Basic rules of restaurant etiquette. How different dishes are eaten. Etiquette rules How to eat with a spoon on etiquette

It will not hurt each of us to brush up on the rules of etiquette at the table, and perhaps even learn something new about how to behave while eating. Most important rules etiquette that absolutely everyone should use.

Each of us notices when in a cafe at the next table someone is eating carelessly or furtively wiping his hands on his knees. In the same way, other people notice our mistakes, any behavior is conspicuous and can cause embarrassment. Therefore, it is better to test yourself and correct your own behavior if necessary.

How to behave at the table

General rules apply to any situation, they will never be superfluous. The first thing we pay attention to when we see a person is his posture. Posture characterizes not only the behavior or state of a person, but also reveals the secrets of his character.

An insecure person will nervously fidget on the edge of a chair, a notorious person will try to slouch over to become less noticeable. Sit up straight, but in a way that is comfortable for you. Hands can be placed on the edge of a table or on your knees, and your elbows are best pressed to your sides.

By the way, in order to learn how to hold your elbows near the body in Soviet times, it was advised to periodically train - to have lunch, holding a couple of weighty books with your elbows. This is necessary in order for the correct body pattern to form, and you kept your elbows flawlessly even when you do not think about it at all.

The rules of table etiquette imply almost all situations that can happen to a person and give a clear recommendation on how to act in a given situation.

Naturally, table etiquette at home and restaurant etiquette are somewhat different.However, there are rules that are appropriate in any situation:

do not talk too loudly;
you can not take a fork or spoon with food too far from the mouth;
you can not make sounds while eating;
you should eat calmly, without unnecessary haste.

A restaurant

The rules of conduct in a restaurant imply some concentration - you need to behave correctly and with dignity in order to make a pleasant impression on others.

A man should let the lady go ahead, but if a company of men or women is sent to a restaurant, then everyone is on an equal footing or rely on the initiator of the dinner.
If several people are to meet for dinner, and some are late, then by mutual agreement with the rest of the guests, you can wait for those who are late for about a quarter of an hour. A longer wait is a sign of disrespect for guests arriving on time.
If you happen to be late, then you should apologize, and then just join the others. You should not draw special attention to the fact of being late and explain the reason, just join in the table conversation.
During a meeting between a man and a woman in a restaurant, the man should read the menu and offer his companion any dishes. For a girl in this case, expressing her indifference is a sign of bad manners. Restaurant etiquette implies the participation of the lady in the choice of dishes.
In a restaurant, you should not conduct a conversation in a raised voice and laugh out loud. If this happened by accident, it makes sense to apologize to other visitors and be quieter. Observe etiquette at the table, and if someone behaves inappropriately at the next table, then you should inform the waiter about this.
You need to start eating when the waiter brought the ordered dishes to everyone present. If the person who is waiting for the preparation of his dish does not mind, he can make an offer to others to start the meal.
It is categorically impossible to engage in hygienic procedures at the table - wipe your face, neck and hands with napkins, comb your hair or tint your lips. If you need to pay attention to your appearance, it is better to do it in a special room. Table etiquette also discourages lipstick marks on dishes. Before starting to eat, the girl must carefully remove the lipstick with a napkin.
Any interaction with food also looks uncultured - food on the table in order to eat it. Taking photos for Instagram, blowing on soup, picking at a salad, commenting on ingredients is indecent.
If you come across cartilage or bone in some dish, you need to carefully return the inedible element back to the spoon and transfer it to a plate (or napkin).

How to handle the devices

In no case should you check the cleanliness of the devices, and if you nevertheless notice a cloudy speck on a fork or spoon, you should quietly draw the waiter's attention to this oversight and politely ask them to replace them.
In most restaurants, the table is set in advance and the cutlery is laid out on either side of the serving plate.
Do not get lost if there are more dishes on the table than you expected to see - everything has its purpose, and if you are in doubt about which fork or spoon to take, then you can always see how the rest of the guests will solve this problem.
Those devices that lie on the left of the plate are used with the left hand, and those that are laid out on the right must be held in the right hand.
With complex serving, each dish relies on its own devices, so if you are in doubt about which fork to take, take the farthest one - the one farthest from the edge of the plate. As you change dishes, you will gradually get closer to the nearest appliances.
The knife is used either for cutting food or for spreading pates and butter (for example, during breakfast). Do not try pieces from a knife.
Meat or fish should be cut sequentially as they are eaten. Cutting the whole portion at once is bad taste. It is generally accepted that this way the dish cools down faster and loses its main flavor nuances.

Learn in advance a few differences between different cutlery, so as not to get into a mess.

Forks

second hot dishes are eaten with a table fork, it has four cloves, and in length it is slightly inferior to the diameter of the plate and is placed on the left;
a fish fork is used for hot fish dishes, looks smaller than a snack bar and has four short teeth, a fish fork is easy to recognize by the indentations - they are needed to separate the bones;
a snack fork - a reduced duplicate of a table fork, they eat cold snacks with it;
dessert fork - for pies, small, corresponds to the size of a dessert plate and looks atypical;
a fruit fork equipped with two prongs, usually served with a fruit knife;
the rest of the forks are considered auxiliary, they are placed next to the dish that they need to be eaten.

Knives

any second hot dishes are eaten with a table knife, it is placed to the right of the plate, the blade is turned towards the plate;
the fish knife is blunt and resembles a shoulder blade, used to separate the flesh of the fish from the bones;
the snack knife is small and has teeth;
the dessert knife and fruit knife look similar - they are the smallest.

Spoons

a tablespoon - the largest, lies to the right of the plate;
a dessert spoon is served with a dessert that does not require cutting - soft puddings, jellies and whipped cream;
an ice cream spoon is served with a bowl;
the cocktail spoon has a very narrow and long handle;
a teaspoon can be served with any hot drink;
coffee spoon - the smallest, served only with black coffee.

Dialogue and table behavior

Drinking etiquette involves not only the use of instruments, correct positioning and good posture, but also the manner of conducting dialogues and conversations.

It is worth noting that table etiquette categorically prohibits discussing provocative issues that can lead to serious conflict - therefore, you should refrain from commenting on money, politics and religion.

How to behave at the table and what to say? Be sure to look at the one who addresses you, listen without interrupting, and only then answer. If you think any of the other person's questions are unsuitable for eating, delicately offer to discuss it a little later. In all other cases, you should answer easily and naturally.

Restaurant etiquette does not imply violent controversy either - refrain from inappropriate comments and defuse the atmosphere with a cute joke if someone else raises their voice.

