are the Etiquette used when Eating . This includes the appropriate use of Utensils . Different Cultures have different standards for table manners. Many table manners evolved out of practicality. For example, it is generally impolite to put elbows on Table s since doing so creates a risk of tipping over bowls and cups. Within different families or groups, there may be less rigorous enforcement of some traditional table manners of their culture while still maintaining others. For example, some families ignore elbows on the table or mixing of foods.
- The eldest should be seated as far from the door as possible, unless there are guests present, then the guests are seated farthest from the door.
- Depending on the customs of the household a prayer maybe offered before or after the meal or both before and after to God.
- Guests are offered food first, and ought to eat the most, while the hosts eat last and the least.
- Guests always refrain from eating too much, unless the hosts coaxes them to eat more. The host should always ask at least three times if the guest wants more food. The guest should say no at least three times to the host. In certain situations the host can put food on the guest's plate by force.
- Guests are always given the best portions of the food.
- Traditionally food should be eaten with bare hands; However, cutlery is sometimes provided. Only use your right hand when eating with your hands. There are proper ways of picking up rice and other loose food without spilling any, which one should learn and practice. Wasting food is frowned upon. When cutlery is provided it is usually a spoon and fork since there is seldom need for the use of a knife when eating Afghani food. Even when cutlery is provided it is acceptable to eat with your hands interchangeably.
- Soup is eaten by soaking bread in it.
- Food remnants should be collected with bread.
- Sometimes it is common to eat collectively from one plate. One should always eat from one's own side.
- If eating on a table and bread is dropped on the floor the bread should picked up and kissed and put to one's forehead before putting back somewhere other than the floor. If eating on the floor make sure that your feet do not touch the food.
- Compliments to the chef are customary; however, compliments should be returned with extreme modesty.
- Traditionally, service during dinner is performed by the youngest. First, water is brought in a jug with a saucer to wash the hands. The food is then served. This may be followed by fruit and then tea.
- Tea is served after dinner, with dried fruits, sweets, and sugar cubes. When tea is served, the cup of a guest must never be empty, and snacks must be offered. Once the guest has finished drinking tea, the guest can flip their tea cup over to signal that they are done.
- Eating or talking with one's mouth full is looked down upon.
- Even if one is starving one should refrain from being over zealous at the table. This is shameful.
- Passing wind is not tolerated. If one passes wind the consequences can be a severe blow to one's pride.
- One must never sit with one's back to anyone, especially an elder or a guest. One must never sit with feet stretched out toward anyone, especially an elder or a guest.
- One must always be polite and gracious to the host. Remember if the host is poor and had only one chicken which the family used for eggs that chicken would be sacrificed for the guest.
- After eating, the jug of water is brought out again to wash hands. A towel may be provided.
- Chew with your mouth closed.
- When a dish is presented, the food is served to one's plate and then passed on to the next person.
- Do not talk at an excessively loud volume.
- Never leave home hungry. Leave for your destination at least half full just in case your host is late in preparing dinner or the food is displeasing.
- If at all possible, refrain from coughing or sneezing at the table.
- Never tilt back your chair while at the table, or at any other time.
- Tea or Coffee should never be poured into the saucer to cool but should be sipped from the cup. Alternatively, ice may be used to cool either.
- Do not make unbecoming noises while eating.
- Do not play with food or table utensils.
- Do not single out or chastise someone who has shown poor table manners.
- Do not put your elbows on the table or slouch (This has however recently become commonly accepted. However in formal situations it is still inappropriate).
- The fork is used to convey any solid food to the mouth.
- Eat soup noiselessly and with the side of the spoon.
- Do not eat food with your fingers unless you are eating foods customarily eaten with fingers, such as bread, french fries, chicken wings, pizza, etc.
- Do not start eating until every person is served. Alternatively, wait until the host/hostess lifts his/her fork (or spoon).
- The fork may be used by either the left or the right hand.
- When serving, serve from the left and pick up the dish from the right. Beverages are both served and removed from the right.
- Always ask the host or hostess to be excused before leaving the table.
- A prayer may be customary in some families, and the guests should join in even if they are not religious or do not follow the same religion. Most prayers are made before the meal is eaten. The Hutterites pray both before and after a meal.
- Utensils are used either in the American or the Continental fashion -- either is correct.
- When using paper napkins, never ball them up or allow stains to show.
- Do not look at anyone while he or she is eating. It is very rude.
- Keep your napkin on your lap.
- Do not ask to take some of your uneaten food away from the meal after it ends, especially when having a formal dinner.
- Never talk on your phone at table. If urgent, ask host or hostess to be excused, and go outside. Apologize when returned.
- It is acceptable in most places to not finish all of the food on your plate.
- Bread plates are to the left of the main plate, beverage glasses are to the right.
- Use your silverware from the outside moving inward toward the main plate. Salad fork, knife and soup spoon are further from the main plate than the main course knife, fork and spoon. Dessert utensils are either placed above the main plate or served with dessert.
- Do not place your napkin on your lap until the host does. This signals the beginning of dinner.
- Follow the Always Sometimes Never rule. Hands should always be visible, forearms sometimes visible, and elbows never visible. This is to be as culturally aware as possible.
- The knife blade should be placed on the edge of your plate when not in use. The blade should always face inward.
- When finished with your meal, place your knife and fork with handles at the 4 o'clock position and the tines of the fork down to signal to the server you are done.
Scandinavian Countries follow very similar rules.
- Never share food or drinks with anyone at work or school.
|
