Try at least one or two bites of everything on your plate, unless you are allergic to it.
• Compliment the hostess if you like the food, but don’t voice your opinion if you don’t.
• Use your utensils for eating, not gesturing.
• Keep your elbows off the table. Rest the hand you are not using in your lap.
• Eat slowly and pace yourself to finish at the same approximate time as the host or hostess.
• Avoid burping or making other rude sounds at the table.
• If you spill something at a restaurant, signal one of the servers to help. If you spill something at a private dinner party in someone’s home, pick it up and blot the spill. Offer to have it professionally cleaned if necessary.
• When you finish eating, leave your utensils on your plate or in your bowl.
• Never use a toothpick or dental floss at the table.
• You may reapply your lipstick, but don’t freshen the rest of your makeup at the table.