The dining table is one of the most important places in a home where people come together to share a meal and connect. However, there are certain table manners that we should all be aware of to avoid committing faux pas that could embarrass ourselves or others at the table. Here are five things you should never do at the dining table:
Don’t use your napkin as a diaper. Your napkin is meant to be used to wipe your mouth or hands only. Using it for any other purpose, such as wiping your nose or cleaning up spills, is considered impolite.
Don’t use the table as an elbow rest. Resting your elbows on the table while eating can give the impression that you are not interested in the meal or the conversation, and it could be perceived as rude.
Don’t be overreactive when you spill something on yourself or anyone else. Accidents happen, but it’s important not to make a big fuss when you spill something. Simply apologize and try to clean it up quickly and quietly.
Don’t talk to your hands when you are holding cutting boards. While cutting and preparing your food, it’s important to focus on the task at hand and not engage in conversation until the knife is down. Talking while cutting may cause an accident or injury.
Don’t reach across the table to get salt. If you need something that’s out of your reach, always ask someone to pass it to you. Reaching across the table is considered impolite and could disrupt the flow of the meal.
By adhering to these simple dining etiquettes, you can create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at the table.
As a society, we should aspire to display the same level of civility and respect at the dining table as we would in any formal setting. The table is a shared space where individuals are expected to exhibit proper manners and etiquette. There are a few common practices that we should avoid to maintain a level of decorum at the dining table. Here are five things you should never do when dining with others.
