14 table etiquette tips

Etiquette is not frills, no: it’s a sign of education! Running away from gossip, speaking softly, being kind and avoiding profanity are basic rules. But the care does not stop there. It is also important to know how to behave at the table, in public transport, in traffic, in the elevator and, of course, in the work environment (after all, those who avoid gaffes with bosses and colleagues are usually seen as more trustworthy). And all of this is simpler than it seems: when you don’t know how to act, use common sense! It almost always works out. Check out our tips, prepared with the help of etiquette consultant Célia Leão, and be free of tight skirts when facing a formal event:

1. Support the cloth napkin over the legs. The paper one should be next to the plate.

two. Place small portions of food on the fork.

3. Eat slowly. It’s polite and shows that you savor everything!

4. Don’t make noise when drinking liquids such as coffee or soup.

5. Never put your elbows on the table. Support only forearms or wrists.

6. At buffet parties, you can repeat whenever you want. But at formal dinners, expect the hostess to offer.

7. When in doubt between several dishes, use the smaller one for the bread and the smaller one for the appetizer.

8. At parties, pick up snacks and canapés by hand and use a napkin to catch crumbs.

9. If you don’t like the dish served, just eat the side dish and leave the rest.

10. Before bringing the glass to your mouth, pass the napkin on your lips.

11. Set the toothpicks aside. If you have something bothering your teeth, go to the bathroom and floss.

12. When finished, place the cutlery with the handles facing you.

13. If you need to go to the bathroom, just ask the person next to you for permission. And, of course, never say what you need to do there.

14. Only the chicken bird can be held by hand. To eat the other dishes, always use a fork and knife.