This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Party Etiquette Guide

A quick overview of place settings, good manners, and everything else you need to know to get through a dinner party.

I thought it might be fun to share some dining etiquette tips with you. I have trained all my staff on this subject for around 11 years. So let's begin.

When invited to a party at someone's house it's always nice to bring the hostess a small gift—perhaps a bottle of wine, some flowers , or candy.

Should you have any diet  restrictions it's best to let the hostess before the party.

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I know sometimes it gets a little confusing when you sit down and look at a formal silverware place setting. You should always remember to eat  from the outside in through the meal. Water then wine glass is placed above knife and spoon. Bread and butter plate is placed above salad fork and dinner fork. Dessert fork goes at the top of the plate. Your napkin is placed under the forks.

When you sit down at the dinner table you should always place your napkin in your lap until the end of the meal. When you have finished eating, place your napkin to the left of your dinner plate.

Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When serving a plated meal you serve from the left, pick up from the right. Ladies should be served first, then you finish with the men.

Should you attend a formal dinner party, wait until everyone at the table has been served their meal before you begin to eat. When the hostess picks up her fork, you can begin to eat. Once you start eating, never place  your silverware on the table. The proper way is to always leave your silverware on your plate.

An arm or elbow on the table, talking with food in your mouth, or chewing loudly are bad manners. Place your left arm on your lap. Remember only to cut enough food for the next mouthful.

When passing food around the dinner table, always move from the left to the right. It's not polite to cross over or reach for something. When passing salt and pepper, make sure to pass both at the same time.

If the host or hostess comes around with more wine, and you prefer not to drink anymore, place your hand over the glass to signal that you are finished. 

When everyone has finished eating, dinner plates are removed from the right side. At this time dessert is then served with coffee. You may also provide after-dinner drinks.

I hope you find these tips useful when dining out. Remember: mind your manners!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills