitate.

Meal preparation

The kid should know that the main thing in preparing for food is clean hands. When the baby is still small, mom helps him wash his hands. Only after that is it allowed to sit down at the table. Two-year-olds no longer need to be forced to wash their hands, this should happen automatically, on a subconscious level. If the child is lazy, then parents should often remind the baby of the simple rules of hygiene.

Boys from an early age should be taught to be a gentleman, and dad should be an example.

The baby should be seated on a special chair that moves closer to the table. It is desirable for the child to be on the same level with the parents. He should sit on the left side of the mother so that in any situation she can help the baby.
Try to teach the baby to eat together at certain hours. The kid must learn that if food is put on the table, then you can’t pounce on it, you need to wait for permission and after the magic words “bon appetit”, start eating. Also, you can’t grab pieces while mom sets the table. This should be stopped immediately, but not with shouts, but in a calm tone to tell that this is not necessary.

When the baby is sitting at the table, a cloth napkin is placed on his knees, and a paper napkin is placed under the plate. If the child is very small, then they put on a protective bib, but they still put a napkin on their feet. You can wipe your cheeks, mouth and dirty hands with a paper towel.

How to teach your child to use appliances

A child under three years old is given a spoon in his hands, and after three years, you can teach your baby to use a fork. You shouldn't leave your child alone.

A five-year-old child is introduced to the rules of etiquette at the table gradually. Just at this age, you can master a new object - a knife. To make the acquaintance successful, give your child an individual set with bright pens. He will quickly learn to use the devices.

About table manners

Often mothers repeat: “You can’t play with food!”, “Don’t talk with your mouth full!”, “Don’t spin!”.
From an early age, you need to teach your child simple rules of etiquette at the table:

  • they don’t play at the table, they don’t sing and they don’t shout;
  • do not talk with a full mouth;
  • do not dig in the plate with your hands;
  • you can not spit out food;
  • what is on the plate - you need to eat it completely;
  • dirty hands and mouth are wiped with a napkin;
  • after the meal is over, say "Thank you";
  • no need to leave the table until all family members have finished. You can leave only if adults allow.

We teach crumbs etiquette at the table

A good example for a child is his parents. Children quickly absorb the behavior of others, and if it is customary in the family to make noise at the table, take food with their hands, then the child will behave this way. You can avoid this behavior - teach your baby table etiquette in the form of a game. You can plant your favorite toys nearby and, together with your child, “teach” them the rules of etiquette at the table.

In addition, it is advisable to serve food to the child in different dishes and tell what each appliance is for. An older child can be asked to help arrange the appliances. Do not yell at the baby, so he will step back and will not want to continue learning table etiquette.

Etiquette at the table - video

is a set of norms and rules that allow people to simplify the process of mutual communication and eating at the table. In addition, thanks to a person, he is able to master the simplest knowledge regarding the process of serving food and decorating the table.

History of table etiquette

For the first time, table etiquette was discussed in France in the 18th century. Then, in some houses, certain norms and rules were already established, which have come down to the present in a slightly modified form. It is understandable: eras changed - cultural norms and spiritual values ​​changed. Modern at the table are noticeably different from those that were adopted in the XIX century. Then all the actions and norms of human behavior at the table were regulated by rather strict rules and principles.

All cultured people were obliged to adhere to table etiquette, regardless of their political views and worldviews. Aesthetics and cultural traditions dominated the table of the 18th and 19th centuries. Table etiquette of the 21st century is based on expediency and on the mutual attention of all people sitting at the table and taking a meal. In addition, in the modern world, the norms at the table are constantly supplemented and improved. Some of them are completely abolished.

Rules of conduct at the table

Rules for choosing a seat at the table. Table etiquette rules differ depending on the status of the room and the place where the meal takes place. For example, at a home reception, household members, as a rule, should sit down at the table in the same order; at a banquet, it is customary for all invited guests to seat the hero of the occasion or toastmaster, indicating to each his place. In restaurants or cafes, table etiquette, in principle, does not regulate the choice of a particular place occupied by a visitor.

Table etiquette. The rules of behavior at the table during the meal also regulate a certain interaction of a person with dishes. First, all dishes must be clean. Secondly, plates and dishes must be taken from below, holding them with your thumb. In no case should you specifically touch food with your fingers. Cutlery should be taken only by their handles. Glasses and glasses should be taken from below, without running fingers into them.

Rules for serving guests at the table. The first to start eating are the guests sitting on the right hand of the owner of the house. Then the food is served in a circle. If this is a home reception, then the food is served by the hostess. In addition, she must ensure that the plates and guests are constantly filled with food. The hostess of the home reception also clears the dishes from the table. There is one interesting point in home dining etiquette: it is customary to offer all dishes served (except soups) to guests twice.

Sequence of food serving. Cold appetizers are served first, followed by hot appetizers. Next, you should serve the first course, consisting of soup or broth, and after - the second course, which includes fish, meat, mashed potatoes, etc. A sweet dessert is served last, or some fruit is offered, neatly sliced. This order of serving dishes is a classic and should be known to every person.

