When it comes to dining etiquette, there are a few golden rules we should all be aware of, and others we can keep up our sleeve for a more formal occasion. But as a society, have we forgotten the basics? According to Robert Bowe, Ashford Castle’s restaurant and wine mananger, being aware of proper dining etiquette can really add to the overall meal experience and even help people feel more comfortable in these types of social situations.
The first rule is to know the vibe of the establishment within which you’ll be dining. Fine dining restaurants may have a few more expectations than others; there will likely be a dress code, for instance.
But for the most part, following these general rules will see you through most meals and ensure your table manners are as polished as can be.
Be punctual: Arrive on time, or call ahead if you know you will be late. It might seem obvious, but you may be surprised at the number of guests who show up more than 15 minutes late without a word of warning – it is polite to let the establishment know, and indeed your guests if you are joining a party.
Keep the dining table clear for just that - dining: Do not place any bags, purses, sunglasses, phones, or briefcases on the table. Keep elbows off the table.
Napkin placement: Once seated, unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. Should you need to leave the table during the meal, place the napkin on the chair to indicate your intention to return. Upon finishing the meal, loosely fold the napkin and place it to the left of your plate.
Silverware savvy: A plethora of utensils may be set before you, but fear not. Work from the outside in. Utensils furthest from your plate are intended for the earliest courses. As the meal progresses, you will be served with the appropriate cutlery for each course.
Wait for everyone to be served before beginning to eat, unless the individual who has not been served encourages you to begin eating.
Passing food items (eg, bread, salad dressings ): If you are the individual starting the passing of the item, for example the bread basket, first offer some to the person on your left, then take some for yourself, then pass to the right.
Pass salt and pepper together, one in each hand. If someone has asked you to pass these items, you should not pause to use them.
Taste your food before seasoning it.
Bread should be eaten by tearing it into small pieces, buttering only a few bites at a time. Do not cut bread with a knife or eat whole.
Gently stir your soup to cool it instead of blowing on it. Spoon your soup away from you.
Utensils: During the meal, when pausing to enjoy the ambiance or converse, place your utensils gently together on your plate, slightly angled, to signal to the waitstaff that you are not yet finished. To indicate you have finished your meal, place your utensils parallel to each other at the four o'clock position on your plate.
Put the mobile away: Out of respect for the dining experience and fellow guests, refrain from using mobile phones, except for emergencies. If necessary, step away discreetly to make or take a call.
Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford, offer a range of dining experiences for guests – from fine dining at the George V to a more casual vibe at Cullens at the Cottage.
To find out more and for booking enquiries call +353 94 954 6003, email [email protected].
