Table manners

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Table Manners are a type of etiquette used when eating. This includes the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures have different standards for table manners. Many table manners evolved out of practicality. For example, it is generally impolite to put elbows on tables since doing so creates a risk of tipping over bowls and cups. Within different families or groups, there may be less rigorous enforcement of some traditional table manners of their culture while still maintaining others. For example, some families ignore elbows on the table or mixing of foods.

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5 Phillipine Table Manners
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10 See also

Chew with the mouth closed, and do not talk whilst chewing.
Elbows must not rest upon the table whilst any food is present.
When finished eating, utensils must be placed in the four o'clock position.
Do not play with food.
If at all possible, refrain from coughing or sneezing at the table, and if needs be excuse one's self.
Soup is to be lifted by the spoon in movements away from oneself, not toward.
Fingers are not to be used except in the case of bread and other such food.
Cutlery is used in the Continental fashion.
The teaspoon must be removed from the cup before drinking.

When a dish is presented, the food is served to one's plate and then passed on to the next person.
Chew with the mouth closed, and do not talk when chewing a mouthful of food.
Do not talk at an excessively loud volume.
If at all possible, refrain from coughing or sneezing at the table.
Never tilt back your chair while at the table, or at any other time.
Tea or coffee should never be poured into the saucer to cool but should be sipped from the cup. Alternatively, ice may be used to cool either.
Do not make unbecoming noises while eating.
Do not play with food or table utensils.
Do not indicate that the food is not to your taste.
Do not leave the table before the others without asking the host or hostess to be excused.
Do not put your elbows on the table or slouch.
The fork is used to convey any solid food to the mouth.
Eat soup noiselessly and with the side of the spoon.
Finish all food presented to you if possible.
Do not blow your nose at the table.
Do not eat food with your fingers unless it is finger foods such as bread, fries, chicken wings, pizza, etc.
Do not start eating until everyone is served.
Cutlery is used in the American, or zig-zag, fashion.
Scandinavian countries follow these rules for table manners.

Both hands must be above the table at the same time.
The salt and pepper are always passed together.
Remember to always say "please" and "thank you".
It is considered good manners to finish everything on your plate.
Do not put ice in your wine. At restaurants, wine is served at the temperature at which it is meant to be enjoyed.

It is acceptable for noodles to be slurped, although impolite in other countries. (see Soba)
Wasting food is considered impolite, so many Japanese will eat every grain of rice in their bowl.
It is polite to finish all the saké in your cup before you are served more. When you have had enough, it is polite to leave your saké cup full to show that you do not care for more.
Some restaurants provide a damp towel, used for wiping the hands before a meal. Although some men may use it to wipe their faces, women should only use it for their hands. When you are done, fold it and place it back on its tray.
There are specific ways to enjoy sushi and proper manners to show appreciation to the sushi chef.
* Pour just enough soy sauce. Soy sauce is considered important in Japanese cuisine, and wasting it is extremely rude.
* As much as possible, refrain from adding extra wasabi to sushi as this is considered impolite to the sushi chef; as he is considered a sushi expert and has placed the right amount of wasabi.
* Hold sushi with either hands or chopsticks.
* Dip the topping into the soy sauce, rather than the rice. If you dip the rice, it tends to separate.
There are several rules about how to handle your chopsticks. See Chopsticks for more info.

Phillipine Table Manners

Food is usually eaten with European cutlery. Eating with your hands is acceptable in some cases - although rare these days.

The food should be eaten only with bare hands.
Soup is eaten by soaking bread in it.
Food remnants should be collected with bread.

If one does not finish all food presented to them, it is acceptable - it demonstrates to the host that one is full and satisfied.
It is incorrect to look into other's saucer.
Remember to say "Thanks, everything was very tasty" to the one who made the dish upon leaving the table.
Small food should not be cut.

The knife should not be utilized to push food on your fork

Try to finish all food placed in front of you, as it is an indication that you are satisfied by the meal. If you do not finish the food placed in front of you, then one often suspects dislike of the meal.
The person who has prepared the food is in charge of the meal, they decide at what time to eat and are generally in charge of cleaning after.

Table manners

Phillipine Table Manners

The food should be eaten only with bare hands.Soup is eaten by soaking bread in it.Food remnants should be collected with bread.

The knife should not be utilized to push food on your fork

See also

The food should be eaten only with bare hands.
Soup is eaten by soaking bread in it.
Food remnants should be collected with bread.