Table manners...learn them!!

Table manners is not just for children. misbehaving at the table is actually expected of them, but for you? Tis unacceptable. Terrible dinner manners could be the reason you do not get a certain job, or the girl that you took to an expensive place and you wonder why you did not get a call back! A lot of importance is placed on how one behaves while eating as it reveals quite a bit of your character t the other person - eating is a human basic need, how you behave when hungry says it all.

Kwa kibanda the general rule is just don't hit anyone with your elbow as you lift your hand to your mouth, but at a fancy restaurant you gotta leave your "uncivilized" habits, sit straight & learn how to eat with a fork and knife. Which fork and which knife I'm I supposed to use? Why the many knives and forks anyway you may ask? This arrangement confuses many, be worried not, we got it down for you. If you are going to a fancy restaurant, by the time you are done reading, you will be comfortable and well behaved!

• When you sit down, unfold your napkin and place it on your lap. Do not shake it open. Napkins are used for dabbing at your mouth,you do not tuck it into your shirt like a bib neither is it for wiping your hands or your face!
• The waiters always serve on the left. So as they approach, remember this and slightly lean to your right to accord them access to place your food in front of you. 
• Your drink, rather your glass is the one always to your right. This is important to remember - your food is on the left your drinks on your right. Always.
• If you must get up in the middle of the meal, excuse yourself politely and place your napkin on your chair - it indicates that you are coming back.
• Do not gulp or slurp at your drink, drink from the edge in small sips (Ladies...)

• Flatware (knives, spoons & forks) how to use them - always eat from the outside in. This means your outer most fork, spoon or knife are the ones you are to start with. To your left side are the forks - the salad fork is your outer most fork, followed by your dinner fork. To your right - your soup spoon is on your outer most right, followed by a beverage spoon (mainly for pudding) salad knife then dinner knife next to your plate. The dessert fork & spoon are the ones above your plate. 
• During a formal meal, eat when everyone begins eating. It is crass to start of on your own and have the others watch you. Sit up straight and do not put your elbows on the table. 
• When you are taking a break from eating, keep the knife & fork facing down on the plate, on the sides. This signals that you are not done with your meal. Do not point your flatware at anybody while talking, and most of us pick up our drink as we still hold our forks - stop it. Put down your fork and pick up your drink.
• And if you happen to drop your knife or fork, do not use it again or use the napkin to clean it - the waiter will exchange it for you.
• Food is passed to the right, not to the left. Do not pass food across the table & do not reach for it from across the table either.
• When you are done eating, place your fork & knife at the center of your plate, together, the tines (pointed thingis) of the fork facing up with the knife under it - this signals the end of your meal and your plate will be taken away. Same goes for your napkin, tidily place it on the side of your plate, not crumpled or folded.
• Be nice to the waiters, without them you would not enjoy your fabulous dinner!
• Be nice to your dinner mates, keep the conversation cool and polite and relax!