1. Etiquette and the Formally Set Table Preparation for Sophomore Dine-In

2. This is an example of a formally set table.

3. Are you manners-challenged? Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously. Etiquette is also about being comfortable around people (and making them comfortable around you!) It's more than knowing which fork to use!

4. Your professional image starts with the way you are dressed and is reinforced with your personal mannerisms and actions. Not only can it make a difference when you are looking for a job, it can make a difference in your ability to be successful on the job or even to keep a job. Etiquette is important. Manners matter!

5. The Essentials No one wants a person with no manners representing their organization. And nowhere is a lack of manners more evident than at the table. Remember these tips so you won't have any faux pas (mistakes) at an important business meal.

6. Sometimes it's hard to remember which glass or bread plate is yours. Just keep in mind that your liquids are on the right and your solids are on the left.

7. As soon as you are seated, place your napkin in your lap. Do not remove it until the meal is finished. (Not just when you are finished but when everyone is finished and the meal is concluded.) Do not crumple or wad the napkin and place it in the plate. Partially re-fold it and place beside the plate.

8. The traditional place setting has knives on the right side of the plate and forks on the left. The blade of the knife should be facing toward the plate. Confused by all that silverware? Just remember, start from the outside and work in toward the plate.

9. Once silver is picked up from the table, it never touches the table again. Between bites, it is appropriate to rest a utensil across the side of the plate but do not lay it on the table or prop it halfway on the table and against the plate.

10. Do not begin eating until after everyone has been served. This is generally the rule when there are six or less people. At large functions with multiple tables of guests, wait until your table has been served. For other large groups, wait until given permission to start by the host or other group members or wait until a significant number of the group have been served.

11. Break bread into small bite size pieces. Do not butter a whole slice or piece of bread at once. Butter should be placed on the bread plate. Then spread small amounts of butter on the bite size pieces as needed.

12. Food is served from left to right. When wait staff brings food, it will be served from your left. The dishes will be removed from your right.

13. Salt and pepper are always passed together. Consider them "married". Even if someone only asks for salt, you still pass both.

14. Hold a stemmed glass by the stem.

15. When finished with each course, your knife blade (turned inward) and fork should be placed together diagonally from upper left to lower right. (Think of a clock. Its the 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions.). This signals the waiter you are finished. Do not push your plate away (or otherwise rearrange your dishes when you are finished).

16. Personal Habits at the Table Don't talk with food in your mouth. Chew with your mouth closed. Don't order messy foods that are difficult to eat. If you are interviewing for a job or trying to land a business deal, you don't want to be worrying about the barbeque sauce spilled on your tie or silk dress. Don't burp. If a burp or hiccup escapes, just quietly say, "excuse me." Keep your elbows off the table while eating.

17. Head for the rest rooms if you must remove something stuck between your teeth. Do not use a toothpick at the table. Don't gobble your food in a rush. Never lift your soup bowl to drink the final drops. Tilt it away from you and scoop the final amount with the spoon pushing away from you. Don't try to get every last drop.

18. Don't lick your fingers, use a napkin. Be on time. Turn off your cell phone. Your full attention should be on your dining companion or you will give the dangerous impression that you think there is someone more important than him or her.

19. Don't order the most expensive item or the least expensive item on the menu when you are being entertained. Go with something in the middle price range. At business receptions, hold your drink in your left hand to keep your right hand dry and available for handshakes.

20. Formal Dinner Place Setting

21. How to Set a Formal Table Setting the table for a formal dinner party shouldn't be intimidating. Follow a few basic rules of thumb and you'll be on your way to an elegant evening.

22. 1Lay the tablecloth Smooth an ironed tablecloth evenly over the table.

23. 2 Set the plates Set a charger (otherwise known as a presentation plate) on the tablecloth at each place. On top of the charger, place a dinner plate, and center a soup bowl on top of each plate. The salad plate will replace the soup bowl when it is cleared. Place a bread plate at the top left of each charger. (If the charger were a clock, the bread plate would hover between 10:00 and 11:00.)

24. Tip: The charger is traditionally meant to hold a spot for the dinner plate—so the place setting is never left bare—and is removed after the salad course.

25. 3 Lay the napkins Place the napkin to the left of the charger. (You may place the forks directly on top of the napkin or, if you have room, between the napkin and the charger. In that case, the forks will be placed directly on the tablecloth.)

26. 4Place silverware on both sides of the plates Place the flatware in the following order from left to right: Salad fork, then dinner fork to the left of the plate; knife, then soup spoon to the right. Place a butter knife horizontally across the top of the bread plate, with the handle pointing to the right, and a teaspoon directly above the charger, with the handle to the right. (This will be the dessert spoon.)

27. Tip: The vertical pieces of flatware that flank the charger should be evenly spaced, about a half inch apart, with the bottom of each piece aligned with the bottom of the charger.

28. 5 Place stemware above the knife and spoon Place the water glass on the right side of the charger, directly above the top of the knife. To its right and slightly down toward the spoon, place the white wine glass. To the right of the wine glass, place the red wine glass. Aha! People typically reach for water more often than wine, which is why the water glass is closer to the diner and thus more easily accessible.

29. Reply to a Formal Invitation If you receive a formal invitation to a party or gathering, it is proper etiquette to reply formally. If you plan to accept the invitation, then you should reply immediately with a thank you note.

30. A note of thanks expresses appreciation for the invitation. Within the note you should thank you host for inviting you to the party and express how much you are looking forward to attending.

31. Should it not be possible for you to attend the dinner or party, then you should send a note of regret, stating the reasons for not attending and graciously thanking the host for the invitation.

32. Remember, good manners and proper etiquette only take a little effort and are always appreciated.