Signs you’re a ‘cringeworthy’ diner: Etiquette expert shares the biggest mistakes you’re making – and the correct way to use napkins and eat bread
- Etiquette expert shares what not to do at a dinner party
Etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet (pictured) provided a comprehensive list of the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of table etiquette
An etiquette expert has listed the huge mistakes diners make at the table – and you’re guilty of at least one of them.
The ‘cringeworthy’ habits that tend to creep in can include a lack of awareness of the various aspects of finesse necessary when dining and eating.
Etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet, founder and CEO of the Sydney School of Protocol, says learning the ‘art of dining will give you confidence and ease to entertain and dine’ in both social and business settings.
She provided a comprehensive list of the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of table etiquette – from how to use a napkin properly to pacing yourself when eating and how to eat bread correctly.
‘While you may think no one is noticing how we present ourselves around the dining table, we are noticed,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet told FEMAIL.
‘Regretfully, being unaware of the correct etiquette for modern business and social dining reflects on your image and personal brand.
‘It signals a lack of sophistication for building relationships and often is painfully distracting when dining in the presence of family, friends, colleagues and business partners.’
Ms Lamberg-Burnet provided a comprehensive list of the ‘do’s and don’ts’ of table etiquette – from how to use a napkin properly to pacing yourself when eating and how to eat bread correctly (stock image)
Know how to use the table napkin
At the start of the dinner party, picking up the napkin signals when it’s time to sit down.
‘If you are hosting a meal, remove your napkin from the table first once everyone is seated to signal the meal is about to begin,’ she said.
‘As a guest watch the host and only then you remove the napkin from the table – place on your lap never in your shirt collar between buttons and place the crease beside your waist.’
Ms Lamberg-Burnet added how napkins are ‘not to be used for dapping your lips, as brow wipes or as a handkerchief or facial tissue’, but to make sure no food touches your clothes.
She also warned to never fold your napkin neatly at the end of the meal.
Instead she recommends loosely picking up the napkin from the centre and leaving it to the left of the table setting or where the plate has been cleared – but not on your plate.
Avoid ‘talking with your cutlery’
While seated at the dinner or café table, be sure to not ‘talk with cutlery’ in hand and be aware of how you hold a knife and fork.
‘When you wish to talk, chew your food, drink or blot your face with the napkin, use the rest position by placing the knife and fork crossed on the plate, with the fork over the knife, tines pointed down,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet.
Know how to eat bread ‘correctly’
It may not be apparent at first, but Ms Lamberg-Burnet highlighted the ‘correct’ way to cut and eat bread at a dinner party.
She advised that bakery rolls and bread rolls are to be broken and never cut with a knife.
‘Holding the bread over your plate break into bite sized pieces one at a time, butter each piece – avoid doing this action in mid-air,’ she said.
‘Avoid sawing or cutting bread and laying it thick with butter.
‘Do not put your used knife back into the common butter dish.’
Top cringeworthy habits at the dining table:
1. Do not start eating before your host
2. Avoid ‘talking with your cutlery’ – finish chewing, rest the knife and fork crossed on the plate with the fork over the knife, then speak
3. Know how to use the table napkin or serviette – do not fold your napkin neatly at the end of the meal
Loosely pick up in the centre of the napkin and leave on left hand side of the table setting or where the plate has been cleared
4. Never cut bakery rolls and bread with a knife – break over the plate
5. Don’t eat too fast
6. Avoid placing phones, sunglasses, keys or personal effects on the table
What to do if…
Ms Lamberg-Burnet also pointed out what to do in a number of situations, such as if you drop the cutlery on the floor or if you discover an object in the food.
If cutlery falls on the floor, guests should avoid attracting ‘unwanted’ attention to themselves by bending over or getting out of your chair to retrieve.
Instead should ask the waiter if cutlery falls on the floor – do not pick it up yourself.
Similarly, if something is discovered on the meal, discreetly mention to the restaurant staff rather than creating a disturbance to other guests.
Guests should also refrain from using toothpicks, floss or lipstick at the table – as it happens far too often.
‘Toothpicks are still used in some cultures, however, we would suggest it is best to excuse yourself if you wish to remove items from your teeth,’ Ms Lamberg-Burnet.
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