Rules at the table. It is recommended that guests at the table sit with a slight leaning forward. At the table, while talking with a neighbor, you can not raise your voice and turn around to him with your whole body. You should not pay attention only to yourself at the table - there are other people nearby. You need to keep your legs next to the chair, and not stretch them under the table, touching the legs of other diners. Only the hands should be on, not the elbows. You can not sort out the food on the plate, as well as criticize the quality of the prepared dishes and the culinary abilities of the one who prepared these dishes. It is not customary to sit at the table for a long time. Men should help ladies get up from the table.

If there are no strict requirements for a business suit lately, then table manners, on the contrary, are becoming more and more important. Little has changed over time: good manners are extremely important for any businessman if he wants to impress his business associates. Everyone needs to know the rules of conduct at the table, as this shows the general level of culture and ethics.

At the same time, it is necessary to be aware of the scope of the significance of the rules of etiquette at the table: chewing with an open mouth is a gross violation of etiquette, while the use of the “wrong” fork may not even be noticed.

In any case, it is better not to forget the rules of conduct at the table.

1. Napkin.

  • Lay the napkin in your lap some time after everyone is seated at the table. In addition, you must wait for the owner to do it first. At the same time, the napkin does not need to be shaken to unfold, it is better to do it quietly and calmly. In high-end restaurants, the napkin is unfolded and placed on the waiter's lap.
  • Do not tuck the tissue in the collar, belt, or between the buttons of a shirt or blouse.
  • Before you take a sip of a drink from a glass, wipe your lips with a napkin so as not to leave greasy marks on the glass.
  • If you need to leave and leave the table, leave the napkin on the back of the chair, having previously folded it.
  • Place the napkin to the left of the plate when you finish your meal.
  • If a napkin falls on the floor, ask for another instead of placing a dirty one on your lap.
2. Bread.

  • Bread taken from the common basket, put on your plate, designed for this. You do not need to break off part of the bread for yourself, and put the rest back in the basket: if you took the bread, this is your food.
  • Do not cut the bread in your plate with a knife, break off pieces from it.
3. Devices.

  • If you are not left-handed, hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left hand.
  • Between meals or conversation breaks, put your knife and fork on your plate. They should be placed on the plate as a whole, do not put them so that one edge rests on the plate, the other on the table.
  • Do not lift cutlery high above the plate and do not gesture with them.
  • Do not point at the interlocutor with cutlery, especially a knife.
4. First courses.

  • Do not tilt the plate towards you or away from you, as splashes may fall on either the tablecloth or your clothes.
  • After you've finished your first meal, leave the spoon in the bowl it was served on. If the dish was served in a soup bowl, place the spoon on the dish underneath.
5. Seasonings and sauces.

  • Don't salt or pepper your food before you've tasted it. In this way, you will compliment the chef of the restaurant, as you will show respect for the prepared (and therefore, the appropriate recipe and with the right proportions of spices) food.
  • If you are asked to pass a salt shaker, pass it by holding it as a base, paired with a pepper shaker if it is next to the salt shaker. These items are always served together, even if only one of them was requested.
  • If you use a common open salt shaker, salt should only be taken from it with a clean spoon or knife.
  • If the sauce is served in a common dish, scoop it up with a serving spoon and place it on the edge of your plate. Never soak your food directly in a common saucepan.
6. Handling dishes and dishes.

  • Always pass the dish from left to right - counterclockwise.
  • If you took a plate with sliced ​​​​pieces of food (for example, bread), first pass it to your neighbors on the table, wait until it returns to you, and then take it yourself.
  • Eat everything that is served on a plate with cutlery, even if people at home are used to eating it with their hands.
  • No need to help the waiter by raising a glass, cup or plate in order for him to fill it. Do this only if he asks you to.
  • Put empty sugar bags, plastic containers of milk or cream on the edge of your plate.
7. Seafood.

  • Seafood (shrimp, crabs) is often eaten with the hands. This approach is suitable for a friendly dinner or lunch.
  • If you need to squeeze a lemon onto a seafood platter, cover it with your hand to keep it from splashing on others or in your eyes.
  • After eating with your hands, do not forget to rinse your hands in the dishes brought for this.
  • Rinse your hands properly after eating seafood: dip your fingers in the water, each hand separately, and dry with your napkin.
8. Maintaining a conversation.

  • Do not speak until you have chewed and swallowed a piece of food.
  • Always be aware of who is contacting you.
  • Do not interrupt the speaker.
  • Avoid ambiguous conversations about politics, religion or money.
9. Coffee and tea.

  • Do not hold a cup of coffee or tea with both hands, hold it by the ear.
  • Do not blow on tea or coffee if it is hot, wait until the temperature is acceptable to you.
  • If you spilled tea or coffee on a saucer, do not wipe it with a napkin, ask to bring you another one.
  • Do not dip cookies, cake, etc. into the cup.

10. General rules.


  • It is strictly forbidden to splash, champ, put large portions on a plate, prick large pieces on a fork, eat too quickly.
  • Sit at the table calmly and straight.
  • Hands should always be kept on the table, and not under it.
  • You can not rest your elbows on the table.
  • Don't tap your fingers on the edge of the table.
  • You can not cross your legs under the table, both feet should be calmly on the floor.
  • You can't take off your shoes under the table.
Knowing these rules, you will be able to show tact and respect both to the owner of the home table, and to show the level of culture in a top-class restaurant. Do not forget that the correct behavior during meals indicates your attitude towards partners.