You should not talk only together, involve the rest of the participants in the conversation... For example, if the conversation comes about a recently spent vacation, you can ask one of the interlocutors whether he is going to go on vacation in the near future or what places he prefers to stay.

It is also good form in any table conversation to praise the host, cook or initiator of the meeting - find a few kind words to mark the general atmosphere of the evening.

Short Course in Etiquette

Do what most do.
Don't tell others about their mistakes, in the most extreme case, this can be said quietly in an undertone and only to your neighbor on the table.
Don't be away from your meal for a long time.
Leaving the table - apologize.
Try everything and eat what you like.
Diet, eating disorders, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and diet are not discussed at a common table.

It is better to study some rules of behavior at the table by looking at the pictures - look at the basic table setting schemes, you can also watch the video on how to properly hold one or another device.

Table etiquette is not so difficult if you take a little time to it, and following all the rules will help you present yourself as your best side.

Content

IN modern society it is important to have good manners, to be able to behave correctly in different life situations... Etiquette has many characteristics and is a complex science. The main subtlety is that there are no clearly prescribed norms of behavior, it all depends on the circumstances, time and place. The rules of etiquette between a man and a girl will make communication more pleasant, and good manners will help to have a psychological effect on a partner.

What are the rules of etiquette

The concept comes from the French word "etiquette", which means a set of generally accepted rules of conduct, knowledge of the basics of politeness. There are several main types of etiquette:

ability to present oneself: formation of a wardrobe, grooming, physical fitness, gestures, posture, posture;
speech form: the ability to say compliments, greetings, gratitude, manner of speech;
table etiquette: the ability to take food, knowledge of serving norms, table manners;
behavior in society: how to behave in an office, shop, at an exhibition, in a museum, restaurant, theater, court;
Business Etiquette: relationships with bosses, colleagues, business negotiations.

Good manners rules for men

If reputation in society is dear to the representative of the stronger sex, he will always observe moderation in clothes. Shorts and T-shirts are appropriate for a family dinner or during a vacation in the countryside. For an informal setting, sportswear or classic clothes are suitable, and for business meetings, a tie and jacket are required. As for good manners, a well-mannered man will not be hampered by a polite nod in response to the greeting of even an unfamiliar person. How to communicate with a woman, bosses, relatives will be discussed below.

Modern etiquette for women

The first rule for a woman is tact in all situations. Etiquette lessons involve behaving respectfully with everyone, be it a neighbor, a business partner, or an entryway janitor. If a woman likes to joke, then one should clearly define in which situation a joke can be allowed, and with whom one needs to be serious. It is necessary to observe the culture of communication with the opposite sex. You should not flirt with men you don't know and know, flirt and make eyes - this is a violation of etiquette. Politeness implies simple communication without intrigue, gossip and rumors.

Etiquette for children

The rules of behavior in society also exist for children. Further success, career, environment will depend on the knowledge that the child receives in childhood. The simplest techniques for mastering the rules of etiquette are reading fairy tales, watching cartoons, using board games on this topic, humming songs. The basic rule of courtesy for a child is respect for all adults, children and animals without exception. From this all the rest are already flowing smoothly.

How to behave in society

Basic set of rules of etiquette for men and women:

Do not come to visit without a call. Only if you are visited without warning, you can afford to meet a person in home clothes.
Do not place your bag on a chair or on your lap. A bulky backpack can be hung on the back of a chair. A purse or small purse is placed on the table, and if a man carries a briefcase, then it should be left on the floor.
When meeting, call your name first, if you have to communicate with a group of people. Only the right hand should be served.
In the car, the passenger needs to sit in the back seat. The most prestigious place is located behind the driver.

In dealing with people

A typical day for a modern person includes many situations in which the culture of behavior and demeanor is tested: communication in stores, in public transport, acquaintance with colleagues, the rules of speech etiquette on official receptions etc. As for the first meeting with a person, the impression is created by how much the interlocutor knows how to introduce himself. In everyday etiquette, the youngest or men are the first to meet. To make a good impression, you should always start with a smile.

How a girl should behave with a guy

Modern etiquette for girls, it provides for knowledge of the elementary rules of behavior with the opposite sex. At the first meeting with a man, you should not rush to his neck, it will be appropriate to just stretch out your hand. On a date, you need to behave lightly and naturally, joke and smile, but not be offended. You can't help telling a man about your shortcomings or bad relationship experiences at the first meeting. There is no need to shout about the merits, you can point out about them, but in passing.

Basics of etiquette

The rules of cultural behavior are simple: the culture of speech, which has a stylistic and grammatical focus, well-groomed appearance, attentiveness in relation to the interlocutor, the ability to provide a service to the needy, to listen to the speaker. The norm of acquaintance and subsequent communication is conditional, therefore it has the character of an unwritten agreement about what is generally accepted and what is not. Every cultured person should know and follow the rules of etiquette, understanding their need for society.

Good manners

A well-mannered person is immediately distinguished from the crowd. He is distinguished by knowledge of etiquette and a certain demeanor: intonation of the voice, expressions used in speech, gait, facial expressions, gestures. This is restraint, modesty, the ability to control emotions, actions, words. To correspond to the concept of a secular educated person, you need to know and follow certain rules that are considered mandatory in a decent society:

when greeting, the woman is the first to give her hand to the man;
men greet everyone without exception;
when introducing a guest to other people (when meeting), they call his name, surname, patronymic (during business communication- profession);
they do not bring a bad mood to visit, and if negative emotions are present, then the visit should be abandoned;
children should not be allowed to interfere in the conversation of adults, interrupt elders, whisper in the ear;
they do not make remarks to other people's children in the presence of their parents;
when making gifts to people, one should be tactful, taking into account gender, age, profession.

Ability to dress

The rules of etiquette oblige not only to know the correct manner of greeting acquaintances and strangers, be able to maintain small talk and adhere to decency in behavior, but also wear clothes appropriate for the occasion. Nothing catches your eye like colorful things. The category of things inappropriate for a man include embroidered shirts, vulgar costumes, too bright ties. Business clothes should be moderately fashionable. In the morning, it is allowed to wear a jacket, frock coat or jacket pair. The color should correspond to the season: in summer - light, in winter - dark.

The ability to dress with taste is the first sign of a woman's good breeding. The encyclopedia of etiquette contains a range of rules related to clothing, the observance of which distinguishes a real lady. Womens clothing must be appropriate to the nature of the work. An image valid for a model house will not be acceptable in a brokerage office. A business lady for a business lunch or conference will not fit a too short skirt or a deeply lowered blouse. If the meeting is at a resort hotel or club, you will need to bring several outfits that will suit different situations.

