Table manners

TABLE MANNERS

Eating and drinking are not the only necessities, there are pleasures people like to enjoy together that cannot be spoilt by bad table manners. Poor table manners is embarrassing for you as well your guests. Proper table manners is a matter of knowing the rules, consideration for others with whom you are eating and these rules are based mostly on common sense.

Do not slouch or lean back in your chair. Sit up straight. This looks better, you will feel better and the food will digest better.

Do not forget the golden words Please, Thank you and Sorry. These are handy words in most situations but especially vital at the table where common courtesies are noticed by everyone present.

Once you have take a seat it is rude to change places as the host would have taken a lot time to set the table.

Be courteous and speak to the guests on both sides.

Switch off your mobile phone. If you receive and attend a call, it disturbs your guests as well makes them feel unimportant. If any of my readers think I am wrong please remind me..

Use the Napkin to only lay on your lap, not to wipe your face or use it as a tissue.

Be polite. Ask your neighbour to pass what you cannot reach. Pass items considerately and promptly.

Moreover by reaching over your neighbour there is a chance of tipping over a glass of water.

If asked for Salt, pass the Salt and Pepper Cruet Set together.

Don't speak with your mouth full of food. Sure, you've heard your mother say it a hundred times, moreover no one likes to see the food in your mouth.

Chew quietly, and try not to slurp. Keep your mouth closed while chewing. Sure you would have heard this also from your mother. It is unpleasant as well could choke.

Keep bites small. Tear Breads, Naan, Roti in small pieces.

Eat at a leisurely pace. Enjoy your food. This rule, besides being good for the digestion, also shows your host that you want to enjoy the food and the company. Eating quickly and running is sign of disrespect for the host, as it shows that your focus is on the food and that you would rather be at home watching TV than passing time with your host.

Keep your elbows off the table. This gives an indication of slouching. If need be to rest your hand on the table, a good tactic is to take a Pappad or Bread in your free hand.

Do not leave the table without excusing yourself. Give an excuse that would give your guests a feeling that you need to be there and not escaping their boring company.

Compliment the Cook. Even if the Chicken Tikka pieces were burnt, find a positive angle. 'The Sauce was brilliant.' Shows appreciation.

Wipe your mouth before drinking. Ever seen that nasty lip marks on the glass.
Indian Table Manners


In addition to the above the following are also maintained.

Wash your hands. Dry them properly in order to avoid droplets of water being siplt onto your neighbours.

Food is eaten with the right hand.

Use left hand to pass around food.
Breaking Indian Breads such as Chappati, Roti, Naan into smaller pieces and using it to collect food and gravy is acceptable.

You are expected to keep the palms of your hand clean, and use only the finger tips.

Do not use your fingers to share food, once you have started eating. Instead ask to be served or ask for a clean spoon to serve.

It is not required of you to taste all food served, but one must finish all food served on the plate. Therefore please do take only what you can eat.

Use you left hand to hold a glass of water, avoid making the glass messy

Do not leave the table until others have finished. If you must, ask permission from the host before leaving.

South Indian meals are served on a Banana leaf that has been cleaned with warm water.

After a meal is complete, fold the Banana leaf, top half crossing over the bottom half. Never do the other way round, as it is rude and this is done only in solemn situations like a death.

Finger Bowl:

A finger bowl is presented after the main meal and before the Dessert is served.

Finger bowl is a small bowl with luke-warm water and a slice of Lemon and Rose petal floating on it.

Finger bowl is presented on a Dessert plate with a doiley paper on it.

Do not remove the Lemon or the Rose petal from the bowl.

Use only one hand at time to clean the fingers in the bowl.

Once finished cleaning the fingers, move the bowl along-with the doiley paper to the left of the Dessert plate.

The Dessert plate is left were it was originaly placed and on it is served with the Dessert.
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