If your fork falls on the floor, apologise to everyone at the table, pick it up, clean it properly with your napkin, and continue using it.

You should always pass both the salt and pepper even if only one is asked for.

You should excuse yourself if you must leave the table during a meal.

It is okay for you to burp throughout the meal as long as you say, “Excuse me,” every time you do so.

Always use the bread plate to your left.

Sit up straight and keep your elbows off the table, especially when you are eating.

Your water glass is located toward the right of your plate.

In order to signal to the waiter that you have finished your meal, place the fork and knife back on the table where they were before.

If there are two forks on the table, you should start using the fork nearest to your plate first.

If there are bones in your food, it is okay for you to spit them out directly onto your plate.

It is good manners to arrive at a party at least half an hour before it starts as this shows enthusiasm.

In the American style of dining, it is proper to switch the fork to your right hand to bring food into your mouth.

If you do not like a certain type of food, it is proper to explain in elaborate detail to the others at the table why this is so.

Since it is not right to waste food, it is best to ask the waiter or your host for a doggy bag to take home the leftovers.

If you are the guest, you should not order the most expensive item on the menu unless it is suggested by your host.

It is okay to blow your nose into your napkin as long as you do this quietly.

Always go to the bathroom to remove food caught in your teeth.

Spoon the soup away from you and sip it from the side of the spoon.

In a formal place setting, the dessert spoon and fork are usually placed above your plate.