1. Do avoid talking with food in your mouth. Take small bites, chewing with your mouth closed, and you will find it easier to answer questions or join in on table talk once you have swallowed your food.
2. Do cut one piece of meat or fish at a time on your plate and eat it before cutting the next one.
3. Do remember solids (food) are always on your left; liquids (beverages) are on your right.
4. Do leave your plate where it is when you have finished eating, with the knife and fork in the 10:20 “I am finished” position. Place the tips of the utensils at 10 and the handles at 4; and remember that once a utensil has been used, it never goes back on the table.
5. Do break your bread and butter one piece at a time, and eat it before breaking and buttering the next piece.
6. Do remember your posture at the table. Sit up straight and keep your arms (including elbows) off the table. Your hands will rest in your lap if you are eating in the American style. Your hands from the wrist up will rest on the table when you are taking a break from eating.
7. Do put your napkin in your chair and push your chair in if you need to leave the table during the meal.
8. Do wait until everyone has been served before you begin to eat when you are seated with a small group, eating at the same pace as your dining companions.
9. Do ask for anything you need at the table that is out of reach for you to be passed to you,since you never want reach across the table for something.
10. Do keep your cell phone, keys, and handbag off the table.
