9 Steps to improve your Table Etiquette

1. When meeting someone in a restaurant, wait in the lobby unless otherwise requested.
2. If you are the first to be seated, wait until the rest of your party has arrived before ordering a drink.
3. Order only the basics (salad, main course, and beverage). If your host or hostess suggests an appetizer, be guided accordingly.
4. Wait until everyone has been seated before placing your napkin on your lap. Wait until everyone has finished their meals and drinks prior to removing your napkin from your lap, at this point, place your napkin to the right of your plate.
5. NEVER hail your server, wait until you are able to make eye contact.
6. Q: How many times should your server be thanked? A: Every time he/she delivers a new course or brings you something extra. Also when they come by to ask if everything is to your satisfaction.
7. Use of your utensils is from the outside in.
8. Offer food to others before serving yourself. Offer items starting with the person on your left then help yourself and pass food to the right.
9. 1. When Cutting a piece of food, place your fork in your left hand with the handle hidden in the palm of your hand and the fork tines facing down. Place the knife in your right hand with the handle hidden and the serrated edge facing the plate.
   2. After cutting one piece of food place your knife across the top of your plate, with the serrated edge facing you. Transfer the fork from your left hand to your right with the handle now showing between your index finger and thumb with the tines facing upward.
   3. After chewing and swallowing the piece of food, repeat steps 9a and 9b.
   4. When you choose to lie your utensils down to rest or to listen more intently to the people with whom you are dining, the “rest” position should place the knife across the top of the plate with the serrated edge toward you. Place your fork, tines up, with its’ handle resting on the lower side of the plate.
   5. When you have completed your meal, place your fork across the center of the plate with the handle to the right and the tines down. Bring your knife from across the top of your plate and place it next to the fork, with the serrated edge still facing you.