If you're home alone or with your immediate family, it doesn't really matter how you eat. But if you're going to eat at someone else's house or in a restaurant, or go to a business meeting, you obviously want to look elegant. So here are 23 dinner etiquette tips a lady should know:
1. Let the hostess show you a seat.
2. Place a napkin on your lap.
3. Turn off your phone, or at least put it on silent.
4. Close the menu when you are ready to order.
5. Do not drink or talk with a full mouth.
6. Wait until everyone has a plate in front of them before you start eating.
7. If you want a bowl from the other side of the table, ask someone to indicate it.
8. Cut your food once at a time.
9. Hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right.
10. Put your fork and knife on your plate when you're done eating.
11. Pass the food to the right side of the table.
12. Taste the food before adding salt and pepper.
13. Hold the wine by the stem.
14. Roll the wine around before tasting it.
15. Chew with your mouth closed.
16. Eat slowly.
17. Pat your lips dry before taking a sip.
18. Cover your mouth when you sneeze, cough or blow your nose.
19. Don't put your elbows on the table when you eat.
20. Don't gesture when you have a fork or knife in your hand.
21. Remove unwanted food from your mouth, but only when you are alone.
22. Compliment the food.
23. Say “sorry, I'll be right back” when you leave the table.
