Dining Etiquette according to Dr. Noel Mayo

Who says you don't learn real life skills in design school?

• Place the napkin in your lap immediately after the last person has been seated at your table. Unfold it, do not shake it open.
  
• NEVER place your handbag or any other items on the table!
• NEVER place your elbows or forearms on the table!
• Bread and rolls should be broken into small pieces. Butter only one or two bites at a time. 
• Butter should be taken directly from the butter dish to the bread plate, not directly on the bread.
• Begin eating only after everyone has been served.
• The European dining style is considered more sophisticated. This involves holding the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right. When you eat from the fork, you place it in your mouth with the tines facing downward.
• Always pass food to the right.
• It is okay to pass to your immediate left if the person specifically requests an item.
  
• Ask the person nearest to what you want to please pass the item after they themselves have used it.
  
• Always pass salt and pepper together, never independently.
• Taste before seasoning your food. This is done out of respect for the chef.
• Bring food to your mouth, not your mouth to the food.
  
• Chew with your mouth closed!
• Do not leave a spoon in the cup or bowl, use the saucer or plate instead.
  
• NEVER spit a piece of food into your napkin. Remove the food from your mouth using the same utensil it went in with. Place the offending piece of food on the edge of your plate. (Exceptions are a fish bone or seed, which you may remove with your fingers discretely)
  
• If the napkin is large, put the fold closest to your waist. 
• When you are finished, place the napkin to the left of your plate.