How to present yourself correctly

A few more generally accepted norms of etiquette:

you need to walk with a straight posture, a tucked up stomach and straightened shoulders;
communication norms regarding greetings include polite words, but they are not always correct, for example, “good afternoon” should not be said to a person with an upset face;
even unfamiliar men should help the ladies to enter the premises by holding the front door;
the word “please” should be used for any request;
before you say goodbye to your interlocutor, you should first prepare for this: “Unfortunately, it’s too late”, and then say words of gratitude or a compliment (if it is a woman).

Communication etiquette

The rules of etiquette must be observed when communicating between women and men. A male representative should follow to the left of the companion and be the first to enter the restaurant. If a lady greets friends, the gentleman should also say hello to them, even if people are unfamiliar to him. Without a woman's approval, a man has no right to touch her. It is allowed only in moments of help (getting into a car, crossing the road). Smoking in the presence of another person, regardless of gender, is allowed only with the permission of the interlocutor.

There are certain rules of speech behavior. So, if you have been insulted in the presence of other people, do not give in to provocations. Get up and leave the scene. You can not ask the interlocutor for information about his material well-being, love affairs and other personal things. If you invite business partner to a meeting, do not forget about punctuality. Special respect should be shown to people who showed generosity or came to your aid in difficult times - they were not obliged to do this.

Conversational etiquette

Courtesy rules exist in any conversation. Verbal behavior is subdivided into written and oral forms, with the former having stricter rules. There are several types of conversations: business, official, informal. The oral form has simpler rules, for example, instead of speech greeting you can get by with a nod of your head. The ability to conduct a polite speech is to say to the interlocutor only those things that he himself would like to hear. The basic principles of a conversation are correctness, brevity, accuracy, relevance.

How to communicate with an interlocutor on the phone

Compliance with the rules of netiquette should be during communication on the phone. During a conversation, you need to carefully monitor intonation, since the interlocutor does not see your face and may misunderstand the meaning of the message. You should not make the caller wait, the maximum time for picking up the phone reaches six rings. You don't need to rush to the phone either - it's better to answer after the third ring. It is customary to call the interlocutor by name if he is familiar. If not, then it is advisable to introduce yourself first.

Good manners and business etiquette

The basic rules of conduct are the rules of business communication. But not only the speech component is important in contact with partners, body language also plays an important role. For example, when talking, you don't have to spread your legs wide, keep your hands in your pockets, or hunch over. Excessive gesticulation is also not encouraged - in order not to embarrass the interlocutor, gestures should be restrained. Pay attention to the person's personal space - the distance should be no less than the size of an outstretched arm.

Household etiquette

Family members should be especially polite to each other. To maintain a warm relationship, one must constantly monitor the psychological climate, sincerely rejoice at the successes of loved ones, not go over to insults during quarrels, use the words "sorry", "thank you", " good morning" and others. You must be respectful of the older generation and not read your children's personal notes without permission.

How to behave at the table

The main rule of behavior at the table is not to chew with your mouth open. Talking is also undesirable, especially when food is being chewed. Before you put part of the common dish on your plate, you first need to offer it to the rest of those present. Do not serve your own plate first, but let guests or older family members do it. When setting the table, common cutlery is placed next to each dish. Soup must be served in special bowls from the seated person to the right.

Guest etiquette

To receive friends and visit them - good practice etiquette form of dating. For a reception, it is considered the best time - dinner, but you need to invite people in advance so that they can adjust their plans. Dress code can be informal. According to etiquette, an unfamiliar guest is called by name only after his own introduction. In a friendly company, you can skip serving the main course, but this is unacceptable for a business dinner. Knowing how to use cutlery is important different kind, even if the masters of other national traditions.

Video

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Now let's talk about how to behave culturally at the table. Most importantly, do not "load": everything is not as scary and difficult as you think.

Keep in mind that insecurity is usually associated with inability, so the surest remedy for shyness is to learn all the rules of etiquette and successfully apply them in practice.

Firstly, if you do not know how to use the numerous cutlery, then the main thing is, do not get lost, just see how others use them, and repeat after them.

And don't look around so desperately, calm down. Then no one will notice your confusion.

Secondly x, no one will eat you if you do something wrong.

Think less about yourself, beloved, and do not imagine that you are the center of everyone's attention. Nobody expects something supernatural from you.

Thirdly, you and your girlfriends could arrange a small rehearsal (for example, before an important celebration, go to a small cafe and repeat everything there again in a narrow circle).

We want to stipulate right away that the position in which you will sit throughout the evening must be chosen in advance, and such that you sit in this position for at least an hour and feel great at the same time.

The question immediately arises: how to put your feet? It is forbidden to cross your legs at the table; changing their position under the table, you risk overturning the entire table.

Legs stretched forward so that you touch the people sitting on the opposite side of the table say that you cannot sit beautifully.

It is best to bend your knees at right angles and place your feet parallel. This is the most comfortable and decent position.

So you're in a cafe. After long conversations, an appetite is always played out strongly. But do not rush to pounce on food.

While we were talking, you already managed to make a small oversight: pushing back the chair, you dragged it across the floor, scratching and creaking with your legs.

I think that the owners of the cafe hardly liked this, and the floors did not become more beautiful from this. Just raise your chair and your ear for music won't be affected by scratching sounds.

Leaning or putting your elbows on the table is also not worth it. If the situation permits, you can place your palms on the edge of the table and bend over so that your friends can hear well everything you say to them.

But press your elbows to yourself so as not to inconvenience your neighbors.

While you and your friends are waiting for your order, you can take a little look around and chat.

But this does not mean that you need to turn your whole body to each other, talk loudly and giggle.

Of course, I really want to gossip about that nice guy sitting at the next table, but do not forget that not everyone is pleased to be the object of discussion, however, you yourself do not like it. Therefore, one must behave modestly.

But here the waiter places all kinds of plates and saucers on the table, lays out knives and forks. You can proceed to the first test.

Don't worry, we will help you deal with it without much difficulty.

First, unfold the napkin. Do not rush to repeat grand gestures for the movie heroes of previous years: the napkin tucked behind the collar is already out of place, modern ladies spread it on their knees.

Remember, in one famous film, the main character, a poor and uneducated boy, was invited to a gorgeous dinner in high society.

He was completely at a loss, but his girlfriend came to his aid and suggested that you need to start using cutlery from the most extreme, gradually moving towards the plate (a very simple and wise observation).

You too can quite use this advice. If you are invited to a dinner party, you simply cannot do without our recommendations.

