A Brief Introduction To Dining Etiquette
By Cheow Yu Yuan
Dining etiquette has always been important. People are generally judged about their cultural level depending on how elegantly they eat and use silverware. The rules for silverware have evolved for many years. Correct posture is very important. One needs to sit up straight, not too close and not too far from the table. Keep elbows off the table. The napkin should be folded in half and placed on the lap to protect clothing from any unexpected spills.
The dining etiquette is very detailed about everything. For example, the roles of different pieces of silverware are very precise. The knife only “assists” the fork. It is wrong to cut everything with the knife at once. It is appropriate to cut small, bite-size pieces one at a time. Breads also should be broken off by bite-size pieces. To spread butter, the piece of bread should be held with left hand on the side of the plate for convenience.
There is a long list of rules on how to eat soup. First of all, there is a special spoon for soups. The soup should be eaten from the edge of the spoon, holding it parallel to the mouth. When there is a little left in the bowl, it should be titled away. Then it is easier to fill the spoon with the remaining soup. Second course etiquette requires more wisdom. The knife should be held in right hand, handle in the palm, index finger placed where the blade begins. The fork in left hand, index finger placed where the fork just begins to curve.
When cutting food, the utensils should be angled slightly. When utensils are on the plate parallel to each that, it is a signal that one is done with the meal. There are special utensils for different dishes, such as fish, seafood, meat and poultry. There are special silverware for desserts and snacks. For dishes that do not need to be cut, only forks should be used. If necessary, break off a piece of bread and “help” to put food on the fork.
When it comes to drinks, there is one rule: the stronger is the drink, the smaller is the glass. The glasses are usually placed in the following order in the front of the plate: a champagne glass, a glass for red wine, a glass for white wine, a glass for fortified drinks, a glass for vodka and a glass for juice or water.
Dining etiquette is not only the rules for eating at the table. It is the ability to make a good impression on others while socializing during a meal.
About The Author
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