Becky Wildkid

The French people have their own style of Etiquette and food habits. These are some of the basic table manners that if followed will be good.

The seating arrangement in French tables is man, woman, man, woman. This has to be made sure that it is first followed. It has also been taught there that it is not polite to place the hands on the dining table, though, the French say that, hands should be placed on tables generally else it will look impolite. Also the fact is that, keeping elbow on the table is again impolite which is the very important table manner of the French. If not followed, eyebrows can be raised on them.

The hostess must place her napkin first on her lap after which we should place ours. Until then should wait. Furthermore, the hostess must give the toast and clink the glasses with all the guests in the table. Eye contact must be made with all the guests that time. Let the hostess begin her meal only after which we should start.

Wine, Mineral water and Bread are provided at all times during the meal. Usually, bread is placed upon a table-napkin. At times bread plate will also be given to place the bread. The Bread should be broken down into small bitable pieces because biting whole bread would be impolite. Wine is provided always with any meal and is filled three-fourth of the glasses. The knife should be held in the right hand and the fork on the left. The remaining cutlery which is not used presently must be placed at 4 o’ clock and 8 o’ clock to denote that the meal is not complete yet.

Eat slowly synchronized with the speed of the others in the table and making sure the meal finishes at the same time with the others. Do not cut the salads with the fork and the knife, rather it must be folded gently on the fork and then eaten. Make sure there are no left overs on the plate. Also make sure the plate is wiped clean of sauce, of course with bread. This is to be done if different plates are not offered at different courses of the meal. The wiping down of sauce with bread should be done with a fork to which a small piece of bread is pork. Moving the piece with fingers will look awful. If more wine is needed just finish the glass and it will be served automatically. If wine is not needed then leave the glass almost full.

Speaking lightly is preferred during the course of the meal. Avoid bringing up controversial topics like politics, religion or money. The French usually eat the sea foods with the help of their hands, hence there is no problem in picking up mussels or oysters from the shells and eat. Avoid cutting and eating them. The fork and the Knife must be placed parallel to each other at the center part of the plate which shows that you are satisfied with the meal. If placed in a crossed position denotes a conflict so avoid it.