Table etiquette # 14

Musical Chairs

It is self evident: Every guest at a party Should have a comfortable seat. It is not. I have attended too many dinners where this simple, basic notion is overlooked. So for the sake of anyone planning a party, let me declare the absolute necessity of providing guest with chairs.This is just as true as buffet for forty as a cozy dinner for six. It is simply bad manners to assume that your guest would enjoy perching on sofa armrests or, worse yet, standing up during a buffet meal.If you do not have enough chairs, and cannot borrow what you need, consider renting them, or trimming your guest list.

Guest with spacial conditions (like me) must be given seating that is appropriate. You do not want a gout-stricken relative struggling in and out of a bean-bag chair during cocktails, nor would you wish to offer a delicate Louis Quinze side chair to a guest whose girth resembles that of a sumo wrestler. But bear in mind here that a hosts do walk a fine line between being considerate and being too deferential. Make your guest feel comfortable without appearing overly solicitous. Be careful not to give anyone the feeling that he has been parked in the "Handicapped Only" zone...

Source: Craig Claireborne

Table etiquette # 13

* Use your fingers while eating any kind of leavened bread like roti, chapatti, nan, puri, etc.

PS/ In the picture I used fork for my chicken and not for my very big nan, I tell you, napakasarap ng nan, dipped in different sauces you want. Fresh from native pugon (oven).

Table etiquette # 12

Try to use your silverware as noiselessly as possible, 'coz loud clatter of a knife tapping against a plate betrays a lack of finesse...according to Craig Clairborne. And we all agree that it's very annoying.
While using chopsticks (hashi), use the thumb and index finger to hold both the sticks, with the remaining fingers giving support. It is a no no to Japanese to pass food while on the chopsticks. It can only be done during the wake if I am not mistaken.

Table etiquette # 10 & 11

*Don't wipe your mouth in social gatherings...a dab can do better with a napkin or a tissue.

*Also wipe the marks or stain left in the rim of your glass, because it is quite offending to others.

Table etiquette # 7, 8 & 9

7-Your water glass or goblet should rest at the tip of your knife.

8-And never flap the napkin to unfold it, but gently open it on your lap.

8-If you have dropped a piece of cutlery, discreetly get the waiter attention to fetch you another piece and let the dropped item lie wherever it is until the meal is over.

Source: Vijaya Kumar

Table etiquette # 6

Young children should preferably be seated next to their mothers. It becomes easier for them to keep a check on their activities.

Table etiquette # 5

Avoid cutting the entire portion of the food into small pieces before eating. Cut one piece at a time.

Table etiquette # 4

It is always good manners to swallow the food before speaking.

Table ettiquette # 3

Cut food that is enough for the next mouthful, and do not blow on hot liquid, but instead wait til it is cool enough for you to drink.

Table Etiquette #2

Always take only the right quantity of food that you know you can finish off, and avoid leaving any food on your plate.

Table Etiquette #1

Always sit straight, and keep your elbows off the table, preferably keeping your hands on your lap while not eating.

(Code of behavior)