Practice these tips whenever you are eating a meal. Do not put your elbows on the table. Help set the table. A traditional table setting has the napkin and fork to the left of the plate, and the knife (the blade facing the plate), the spoon and the cup to the right of the plate. Fancier table settings can include many different forks, knives and spoons for different courses. Just remember that the utensil farthest from the plate is for the first course. Use the utensils in order from outside to nearest the plate for the later courses. Finish chewing and swallowing before you start talking. Try not to chew with your mouth open. Eat with your silverware, not your hands (unless it's finger food). If you can't reach something, politely ask someone else at the table to hand it to you – don't reach for it. Put your napkin on your lap. Don't play with your food.
