1. Host:
Always remember that there actually is a person who invited you. Therefore things there will be according to the plan the host or the hostess has made. Do not be impolite by trying to show you are better at doing it. Even if you are in restaurant wait for the host to ask you what you would like. Be generous with your choice when someone else is paying. Just the way you would like them to do when they are paying. In a formal dinner always look at the host for the hint to begin the eating process, to be seated e.t.c. . To begin eating he or she will probably put the napkin on their lap or for the sitting down as you are designated a position wait for her to tell you to sit.
If you are the host reach the place before them your invited guest.
2. Time:
If you are invited to a dinner never be late as it usually has other guests too. If some how you are going to be late let the host know so that she will begin the program without delaying it. If you are to leave early do let the host know so that she can do preparation accordingly for one wouldn't like to return you empty. When you go do not go empty hand yourself take something for the host.
3. When at a table:
- Always wait for the host to let you know where to sit if the position isn't already designated. You do not want to be told to get up for someone else.As you sit down take the hint from the host to put down the napkin or if its an informal meeting you can do so as you sit down.
- Know your utensils well. If it is a formal dinner there will be more than one utensil in front of you. Do not confuse wine glass for a water glass. If you are in confusion wait for others to begin. Usually the spoon and forks are placed there to be used from out to in according to the dishes prepared. There will be an extra spoon or fork or may be together that will be used for the desert.
- Always know that what is served in a flat utensil uses fork and what is served in a bowl a spoon is used. Do not mix it around.
- Keep the spoon after stirring the tea on the saucer not on the plate.
- Do not keep your elbows on the table while eating but you can rest them on table when the utensils aren't there and you are having a conversation.
- Eat with a closed mouth. Put in manageable bites and shallow it before you answer the question that is put forwarded to you.
- Do not converse with forks and spoon on your hand.When you aren't eating or are speaking with someone, two following styles can be taken into consideration according to you feasibility:
- Continental Style or the inverted V style: All you have to do is to place the knife and fork on your plate near the center, slightly angled and in an inverted V and with the tips of the knife and fork pointing towards each other.
- American Style: Here you have to put the knife on the top right of your plate with its rim facing inward with the fork nearby with its tines up.
- When you pass the dishes always use the counter clock direction.
- Always ask someone to pass the dishes that aren't in your reach instead of leaning on the table to get it.
- Always cut a single piece or two of slice of food that requires slicing, finish it and cut again.
- Close the menu and keep it a little further so the waiter understands to come for the order.
- Look at the waiter rather then calling him by weird gestures. If you have the bell that is a savior.
- If you encounter food that doesn't suit your taste always remember that food is supposed to be removed from the mouth in the manner in which it was put into the mouth. Food put into the mouth with a utensil is removed with a utensil. When fingers are used to eat food is removed with fingers. Always cover your mouth while doing so.
- Even if you are served food you do not like always make an effort to take a bite rather then bluntly saying no.
- Control your yawn. It does happens sometimes. If you cannot control excuse yourself and cover your mouth.
- Manage your posture. Sit well.
- Smell good. Change your dirty socks. Go well groomed. Take care of your appearance.
- Always excuse yourself when you leave the table for any reason. It is a polite way to leave the table.
- Turn off your electronic devices or put it on silent mode to avoid disturbances to the dinner.
- It is advisable to women not to apply lip color before food to avoid leaving lipstick marks on glasses and napkins. Also they should do their touch up away in private. Never play with their hair when seated on the table.
4. When you are done eating:
- After each course is finished. Now you have to place the knife and fork parallel with the handles in the four o'clock and tips 11 o'clock position on the right rim of the plate. You should gently remove your napkin and fold it in a way that hides away the dirty spots you created while eating.
5. Gestures:
Always thank the host for the invitation and say you enjoyed the food. Also make an effort to send them a "Thank you" note with in a day or two. You can send an Email too.