How to Cut Meat

Step1

Like a Viking chewing the meat off the bone. If this works for you, go for it.

Step2

For the rest of us, throw a piece of meat on the plate.

Step3

Pick up the fork with the left hand.

Step4

Pick up the knife with the right hand.

Step5

Stab the meat with the fork in the left hand.

Step6

With the knife in the right hand saw off a chunk of meat to eat. If the meat is tough, there is a whole other issue.

Step7

What do you think? Did I explain it in simple steps??

How to be a Polite Vegetarian while attending Holiday Meals or Parties

Step1

Let your host know in advance that you're a vegetarian, and describe what type of vegetarian you are - whether you're a vegan, lacto-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarions, pescetarian...)Try to come up with suggestions for what you will eat.

Step2

Be sure to mention that altho some foods may seem to be vegetarian, they may actually contain hidden animal ingredients. Explain the type of vegetarian you are so your host is clear on what you won't be able to eat (ie: chicken broth, milk, butter....)

Step3

Be prepared for last minute dinners & situations where there won't be time to discuss your dietary habits with the host. In this case try to come up with creative solutions. You could help the host in the kitchen to prepare something you would eat, or you could bring a veggie burger from home.

How to Be A Good Guest

Step1

Respond to your invitation - Respond to your invitation as soon as you know (and no later than the stated RSVP date) whether or not you can attend the party. This will give your hostess some idea about the exact number of people attending the party and help them in planning out.

Step2

Contribute to your hostess - Ask your hostess if you can contribute something to the meal, dishes or dessert.

Step3

Contribute in the pre-party setup - If you have the time, come little earlier and assist the hostess with pre-party preparations. If you would not like to cook, help your hostess with dressing up the table.

Step4

Be on time - Try to be on time. Some hostesses plan the timing of their meals very precisely, and you wouldn't want to hold up the meal and spoil the food for everyone else.

Step5

Help to clear the table - When the meal is over, ask your hostess if you can help clear the table.But if her answer is "no thanks", then just relax and leave things alone. She may not wish for everyone to feel rushed as their plates are taken from them mid-bite.

Step6

Speak to the other guests - Be friendly to all other guests and make conversation. This way you will help in making the party a success.

Step7

Drink Responsibly - Your hostess may be serving alcoholic beverages to complement her meal, but it doesn't mean she wants to have a group of sloppy drunks on her hands at the end of the party.

Step8

Enjoy !!! Now you are the kind of good guest who is welcome at anybody's table. :)

How to act in a restaurant

Step1

Determine what restaurant you'll be eating in before you arrive. Some restaurants will have dress codes and may have formal place settings. This presents more of a challenge than a causal restaurant setting.

Step2

Try to find a menu online so you know what items are available. If you visit a restaurant that specializes in foreign food, the menus may be in the native language. Looking up menus before hand allows you to study a restaurant's offerings ahead of time.

Step3

Review basic table manners, such as taking small bites of food, keeping your elbows off the table and placing your napkin in your lap.

Step4

Know the best way to eat your selection. For soup, use a soup spoon and draw it from the closest side of the bowl to the furthest side of the bowl. This allows any drips to be contained inside of the soup bowl and off of the table surface.

Step5

Consume alcohol slowly and politely. Take sips and never consume any beverage from the bottle. Always use a glass.

Step6

Chew your food properly and swallow before speaking. No one wants to see half-eaten food regardless of how casual the restaurant atmosphere may be.
Step7Speak softly and sit with both feet on the floor regardless of the restaurant you're eating in.