A dessert device is placed in front of the plate: knives, spoons, forks.

Sometimes they are limited only with a dessert spoon, but if there are several dessert dishes, then there will be several dessert devices, respectively.

In order not to get confused, remember that all the appliances that are closer to the plate are for main dishes, and those that are outside are for snacks.

You need to know how to use even one cutlery correctly.

Take all the devices that are on the left with your left hand, and the devices on the right with your right.

The arrangement of dessert devices will tell such a savvy girl like you how to use them correctly.

People who don't know how to use knives make a bad impression. Therefore, even at home, when eating alone, use all the cutlery correctly.

Let's talk about each cutlery in more detail.

The tablespoon is for soup only. Each salad bowl contains a special spoon that you can use to put some salad on your plate.

It is strictly forbidden to climb into a common dish with your spoon.

A knife is needed to eat meat, some vegetables.

But they never eat fish with a knife (the only exception is pickled or smoked), cutlets, pasta, noodles, pudding, they don't cut bread, pancakes, dumplings.

You need to know how to use a knife. Puzzled looks are caused by a person who chops all the food on his plate with a knife, then puts it aside, shifts the fork from his left hand to his right and begins to eat.

Remember that soup is served after cold snacks. For the second, there is usually a meat dish with a vegetable side dish, so you will definitely find on the table, in addition to a spoon, a fork and a knife.

At the end of lunch, a dessert appears on the table: ice cream, coffee, fruit.

They brought you soup, but for some reason not in a plate, as you are used to, but in a cup. Maybe you should drink it like coffee? Not at all, soup or broth served in cups is also eaten with a spoon, holding it in the right hand, with the left hand supporting the cup by the handle.

Do not blow over soup that is too hot. Remember, too, that it is considered bad form to tilt the bowl to eat up the leftover soup.

You can finish the rest of the broth in the cup without hindrance by putting the spoon on the saucer.

If meat with bones was served before the soup, then first you should carefully separate them, and only then pour the broth into the plate.

Do not lean too low over the table - this is ugly: you will ruin your posture, and your friends may get the impression that you are more passionate about food than talking with them.

Do not rush to eat everything at once, so as not to look with hungry eyes at your companions and not to rush them.

Direct the spoon into your mouth with the side part, tilting slightly towards you, holding it with your thumb and forefinger.

In this case, the middle finger is used as support.

With the second courses, you will not experience any difficulties if you remember that large pieces of meat should not be cut immediately, but only as needed.

You don't need a knife at all if you're going to eat goulash or egg dishes. An exception is the fried eggs, which you will have to cut.

The garnish should be eaten in small portions, gripping it with a fork and helping with a knife if necessary. You can also eat pasta, noodles, fish, pudding or vegetables without a knife.

But remember, no matter how delicious the sauce may be, licking a plate or picking up tasty leftovers with a crust of bread is still not worth it.

Do you think that a bun from a dish should be taken with a fork?

Then, slowly, break off small pieces from it and gently bring them to your mouth.

When small pies and buns are served with fish dishes or soup, you do not need to cut them with a knife or dip them into broth.

For canapes and sandwiches, forks and knives are not needed at all: they should be carefully handled, trying not to touch the rest of the portions.

You have already learned some of the rules, but also try to ensure that your meal is held in a pleasant environment.

What do you think needs to be done to make your lunch or dinner memorable?

1. Scatter bread crumbs around the table.

2. Pour the cocoa.

3. Do not talk while eating.

4. Thank the hostess of the house or the service staff of the cafe.

5. Pour soup on the wall.

6. Talk loudly with a neighbor at the table.

7. Fall off the chair a couple of times.

Some of the options for the answers probably made you laugh. You know that this is not the right thing to do. Only very small and ill-mannered children behave this way.

In any section of etiquette, great importance is attached to manners and gestures. With their help, you can make your life easier or, conversely, cause yourself and others a lot of trouble.

Perhaps you should find out the meaning of some gestures that would be appropriate to use at the table at home or in a cafe.

If you put a knife and fork on a plate parallel to each other for a while, do not be surprised if the waiter removes your appliance from the table. Remember that this is how you can arrange them on a plate if you have already finished your meal.

But what should you do if you want to tell your friends something interesting, but you shouldn't do this while eating with your mouth full (well, you remember!)?

The answer is simple: put the device on a plate crosswise. In this case, the knife should lie with the tip to the left, and the fork should with the convex side up. (The easiest way is to imagine a clock face instead of a plate, an “arrow” - the knife will point to the number “five” on an imaginary clock, and the handle of the fork will point to “seven”.)

If it seems to you that you need to eat game with your hands, then you are deeply mistaken. When you eat poultry, you will have to use not only a fork, but also a knife for this purpose.

Of course, the knife should be taken in the right hand, and the fork in the left and carefully separate the meat from the bones.

Is there something you want to say? Wait, chew first. A person who speaks with a full mouth does not look very nice, and your friends are unlikely to be able to understand your speech without an interpreter.

So that you finally remember what and how to eat, we will consider the rules of etiquette using the example of the most common dishes.

For example, meat with mashed potatoes can be eaten in two ways: just cut off small pieces of meat, holding them with a fork (it should be located with the prongs down), and with the same fork, carefully take some potatoes and send this delicious portion directly into your mouth.

The second method was invented by the Americans, people who are practical and always in a hurry.

Everything is much simpler here: using a fork and a knife, immediately cut the meat into pieces. Then you can put the knife aside and continue with just a fork.

You can eat fish without using a knife, but in some cases, for example, when you were served boiled fish, you should cut it with two forks, and sometimes with a knife, which is included in the fish device.

Very rarely, fish is eaten using only a knife. For example, the skin of a smoked eel can only be carefully removed from the meat with a knife.

And pickled fish is easier and more convenient to eat with the help of a complete fish device.

Boiled fish is served to the table very often, so you must master the skills of its use perfectly.

To do this, you need a set consisting of two forks or a special fish device. Don't rush to get rid of the bones right away - it might wait a while.

It is better to “strip” the fish first: carefully peel off the skin and separate the meat from the bones on the top of the fish. After you finish eating the peeled portion, turn the fish over to the other side and repeat what you have already done.

In this case, the bones of the ridge must remain intact. If you use two forks, send the next portion into your mouth with the one in your right hand.

Most often, people refuse fish dishes because of small bones that are difficult to detect and, therefore, remove.

Don't worry if you feel a small bone in your mouth, carefully remove it on a fork and place it on the edge of a plate.

