| At first glance, you might think this topic is a little | | | | compliments are a way of showing your appreciation |
| beneath you. After all, you've been eating your whole | | | | for the time and effort they have put into the event. |
| life, you've probably eaten out hundreds of times, | | | | At a restaurant, it's also a good idea to pay |
| and maybe you've been to dozens of dinner parties. | | | | compliments for good food, but you're not obligated |
| And true, there may be less of an emphasis on dining | | | | to lie if the food is sub-par. |
| etiquette now than there used to be. But even | | | | 4. Napkin in lap: This one seems very basic, but I'm |
| though the world seems less and less concerned with | | | | often surprised by how many people in public |
| manners, no one's forcing us to go along with this | | | | restaurants keep their dirty napkins out on the table. |
| trend. Being polite and knowing how to behave in | | | | This is poor manners, and it looks bad. |
| different situations will make you feel confident. It will | | | | 5. Talk politely: Dinner is a time for pleasant |
| set a good example, and it will also earn appreciation | | | | conversation. People want to enjoy their food, and |
| and respect from others. | | | | they don't want to be distracted by unpleasant talk. |
| 1. Emulate your host: Always follow your host's lead. | | | | If somebody says something you disagree with, now |
| If they seem to be observing traditional table | | | | is not the time to get in an argument. Unless you're |
| manners, do the same. If they seem to want a | | | | very comfortable with the people in your party, stay |
| looser vibe, you can be more casual, but don't take it | | | | away from topics such as politics and current events. |
| too far. Err on the side of politeness. In any case, eat | | | | 6. Eat quietly and neatly: Some people are quite |
| at approximately the rate at which they eat, and | | | | sensitive to loud eating noises such as open-mouthed |
| allow them to determine the order of the dishes. | | | | chewing or slurping. Try not to talk with food in your |
| Also, allow the host a chance to speak and to guide | | | | mouth, and be careful to eat with decorum. Your |
| the conversation, if he or she chooses. | | | | meal may be so delicious that you want to lick your |
| 2. Bring something: I've been genuinely appalled by | | | | fingers, but don't. That type of thing may be |
| how many young people (in their 20s or early 30s) | | | | acceptable at home, but not in polite company. |
| habitually show up empty-handed to dinner parties. | | | | 7. Don't drink too much: Especially at dinner parties |
| Unless the person hosting the event specifically asks | | | | where you're not paying and where the wine may be |
| you not to bring anything, the least you can do is | | | | abundant, it can be tempting to load up on the |
| bring a modestly-priced bottle of wine, a dessert, or | | | | alcoholic beverages. However, the appearance of |
| a side dish. It also doesn't hurt to ask if they need | | | | drunkenness is a major faux pas. Even a slight buzz is |
| anything specific. | | | | impolite. Drink slowly, and remember that somebody |
| 3. Pay compliments: No matter what, especially if | | | | did pay for that wine. If you want to have more, |
| you're at a dinner party, be sure to compliment the | | | | wait till you get home. |
| food. Even if the food's not that great, your | | | | |