Proper table etiquette in restaurants is just as important as it is at Sunday night dinner. The problem is that many people don’t realize this and if they do choose to throw everything they know of good manners straight out the window when entering the establishment. This is a shame since poor manners reflect directly upon you, your dinner party, and even your country if you are a tourist. Most Canadians understand this so for those that may be visiting or for those that may have forgotten the following is a quick review of what everyone should already know.
We forget that proper table etiquette extends far beyond home. Just because your mother is no where to be seen does not mean that it is OK to throw all of her rules and your manners out of the window. For whatever reason many people do just this especially when going out to eat. One would think that being out in public would only make us want to act more civilized and more socially acceptable but this is just not the case.
So, let us review some basic table manners. One of the major points to remember is to never ever talk with your mouth full of food or drink. Not only is this going to cause a mess but it is also going to be absolutely revolting to your companions and even to the service staff. So do not ask for more drink with your mouth full of salad or bread, it is not only rude but disgusting as well.
That napkin is there for a purpose so use it. You may not be accustomed to cloth napkins so here are some points to remember. If it is a smaller size napkin keep it unfolded and on your lap. Larger napkins are usually folded in half but they are still kept in your lap. Use the napkin to dab at the corner of your mouth and if need be, other areas of your face. Do not use it as a tissue or to clean up spills.
Children are always welcomed in many restaurant and diners. While well behaved children are an absolute delight, those children who are loud, throw things, and are rude are simply tolerated. Do not let your children run the table this is just not acceptable. Would you allow your child to address you rudely so why let the child address the server rudely? Would your child ever throw things on your floor? Do not let the child do it out in public.
Tipping is always a touchy subject and there are many conflicting views on the subject. Generally you will tip 15 to 20 percent but more is always welcomed by your server. If you are attending a business dinner or luncheon and the host is picking up the bill he will also provide the tip. Do not lay anything else on the table as this is considered rude to the host. If it is agreed before hand that everyone is paying their own bill then you must leave a tip. If it is a large party and gratuity is added you are not required to leave anything more but can if the service was exceptional.
Other rules that may be overlooked but certainly should not be include manners that the older generation still adhere to. Serving the women before the men is an important one. While you may rage and war against stereotypical gender rules it is still considered good form to follow this rule. You should also pass to the right. So if you have a family style setting with a large communal salad bowl make sure to take your fair share and pass it on to the right. And always wait until everyone is served their plates before starting in on your meal.
Etiquette and manners are important to our modern society. Without which we will possibly cause the collapse of the civilized world. Proper behavior in restaurants is especially important and reflects well on you and those around you. Tourists are often the ones that forget their manners when visiting different countries. You may see out of town visitors and think to yourself that they are rude and vulgar but maybe they are just not aware of local customs. For example Canadians may find it unusual that Americans want their plates cleared away as their done instead of waiting until the end of the meal. So if you travel be aware of rituals, customs, and other points of manner that you may not be used to. Restaurants are a great place to go and relax for lunch or an evening meal but do not do it with some amount of decency and manners.
There are a variety of places that you can go to purchas your meal, you can choose to eat at home with your family and pets and pick up your food at a grocery store, or you can choose to eat out at a restaurant or fast food place.