Rice is usually eaten with a fork, unless it happens in a Chinese restaurant. Few know how to use special chopsticks, therefore, if they have been submitted, it is quite acceptable to ask for a fork for yourself (it is better to own it well than to make people laugh, pouring rice anywhere, just not in your mouth!).

For heavily boiled rice, you can use a spoon.

The pate should be eaten with a fork, and a spoon or knife is used only when the product is spread on a bread or roll. In between meals, you can calmly rest and look around. No need to sculpt bread balls or wrinkle napkins.

In addition to the fact that it is uncivilized, you may well need both.

A break is the best time to take care of yourself, correct your makeup. By the way, in order to "powder the nose", guests should use the bathroom, and in the cafe - ladies' room, where you can leave, having previously warned your companions and asking forgiveness for the absence.

But don't be away for long - it's just disrespectful. Never use a toothpick at the table! If you feel uncomfortable, it is better to go out for a while.

Hot meals are usually not served for dinner. Dinner is a defile of cold appetizers: cold meat, salads, cheese, bread.

At youth parties, fast food is often served, so you also need to be able to eat sausages.

Do not rush to take them with your hands - this is, of course, easier, but not always more convenient: firstly, they can be hot and slip out of your hands, and secondly, from the outside it does not look very nice. Therefore, it is better to use a knife and fork.

Cutlets, meatballs and other minced meat products should only be eaten with a fork.

You already understood that almost all meat dishes are eaten with a knife and fork. What if the roast was served uncut? Just cut it yourself, holding it with a fork.

What else would you like to try from the holiday menu, maybe a new salad? It is not at all necessary to reach for him across the table, dropping glasses of juice or getting mustard-covered sleeves.

Better ask your friend, who is sitting on the other side of the table, to put some of the chosen dish on your plate. After thanking him for the service, you can give him a charming smile and offer jellied fish, the dish with which is right in front of you.

Potatoes are served in different variations: fried, stewed, mashed potatoes ... What if they brought them in their uniforms?

What should you do to get to the delicious crumbly pulp without any trouble? That's right, you first need to get rid of the peel.

But how to do this so that the potatoes do not fly to the floor or, even worse, in the face of a neighbor?

First, carefully stick a fork into your potato (just be careful, try not to break the tuber ahead of time!), Then take the knife in your right hand and peel it off.

Then use the edge of a fork to break the tuber into pieces (but do not puree it to eat the rest of the sauce on the plate).

Remember that all boiled vegetables should only be chopped with a fork!

This dish is often served with green peas; eating it with a fork is inconvenient - it rolls, and with a spoon it is ugly. What to do?

Just string a few peas on the prongs of a fork and eat calmly. Well done, you're doing great!

Your friend is not averse to taste the salad and asks to serve her the one in the massive vase next to you. Of course, you are always happy to render a service to your beloved friend, but maybe you shouldn't give her the whole vase, otherwise both of her hands will be busy.

How will she serve herself? You will probably have to hold the dish until she fills her plate.

Continuing our conversation about good manners, we invite you to remember a few more simple rules of behavior at the table.

Hold the cup with compote in your right hand, holding it with your left. If bones come across in a compote of dried fruits, imperceptibly put them in a spoon, and then gently transfer them to an outlet that is served for this purpose.

Do not think that eating fresh apples or pears is easier: only in a circle of close friends you could easily take a ruddy fruit with your hands and bite off a good half of it, and special cutlery is provided for fruit at receptions or in a cafe.

First of all, you need to cut the fruit into four or more pieces and peel it. Only then can you gently eat the peeled wedges using a fruit knife and fork.

Pre-cut the peel of the orange in several places along, then it will be much easier to peel it.

Tangerines can be peeled by hand. Before eating plums, break the fruit with your hands and remove the stone, and pick off the grapes from the brush with your hands.

Watermelon should be eaten with a fork, cut into portions with a knife, but melon should be eaten with a spoon. Bananas must be peeled, cut into small circles and eaten with a fork.

Strawberry stalks will be useful to you in order to gently grasp them and bring the berry to your mouth.

And peaches, apricots, kiwi and other similar fruits with a peel should not be eaten - first peel them, remove the pits, if you want, cut them into pieces.

If the cheese was served in one piece, cut a slice from it with a special knife and use a spatula or fork designed for this purpose, transfer it to your plate.

Typically, after a light breakfast or hearty lunch, guests are offered tea or coffee.

Trying to appear well-mannered, you should not hold the cup with your little finger protruding. On the contrary, it is considered bad form.

Note that the prudent hosts provided dessert and teaspoons for stirring sugar in a drink or for jam.

Another nuance: sugar cannot be taken with your own spoon; for this purpose, a common spoon is placed in the sugar bowl. Refined sugar should be taken with tweezers.

If sugar does not dissolve in a cup for a long time, do not try to split it with a spoon, otherwise you risk pouring tea on your table neighbor.

It is worth waiting until it dissolves on its own, and then stir with a spoon, while being careful not to touch the edges of the cup with it.

After all these procedures, be sure to remove the spoon from the cup.

If the menu includes cake and cream cakes, a spoon will definitely come in handy. The cake can be eaten with a fork or spoon, and you need to start from the edge that is closer to you.

If the cakes are on a small paper napkin, then you can transfer one of them to your plate directly with the napkin. Pies and biscuits should be handled.

The cupcake or baba should be eaten in small pieces by breaking them off with your hands. Eclairs and donuts can be nibbled by hand, or eaten from a fork.

If you opted for sweets, then keep in mind that first you need to put the candy on your plate or unfold the candy wrapper in the candy socket.

Do you like ice cream? Having ordered a portion for yourself, do not rush to eat it right away, wait until it melts, otherwise your efforts to try at least a piece will resemble the work of a climber.

Probably, you had to try some dish for the first time.

When this happens, it's best to take a closer look at how others eat it.

There are a lot of exotic dishes in the stock of any hostess or in the restaurant menu, so you should have an idea of how to eat them correctly.

You are used to the fact that cultured people eat almost everything with a fork and knife. Oysters are a rare exception to the rules of good taste.

Imagine, they need to be sucked out of the shells! They are served to the table on special deep trays with ice. Usually one serving does not exceed five to six pieces.

It is necessary to open the shell using a special oyster fork, then remove it with a blunt edge around the core of the oysters, holding the shell with the thumb and forefinger of the left hand.

With the sharp part of the fork, the oyster was separated from the shell, then the gills were removed (they are darker in color).

Sprinkle it with lemon juice and suck the oyster out of the shell as quietly as possible. It is permissible to eat oysters with a fork.

