etiquette scholar / dining etiquette / table manners
Table Manners
Table Manners During the Meal
Main Course
If you order for yourself, you can avoid potential difficulties by ordering food that is easy to eat and that you know you will enjoy.
Clearing the Plates
- If the meal is formal, plates will be removed by the staff.
- At informal meals, the hostess will probably clear the plates, possibly with one or two guests helping.
- At a family meal, members clear their own plates.
Want more table manners tips? See our table manners tips section for our list of the best 100 table manners tips.
How to hold your knife, fork
and spoon.
What to do with your napkin and
how to handle bread properly at
the table.
Passing food, when to start
eating, and the meal's end:
- Mike Lininger, Editor, Etiquette Scholar
If you find any typographical errors, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies, or if you just have something to add, please email us.
