The Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Dining

Tis the season for dinner parties! We Fein Girls love a festive gathering, and nothing is more fun than a good time with the people you like most.

But there is an alarming trend that makes itself apparent each and every year: dinner table faux pas; Horrifying, I know.

That's why we here at Cece Feinberg Public Relations put together a list of dinner table Do's and Don'ts so comprehensive, that would make Emily Post cry...

And of course this isn't for you, dear reader..we are just spreading the manners, so feel free to pass it along!

The Do's

1. Once seated, Do unfold your napkin. At the end of dinner, leave it tidily on the place setting.

2. If you are the host, you should serve the lady sitting to the right of the host first. Then the other ladies in a clockwise direction, and lastly the gentlemen.

3. Hold the knife and fork with the handles in your palms.

4.While you are eating, you can rest the knife and fork on either side of the plate, if you excuse yourself, but when you are finished eating you should always place them side by side in the center of your plate.

5.If you are full and cannot finish your serving, leave some food to one side on your plate.

6. If the food served is not up your alley, make an attempt to eat a small amount or, at the very least, cut it up a little and move it around!

7. Desserts can be eaten with both a spoon and fork.

8. Chivalry is not dead- it is polite for a man to get up when a lady excuses herself for the restroom. But it might also depend on the formality of the party.

9. Always thank the host and hostess!

10. It is good dinner table etiquette to send a personal thank you note shortly afterwards (e-mails are the easy way out!)

The Don'ts

1. Never begin eating before the host does.

2. Unless at a more informal dinner party, like a barbecue, you should generally always eat with both your knife and fork, never just your fork. (exception for items such as peas)

3. Using your bread as a dipping tool is frowned upon

4. No loud noises when eating! That includes slurping and burping !

5. No talking with your mouth full!

6. Please do not stretch across the table crossing other guests in an attempt to reach food, wine, or condiments

So there you have it, the Do's and Don'ts to successful dining. Remember, good dinner table etiquette sometimes involves a degree of diplomacy when it comes to the host's choice of food. Even if you feel that you can do it better, please check your criticism with your coat. And if you feel unable to pay compliments, at the very least remain silent on the subject.

Happy Dining!