Let's continue our conversation with information about cancers. They are served in a dish with hot water, from where they are taken out as needed with a slotted spoon or by hand. The shell is split with a special knife.

In the middle of the blade of this knife there is a hole where the crab claw is inserted, which must be broken, and the legs are straightened in the same way. Then they eat meat out of them (claws and legs).

With the left hand, they take the front part of the body of the crayfish, while holding the back of the carcass with the right hand and, rotating, separate them from each other.

They bring the neck of the crayfish to the mouth with their hands, remove the white meat from the rest of the crayfish with a knife (you should also take it with your hands).

But crayfish are not always cooked. Sometimes only crayfish broth is put on the table, which is drunk from cups or bread croutons are dipped into it.

Likewise, it is customary to eat lobsters and lobsters. There is a special cutlery only for them. Split the shell, using a special fork for the ommus (with a hook at one end), take the meat out of the shell and scoop out the juice (the spoon is on the other end of the fork).

Lobster claws are very strong, so they are split with tongs and the meat is eaten with a fork.

The meat of the back of the lobster is also eaten with a fork or a special spoon. Lobster is always served with whipped butter or mayonnaise, in which the meat is dipped.

Empty lobster and crayfish shells are usually placed on a platter or special plate. If for some reason it is inconvenient for you to do this, you can put them on your plate or napkin.

Black and red (chum) caviar is served directly in a jar or bowl of ice.

With a special fork or knife, caviar is spread on toasted toast, previously spread with butter, and poured with lemon juice on top. They eat such sandwiches with their hands.

Today we will talk about the rules of table setting, the existing norms of behavior during meals and the peculiarities of using various serving items. After all, you must admit that when you master this science, you feel much more confident in any company, on any trip, in any restaurant. I want to clarify that there are many styles, schools and rules, some even contradict each other. There is a factor of country, institution and tradition. So I took one of the styles. So let's get started.

The beginning of lunch.

If you are a guest and there are no name cards on the table, remain standing until the dinner host has shown you where you should be at the table.

Napkins.

Once you are seated at the table, place a napkin on your lap. It is customary to unfold the napkin in one smooth movement, shaking it in order to straighten it. How you place the napkin on your lap depends on the size of the napkin. There are two possibilities: 1. Large napkins are usually served at more formal occasions, and in such cases it is customary to unfold the napkin in half. 2. The smaller napkins are fully unrolled to cover the knees. Do not tuck the napkin behind the collar, between the buttons of a shirt, or behind the belt. If you are serving a dish that is customary to eat with your hands, look at the host of the dinner - and do as he did (perhaps he will tuck a napkin under his chin, or tie it around his neck). Using a napkin. During lunch, use a napkin more often to blot your lips, but don't wipe them off. If paper napkins are also present on the table, it is permissible to wipe your lips with them. Be sure to blot your lips before drinking, this is especially true for women who use lipstick. Napkin rings... If the table is served with napkins in rings, after you have removed the napkin from the ring, place it in the upper left corner of the cutlery. After dinner, take the center of the napkin, thread it through the ring and place it on the table so that the center of the napkin faces the center of the table. If you need to be away from the table for a short time, place a napkin to the left of the plate. At the same time, try to fold the napkin so that the side you were using is inside. What to do with a napkin after a meal? When the meal is over:

Roll up the napkin in any way you like.
If there is still a plate in front of you on the table, leave the table by placing a napkin to the left of the plate.
If the table in front of you is empty, the napkin should be placed in the center of the table, where your plate was.
Place the napkin folded so that the stained parts are not visible.
If your afternoon coffee is served at the dining table, leave the napkin on your lap.

General rules

You need to sit at the table straight, at a comfortable distance from the table, so that your arms, bent at the elbows, are level with knives and forks. Never put your elbows on the table! If you don't know where to put your hands, just fold them in your lap. If you have already been served a dish, wait until all the guests at the table are served, and only then pick up the cutlery and start eating. An exception is if the host of the feast suggested that you start the meal. Then you can start eating without waiting for the rest of the guests. How close should the dishes be to you so that you can reach them on your own? Everything is simple here: it is permissible to reach only those objects that are in close proximity to you, so that you can reach them with an outstretched hand, slightly deviating to the side. Do not lean over your neighbor to reach the dish. To get something that is beyond your reach, simply ask for “Pass, please…” and also remember to thank anyone who will give you the item you need. According to the rules of etiquette, before the beginning of the meal, each of those present should make sure that the other guests were offered everything they might need - oil, water, salt and pepper, etc. Let's dwell on how correctly pass food at the table.

According to the rules, food is passed from left to right, while the dish should only move in one direction.
There are two options: either one of the diners holds the dish while his neighbor fills his plate from it, or the diner passes the dish to his neighbor, who holds the dish himself and fills his plate.
Dishes that are heavy or inconvenient to hold on weight are usually placed on the table with each transfer to a neighbor.
Tureens and other utensils with handles are usually transferred in such a way that the handle looks towards the guest receiving the dish.

If food is served on a dish and requires cutting, the rule applies when passing such a dish around the table: each of the diners holds the dish while his neighbor on the right imposes food from him using the common appliances that come with the dish. A little explanation is needed here. All cutlery is divided into individual (main) and general (auxiliary). Individual appliances are designed to receive dishes, and common appliances are designed to lay them out. Using common appliances:

Common appliances are located to the right of the dish for which they are intended.
If both a fork and a spoon are served with a dish, there is a rule: the spoon is placed to the right of the dish so that it is convenient to scoop and lift the food, and the fork is placed on the left to support the food with it.
Shared appliances must be returned to the shared dish in the same way as they were served.
If the spoon for laying the dish was served on a separate plate-stand, after use it must be placed in the common dish (thus preparing it for use by the next guest).
It is customary to direct the blade of the carving knife into the dish to avoid cuts.

Eat at a calm pace, firstly, it promotes better digestion, and, secondly, this will show the host of the feast that you want to enjoy both food and company. Rapid absorption of food is a sign of disrespect for the owners, indicating that you have come only to eat, and you are not interested in the company of those who have gathered. Keep your mouth closed while eating, and try not to make any sounds - whether it is the clatter of appliances on a plate or teeth, champing or sipping of soup. If the soup is too hot, don't blow on it - just wait for it to cool slightly. If you have food in your mouth, you should try to avoid conversation at any cost, even if you have a suitable remark at the ready! First chew, swallow food, and only then enter into a dialogue. If you need to go to the toilet, just say, "I'm sorry, I'll be off for a minute." If you need to leave the table in connection with an urgent matter (call, message, etc.), be sure to apologize to those present, show them that you would be more pleased to stay in their company, but business is urgent and you are forced to leave from the table. After all, you do not want the guests to get the impression that you are tired of their company!

