- According to Wikipedia, table manners are “the rules used while feeding, which may also include the inappropriate use of utensils.
- In Western Europe, the host or hostess takes the first bite after all of the food has been served to everyone. If it’s a dinner party, one of the guests begins the meal by thanking the host/hostess and commenting on the food. When holding a fork, the tines are only pointing up as long as a knife isn’t being used. The napkin should be unfolded and left under the plate at the end of the meal.
- In North America, the host shouldn’t have more than 3 utensils next to the plate. If extra utensils are needed, they should be brought out later in the meal. Phones shouldn’t be used at the table, and reading is only allowed at breakfast. At the end of the meal, the napkin should be placed on the table next to the plate.
- In China, none of the dinner guests should sit before or start to eat before the host. After everyone is seated, the host offers to pour tea for everyone at the table, starting with the eldest seated. It’s considered rude for a guest to use his or her personal utensils or chopsticks to take food from communal plates and bowls. The last piece of food on a communal dish can’t be taken without asking permission.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_manners