Table Manners 101: Basic Dining Etiquette

You don't have to practice perfect table manners at home, but you should have a basic grasp on dining etiquette so you know how to handle yourself at a formal dinner without embarrassing yourself.

While sometimes manners and etiquette seem like "rules for rules' sake," at their core, manners are just about being mindful and considerate of other people.

In this video, you'll learn the basic "must-know" table manners so you can get through a formal dinner without incident.

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HELPFUL REFERENCE BOOKS

Emily Post's Etiquette: Manners for a New World*

Miss Manners' Basic Training: Eating*

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VIDEOS YOU MIGHT WANT TO WATCH NEXT

Minding Manners: Why Etiquette is Important with Tamiko Zablith

How to Get Out of a Conversation

5 Daily Habits that Boost Your Confidence and Improve Your Mood

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FREE EBOOK

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[B_Bodziak]

I raised my daughters with table manners from the time they could actually use an utensil. My mantra to them was: "People may not always notice good table manners, but they always notice bad manners!"

[winonadaphne]

bless you man for educating us folks from low middle class families

[nico.mechoso]

Met my girlfriend’s parents last night.. this helped me immensely, I think they love me!

[Kwahzutah]

I know people like to think all of this is silly but good manners are appreciated almost everywhere. It shows respect for yourself and for the comfort of those around you - it isn’t something they should expect but something you can offer just like “please” and “thank you”

[oceanwonders]

To the people who are complaining that this stuff is snobbery / only for rich people: at some point, no matter our economic background, many people will be invited to formal things like weddings. It's nice to know what the customs are so you can comfortably blend in without worrying whether or not you're acting "appropriately".

I mean, you could show up to your best friend's wedding in a leather jumpsuit or an S&M outfit and I'm sure they'd accept you, but... then the question becomes, are you being respectful of all the other guests and the formality of the occasion?

Cultural customs are a funny thing. On one level, it's all bullshit. On another, it's like wearing a costume to a theme party. It's considerate, even though everyone knows it's not real.

[Zagarspupil]

As far as your tips for setting the table ('b' and 'd' for bread and drink) I'd like to add something. I was taught which utensils go on the right and left side of the table very young, and it wasn't until I got into my 20s that I learned this: the words 'left' and 'fork' both have four letters, and the words 'right', 'knife', and 'spoon' all have five letters. So your fork(s) go on the left of the plate, and the knife and spoon(s) go on the right side of the plate.

[juliancoulden]

“Manners maketh the man” It’s extraordinary how many people don’t know what table manners are, so this helpful guide is very useful. Good manners like with most other things in life, are designed to help make our interactions with others much more pleasant and enjoyable

[philipsykes]

I never realized how consequential proper table manners were until I watched this video. From using the right utensils to knowing how to hold a discussion, there are so many little details that can make a big difference in how others perceive us at the table. I'm going to start implementing these tips in my own life! Thank You!

[danieldaniel-vbrh]

I wasn't brought up with tables manners like these and it feels so good to know them now thank you so much

[BrockMcGoff]

I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't benefit from watching this video. Well done 👌

[MoonChylde]

Wonderful video. I'd only like to point out that, if you need to leave the table but are not finished with the current plate/course, do NOT place your napkin on the table. Napkins should be placed in the chair and returned to the lap when resuming the meal. Placing the napkin loosely to the left of the plate indicates that you are completely finished with the dining experience.

[raphaeldouglas]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose-is the result of hard work and hustle over time.

[heroofpots]

As someone who was never raised in a family where manners were never stressed, this is a big help! Thanks for making this.

[gorhamcj]

Thanks for your tips. I forced my 20 year old son to watch, because he lost his table manners at college! He watched it and remembered a few things. Thanks!

[elisabethhamilton]

When you stop learning, you get left behind . Never stop educating yourself

[johndavemillet]

I'd been practicing table manners whenever we have formal family gatherings, like weddings, and my relatives were quick to notice that I was actually urging them to do the same without saying a word.

[giannastruck]

There is also a way to put your napkin on your lap. You fold it in half and then lay it on your lap with the open side towards you. So when you pick up the napkin to wipe your mouth you only take one layer and wipe with the inside so when you put it back on your lap you cannot see the stain and your clothes stay clean.

[cherylannjohnson]

I like the idea of using most of these table manners at home...everyday...too. Treat family like friends and you'll be surprised how special they feel and act. Thanks! Great blog!

[lalaribbon]

Right now, I’m homeschooled and watching this kind of videos. There are sure many importants things to learn in the internet too! And I hope a lot of people understand this rather than thinking that homeschooling destroys social ability.

[ms.argentum]

Thank you so much. I'm 20 and I'm just learning about these things. My parents never taught me. Thank god there are people who share their knowledge on Youtube :)