and then you drop your fork. What to do? The answer is simple: don’t pick it up. Alert a wait staff member or politely ask your dining companion to retrieve it for you. This also goes for any other items you may have dropped.

Similarly, if you need to wipe your mouth or hands during the course of your meal, use your napkin. It may seem obvious, but using your shirt or pants to wipe away food is never acceptable. And speaking of napkins, if you must excuse yourself from the table during the meal, place your napkin on your chair, not on the table. And when you return to the table, place it back on your lap.

12. Last Bites

When you’re nearing the end of your meal and have finished your food, it’s time to signal to your host or wait staff that you’re ready for your plates to be cleared. Simply place your utensils together in the center of your plate or at an angle, with the handles pointing to the right. This indicates that you’re finished and that your plate can be removed.

If there are multiple courses being served, each course should have its own set of utensils. Never use the same utensil for multiple courses. At the end of each course, place the utensils on the plate with the handles pointing to the right.

13. Paying the Bill

If you’re dining out with others, it’s important to know the proper etiquette for paying the bill. Often, the person who invited the group out will offer to pay, but if you’re dining with friends, it’s polite to offer to split the bill equally or to pay for what you ordered. If you’re the one who invited everyone out, it’s expected that you’ll pay for the bill.

When the bill is presented, take a look to make sure everything is correct. If there are any discrepancies, mention it to the wait staff immediately. And if you’re going to leave a tip, the standard is 15-20% of the total bill.

It’s also important to note that if you’re the one who invited everyone out, don’t make a fuss over the bill. Simply take care of it quietly and don’t draw attention to yourself.

14. Thank You Notes

If you’ve been invited to someone’s home for a meal, it’s polite to send a thank you note or email to your host to express your appreciation. This is especially important if it was a large event or if the host went out of their way to prepare a special meal. Be sure to thank them for their hospitality and let them know how much you enjoyed their company.

In conclusion, good table manners are an essential part of dining etiquette. They not only show respect for your host and fellow diners, but they also help you to feel more confident and at ease in social situations. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your meals with grace and ease – and impress your dining companions in the process. So go ahead and indulge in that delicious meal, but remember to mind your manners while doing so.