Table Etiquette Tips

Before & During the Meal

Phones away: Silence and stow your phone completely. Never place it on the table where it can distract from conversation.

The Napkin rule: Unfold your napkin and place it on your lap immediately after sitting.

Follow the outside-in rule: If faced with multiple forks and spoons, use the utensils furthest from your plate first, and work your way inward for each course.

Pass thoughtfully: Always pass food to the right (counterclockwise). When passing salt and pepper, hand them as a pair rather than setting them directly on the table for the next person to grab.

No over-reaching: Never reach across someone's plate to grab food or condiments; ask the nearest person to pass it.

Chew and converse quietly: Always chew with your mouth closed, and never talk while you have food in your mouth.

Bring food to you: Sit up straight and bring your food to your mouth rather than leaning down and bringing your face to the plate.

Utensil Placement & Resting Positions

When taking a break to drink or speak, indicate to your server or host that you are pausing rather than finished:

The Resting Position: Place your fork and knife in the center of the plate, with the tips pointing toward each other (like an inverted 'V') or at an angle, so they are not hanging off the edge.

The Finished Position: Place your fork and knife parallel to each other at the 10:20 or 4:00 position on your plate, which clearly signals you are done eating.