© Shutterstock

First bite is reserved for the host or hostess -

Traditionally in Western Europe, the host or hostess would take the first bite, unless the guests were instructed otherwise.

© Shutterstock

Bread should be buttered one bite at a time -

Back in the old days, butter was spread on bread one bite at a time. That meant tearing a bite-size piece of bread and buttering it before every bite.

© Shutterstock

Pass the pepper with the salt -

If someone asks for the salt to be passed to them, you’re supposed to pass the pepper too.

© Shutterstock

Whoever orders must taste first -

In France, the person who orders the wine will be offered a taste first so that they can verify that it is the wine that they ordered.

© Shutterstock

Never eat until everyone is served -

In many situations today you probably should still do this. It’s often a good idea to at least wait until the other person tells you to “dig in.”

© Shutterstock

Pass dishes counterclockwise -

Dishes are supposed to be passed around the table counterclockwise, or to the right.

© Shutterstock

Excusing yourself -

If you need to leave the table by gently and politely excusing yourself, it’s proper etiquette to place your napkin on your chair. This indicates that you’ll be back.

© Shutterstock

When you're not returning -

If you’re not returning to the table, then you’re supposed to place your napkin on the left side of your plate.

© Shutterstock

Elbows off the table -

This is a more commonly known rule. Many of us may have heard it from our grandmothers or elders. It’s not a major issue anymore, but it’s still good manners not to.

© Shutterstock

Try your food before seasoning -

You’re not supposed to season your food at the dinner table until you’ve taken a few bites, this out of respect for the cook or chef.

© Shutterstock

Indicating that you're finished -

When finished eating at a restaurant, placing the knife and fork next to each other facing up or pointing between 10 and 4 o’clock is the correct way to indicate you’re finished eating.

© Shutterstock

Used plates are only lifted when everyone is finished -

Waiters used to wait until every last person at a table was finished eating to collect any empty plates. Nowadays they snatch up any dirty plates whenever they can.

© Shutterstock

Leaving a bite on your plate -

In the past, leaving a bite on your plate was etiquette that would signify that you were satisfied with your meal and had been served enough.

© Shutterstock

The host indicates who sits where -

A rule of thumb when it comes to dining etiquette is that the guest should wait until the host indicates which seat is theirs before sitting.

© Shutterstock

The guest should get the best seat -

Another rule of thumb in terms of seating is that the guest should be offered the "best seat in the house," meaning that they are offered the seat with the best view, for example.

© Shutterstock

If you're not using your hands, they go on your lap -

According to American dining etiquette, when you’re not holding cutlery, you’re supposed to keep your hands on your lap.

© Shutterstock

Posture -

You’re not supposed to slouch. Your shoulders are supposed to be rolled back and your lower back should not be against the back of the chair.

© Shutterstock

Wrists on the table and hands visible -

In French dining etiquette, your wrists are supposed to be rested on the table so that your hands remain visible to the other diners at all times. This was to make it clear that you weren't holding a weapon beneath the table!

© Shutterstock

Fork in left hand -

When eating, almost all table etiquette indicates that you should place your fork in your left hand and the knife/spoon in your right hand.

© Shutterstock

The switch -

In traditional American etiquette, once the piece of food that you're going to eat is on the fork, you then put the knife down and swap the fork to your right hand to take a bite.

© Shutterstock

Cut one piece of meat at a time -

When consuming meat, you’re supposed to cut and eat a piece of meat before moving on to cutting the next piece.

© Shutterstock

Never clean teeth at the table -

If there is something stuck in your teeth, even if a toothpick is provided, it’s not supposed to be used at the table.

© Shutterstock

How to hold wine -

Stemmed glasses like wine glasses are to be held by the stem generally to prevent a chilled drink from getting warmed by your hand. It's less important for red wine.

© Shutterstock

Slurping and blowing -

You’re not supposed to slurp or blow on food or hot drinks if they’re too hot. You’re supposed to wait for them to cool down.

© Shutterstock

It's different in different cultures -

Every country and culture will have their own dinner etiquette. So far all of the table rules on this list have generally been European or American.

© Shutterstock

Belching is a compliment -

For example, belches at the table are an indication that you enjoyed the food in some parts of China. A belch is a compliment.

© Shutterstock

Slurping is fine -

In some areas of Japan, slurping while eating soups and noodles is a sign that you appreciate the food.

Sources: (Mashed)

See also: You didn’t know these customs were offensive in some countries

© Shutterstock