Devices

How is it customary to lay appliances if you are still eating? Cross a knife and fork on your plate. If the plate size allows it, it is best to fold the cutlery so that the fork teeth are on the knife blade. In this case, the handle of the knife should point to the right, and the handle of the fork - to the left. This is a sign that you are not finished with your dish yet, so your plate will not be changed. Please note that it is not customary to put cutlery in such a way that half is on the plate and half is on the table. However, this rule does not apply with chopsticks.

Exist two established how to use the devices- classic European(continental) and American... The first implies that the knife and fork are held in the hands throughout the entire meal. It is not customary to put a knife on a plate, even if it is temporarily not needed. The American way of using devices allows the possibility of putting a knife on the edge of the plate, if it is temporarily not needed, then the fork can be taken in the right hand and eat only with it. In this case, the knife must be placed with the blade inside the plate, with the handle on its edge. Dishes that do not need to be cut - scrambled eggs, omelet, pasta, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and so on - can be eaten with a fork taken in the right hand. In this case, the fork can even be turned with the prongs up, and the convex part down, like a spoon, to make it easier to pick up food. In this case, you can help yourself with a piece of bread, which is held in the other hand. Food is always cut towards you and so that there are not too many pieces, and each of them can be easily put in your mouth. It is not customary to cut all the food into small pieces at once - do it gradually as needed. How to complete a meal... Every time you change dishes, when you have finished with food, the knife and fork (bulge down) are placed on the plate parallel to each other, the knife blade looks inward. The instrument handles are directed to the lower right corner. This is a sign to the waiter that you have finished eating.

A word or two on how to end a spoonful liquid meal. There are two options here - soup bowls and soup bowls. If the soup or dessert is served in a deep bowl or cup, which is on a special plate, the appliance / cutlery should be put on this plate after the meal. If it is too small to hold the cutlery, leave it in the bowl. If the soup is served in a soup bowl (a fairly wide and relatively deep bowl), leave the spoon in that bowl after eating.

Always praise the chef!

Even if the food was terrible, find and say something positive. There is no need to lie, for example, if the meat is burnt, you can say, "Well, the sauce was truly excellent." It's nice when lunch ends on a positive note.

Table setting

Now let's take a closer look at the rules for using individual cutlery. What forks, knives, and spoons to use at lunch? The number of cutlery at the table depends on the number of meal changes that will be served. There is a simple rule - at each change of dishes, the devices are sequentially used, starting with the ones closest to the plate.

You will also need to remember that all devices that are located on the left (and these are always forks) should be held in your left hand. On the right are spoons and knives that are held in the right hand. If you see that there are also cutlery for common dishes on the table, located with the handle to the left, then they should be taken with your left hand. A similar rule is used for devices positioned with the handle to the right. Now we will describe in more detail how to use these or those devices. As we mentioned above, the accepted norms of table behavior differ in different sides Atlantic. So: Europe versus America. Continental style Assumes that the fork should be held in the left hand, teeth down. The knife is held in the right hand, 3-5 cm above the plate, while holding the blunt edge of the blade with the index finger. American style The fork is held in the same way as a pencil, the handle is between the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, and the remaining fingers are pressed against the palm. For the convenience of pricking food, the index finger is pulled and pressed along the back surface of the fork handle as far as possible from the teeth. A knife is used if necessary. Hold the knife in your left hand on your folded middle, ring and pinky fingers, your index finger on the blunt edge of the blade, and your thumb on the opposite side of the handle. Using both a knife and a fork is preferable as it makes it easier to handle food. At formal dinners, the two appliances are used for appetizers, salads, main courses, desserts and fruits. The knife should never be held like a pencil. When a fork is used in tandem with a knife or spoon, it is held in the left hand in much the same way as a knife, with the prongs pointing downwards. The spoon is held in the right hand, in the same way as the fork. Food should be eaten from the side of the spoon; it is never brought to the mouth at right angles! Important! A spoon or fork should be lifted up and brought to the mouth, and not tilted towards the food on them. Do not gesture with devices.

Spices and bread

Let us dwell separately on the features of the use of spices and bread, as the most common and commonly used components of any meal. Rules for the use of salt and pepper Try it! Before you add salt or pepper to a dish, be sure to try it. Transfer salt and pepper together. Always pass both salt and pepper together, even if you are asked for one thing. Open salt shakers. Some owners prefer open salt shakers, and they are increasingly used in table setting, often replacing the usual perforated salt shakers.

If there is no spoon in the open salt shaker, use the tip of a clean knife to pick up the salt.
If an open salt shaker is intended only for you, you can take salt either at the tip of a knife or just with a pinch - with your fingers.
If an open salt shaker is common to all guests, never take salt out of it with your hands or with a dirty knife.
It is customary to put the salt taken from the salt shaker on a plate for bread, or on the edge of any other plate in front of you.

How to properly handle bread and butter Usually bread on the table is served in a basket common to all guests at the table.

If a bread basket is on the table in front of you, do not hesitate - take it and offer bread to your neighbor on the right.
If the loaf of bread is not sliced, cut a few slices, offer them to the neighbor on the left, and pass the rest of the bread together with the basket to the neighbor on the right.
Do not touch bread with bare hands. Use the napkin that is placed under the loaf of bread in the basket to hold the loaf while you cut the bread.
It is customary to put bread and butter on a plate for butter, it is on your left. The correct way to do this is to cut or break off a slice of bread so large that you can eat it in one bite, spread some butter on it and eat.
It is not customary to spread butter on a large piece of bread and then bite off it.
It is not customary to hold a piece of bread in one hand and a drink in the other.
Never take the last piece of bread without first offering it to other diners.
Some restaurants serve bread with olive oil. In this case, you need to dip small (one bite) slices of bread in butter, and then eat them.
Butter is usually made in a rectangular shape, so the butter knife has a rounded blade so that it is convenient to smear butter, and teeth on the edge of the blade to prick oil on them to transfer it to a plate.

