It's one thing to relax your proper dining etiquette when eating at home, but when you go to a restaurant, you should act your best. Whether you are attending an office function, dining with a client or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, your table etiquette demonstrates a lot about your professionalism and style.
When you sit down at a restaurant, immediately place the napkin in your lap. If you have to get up for any reason, place the napkin, gently folded, to the left of your plate. The napkin should never sit on the chair and it shouldn't ever be used to clean utensils or touch your face.
As the food begins to arrive, don't eat until you can see that everyone has been served. At that point, be sure to use the proper utensil for the food before you. Dining etiquette dictates that you always work from the outside in. Early dishes, such as soups and salads, should use the spoon and fork on the outside of the table setting. The dinner knife and fork will be closer to the plate. If you are sitting at a crowded table, with some confusion as to whose glasses are whose, remember that glassware is to the right of the table setting, so the glasses just above your knife are yours.
At a restaurant, you will be required to interact with servers, who are trained to interrupt your meal as little as possible while still providing excellent service. Always ask questions in a polite manner and be sure to say please and thank you. If the server is coming around with wine, indicate you don't want any by putting your hand over the wine glass.
Servers are also responsible for whisking away dirty dishes and utensils after they are used. A server will remove dirty dishes from your right, so be aware that he or she could quickly slip in and take something at any time. Place used utensils in the center of the plate to be removed so that there are no accidental spills or tumbles. Never stack up used dishes or utensils with the idea that it will make the server's job easier; just leave things as they are, with utensils securely placed on the plate.
Basic dining etiquette at a restaurant also covers how you eat. Don't chew with your mouth open or make mouth noises when you eat. Take small bites and take your time. Don't talk on the phone, blow your nose, pick your teeth or cough while at the table. Excuse yourself to attend the restroom for any of these things and you'll be dining at a restaurant like a table etiquette pro.
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