Keep conversation at a reasonable volume.

For generations, proper table manners have been a mark of class, sophistication and good upbringing. Even today, when standards of etiquette have been significantly relaxed, people still tend to judge others by how they behave while eating. But table etiquette is no longer about a Byzantine system of rules so much as it’s about common sense and general politeness. By keeping just a few principle ideas in mind, you can make sure that you behave correctly at mealtimes and come off looking suave and sophisticated.

An educator for over 15 years, Nicole DeVault received her diploma from the Washington School of Protocol in Washington, D.C., and her programs offer etiquette for the 21^st century along with dining skills geared to young adults, teens and children.

• Offense. In DeVault’s opinion, mealtime etiquette is especially important, as it is an area where many people are especially sensitive and can easily take offense.

• Seating. Rule one is to wait until everyone is seated at the table before you begin eating.

• Utensils. At formal meals, there are often many utensils on the table. It’s easy to get confused, but a simple rule to remember is to start from the outside and move in.

• Eating with dignity. The person with good manners eats slowly and with dignity, chewing with the mouth closed and never taking large bites of food. Do not reach across the table for condiments, food or anything else.

• Conversation. Keep the volume of your conversations low and try to talk mostly with those seated near you. It’s not pleasant to be at a table where people are talking too loudly or shouting to those seated far away.

• Excuse yourself. If you must sneeze or cough loudly, excuse yourself from the table until you’ve taken care of the situation.

• A pleasant experience. When everyone at the table has good manners, it makes dining a very pleasant experience for all. So the next time you sit down for a meal, remember these basic rules of etiquette and impress those around you with your grace.

The Plaza Hotel
www.plazaypa.com/ypa/intromovie.html

Western Silver Etiquette Advice Reference
www.westernsilver.com/etiquette.html

Cuisine Net: American Table Manners
www.cuisinenet.com/digest/custom/etiquette/manners_intro.shtml

H2G2: International Dining Etiquette
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A354782

So You Wanna Improve Your Table Manners?
www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/tablemanners/tablemanners.html

International Student Resources: Table Manners
www.leaderu.com/isr/lifeinamerica/tablemanners.html