Table setting rules Whether you are organizing a formal dinner or a social gathering, the basic table setting rules remain the same. Try to provide each guest with as much space as possible for the size of the table. Leave small gaps between the seats. As we already wrote, knives and spoons are always located on the right, forks - on the left. Formally, dessert plates should be placed at each seat - even if they are not intended to be used - you can simply put rolled napkins on them. The amount of cutlery will depend on the planned menu, but the arrangement will remain the same - forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. It is necessary to lay out the devices in the order of serving the dishes - the closest to the plate are the devices for the first courses, and so on - the devices for each next dish are farther from the plate (sometimes the reverse order is found). Dessert spoons and forks for informal dinners can be placed on top of the plate, or served after the main course has been removed. Always serve both a spoon and a fork for desserts. For ice cream, serve a standard teaspoon, or a long-handled teaspoon. Sorbet, which can be served between meals, is usually eaten with a teaspoon. Up to four glasses are allowed on the table at the same time: for red (large) and white (smaller) wine, for sparkling wines (elongated narrow) and for water (low wide glass).

The rules for serving meals at lunch differ depending on the degree of formality of the event. For formal dinners, the following rules apply: food is brought separately to each person present at the table, while the waiter comes up with dishes or drinks to the diner on the left. It is acceptable that the plates are filled with food in the kitchen, and then taken out and placed in front of each of the guests at the table. At less formal gatherings, the host places the dish on the guests' plates and then they are handed over to everyone present, or the guests themselves put the food on their plates and pass it on to the neighbors if necessary. How to use chopsticks. If you are unsure of your chopsticks skills, it is best to practice using them at home beforehand. You need to hold the sticks parallel to each other, in your right hand. Big and forefinger hold and operate the upper stick. The middle finger lies calmly between the sticks, and serves as a support for the lower stick, which remains motionless. The upper stick is moved by the thumb and forefinger and is used to grab food and bring it to the mouth. When you are not using chopsticks, place them to the right of the plate, often a special holder is provided for the chopsticks. Never use chopsticks to pass food to anyone, or use chopsticks to point at other people. And in conclusion, we recall that as the host of the feast, it is not customary to start cleaning the table until the guests have left.

Additional rules and subtleties of table etiquette

Refusal of a certain dish in case of allergy to the products included in its composition, or due to restrictions in connection with the diet, is possible, while it is necessary to explain to the host of the feast (but not to all guests present) the reason for refusing the dish.
If you have food stuck between your teeth, you should not try to reach it at the table, even if you have toothpicks. In case you absolutely cannot stand this inconvenience, you need to apologize, leave the table, and remove the stuck food from the teeth in the toilet room.
Lipstick. It is bad taste to leave traces of lipstick on appliances and glasses, especially at business dinners. If you have lipstick on your lips and do not have a napkin with you to remove it from your face, walk to the toilet, or grab a napkin at the bar when you approach the dining table.
Smoking. Despite the fact that in our country smoking is prohibited in restaurants, you may find yourself in restaurants with smoking areas in other countries, therefore, consider the rules of behavior at the table in this situation. So, even if your table is located in the smoking area, never light a cigarette between meals. The smell of cigarettes significantly affects the taste, and not in the best way. Wait until the end of the dinner, and only after asking permission from those present, and making sure that no one objects, you can smoke. If anyone objects, go to the bar. And never use plates as an ashtray.

Chicken is one of many people's favorite foods. Grilled chicken baked in sauce, tobacco chicken, chops - a very wide variety of chicken dishes is served both at home and in a restaurant. I just want to take an appetizing crispy leg with my hands and eat it, but you can't. We are not primitive people. If you do not know - by hand or with a fork, then this article will be useful to you.

Fillet and cutlets

Chicken meat products are distinguished by their softness and juiciness. If you were served a cutlet, meatballs or chicken fillets, then just use a fork and knife to eat this dish. Most importantly, put a napkin on your knees to avoid accidental drops of grease on your clothes. Use a knife to cut small slices from meat dishes and use a fork to put them in your mouth. Don't cut the whole piece into pieces right away, be consistent.

Shins and wings

What is the correct way to eat chicken if you were offered wings or drumsticks? You need to somehow free the bone from the meat. A knife and a fork will come to your aid. Gently pick up the skin with a knife, holding the bone with a fork, and scrape it off the meat. Now you need to carefully cut the meat: press the bone with a fork to the plate, and cut off small pieces with a knife. Each cut piece should be eaten immediately, without stacking it on a plate. After all, the process of eating and gutting a chicken should not interfere with your communication with your neighbors at the table. If you cannot cope with the small pieces remaining on the bone, put it aside.

How is it etiquette to eat chicken if it was served to you in broth? First, you need to eat all the broth with a spoon, and then start eating a meat treat, putting aside the spoon and armed with a fork and knife.

Leg

If there is a chicken leg on your plate, and an incomprehensible cap is put on the tip of the bone, do not be alarmed, this is a special device created specifically for your convenience. This means you can hold the bone with your fingers while cutting. Usually, a plate of lemon water is served along with the chicken legs, into which you can gently dip your soiled fingers. If you already know how to eat chicken according to etiquette, then it will not be surprising for you to have lemon in the water. Lemon perfectly removes the smell of meat from the skin of the hands. Simply dip your fingertips into a bowl of lemon water and then wipe them off with a napkin.

If you know how to eat chicken according to etiquette, then it will not be difficult to deal with its leg: holding it by the paper cap, carefully separate small pieces with a knife or fork and send it into your mouth. Remember to watch out for drops of juice that tend to fall on your knees or tablecloth.

How to eat chicken etiquette

If you find yourself at a dinner, during which they served whole chicken, and do not know how to snatch a bite from it, do not rush.

Usually the chicken is cut by the person who cooked it, or the waiter. At the same time, it is divided between all guests in such a way that everyone gets a piece of approximately the same size. They begin to divide the carcass from the wings, then the legs are separated, followed by the side bones. And the breast is cut into longitudinal pieces and divided into all guests. If the chicken was baked with sauce, make sure that every piece of meat is watered with it.

Simple rules

Now that you know how to eat chicken according to etiquette, it remains only to consolidate the knowledge gained.

Do not pick up chicken pieces with your hands unless you have a paper cap over the bone.
Use a fork and knife no matter how much of the chicken you get.
If suddenly you get your hands dirty chicken meat, use lemon water served with meat in a separate bowl. No need to dip your fingers deeply or rinse them in a bowl. It is enough just to slightly moisten and wipe with a napkin.
If small pieces of meat do not come off the bone, do not gnaw it, but simply set it aside on the edge of the plate. How to eat chicken correctly is very easy to remember.
If you are the hostess of the house who serves baked chicken, remember the rules for dividing the carcass for all guests. Count the number of people and roughly estimate the number of pieces into which you need to divide the chicken. Make sure that the portions are about the same. Be sure to add chicken breast pieces to the wings.

As you've seen, eating chicken etiquette isn't that difficult. The main thing is to remember that you need to behave in an appropriate way so as not to offend anyone with your behavior at the table.