Questions asked frequently – formal dining

• What is the correct position for a coffee cup in a formal place setting? 
  The coffee cup and saucer is placed to the right of the place setting, to the right of the furthest utensil. Since most people are right-handed, the handle should face to the right.
•  How should I fold a large napkin before placing it in my lap? 
  Large dinner napkins should be folded in half after opening and before placing on one's lap.
• Where should I put my napkin at the completion of the meal? 
  At the completion of a meal, carefully place the napkin at the left of your place setting or if the plates have been cleared, place the napkin in the center without actually refolding to original state.
• Where do I place my napkin when briefly excusing myself during the meal?
  Place your napkin on the chair when excusing yourself during the meal as it is not appropriate to place a soiled napkin on the table while people are still eating. At the completion of a meal, carefully place the napkin at the left of your place setting or if the plates have been cleared, place the napkin in the center without actually refolding to original state.
•  What should you do if you spill a beverage on yourself while dining? 
  Clean up the spill at the table or excuse yourself to the restroom if needed. Apologize to anyone your slight mishap may have inconvenienced.
• When a fellow diner asks to "please pass the salt,” is it standard etiquette to pass both the salt and the pepper? 
  We recommend first passing the salt and then inquiring if the other guest would also like the pepper.
• When should the host/hostess of a dinner party be served? 
  The host hostess of a dinner party should be the last one served. If the meal is getting cold, the host/hostess may state something to the effect, "Please begin while the food is still warm".
• What direction should food be passed at the table? 
  Food should be passed to the right, or counter-clockwise. 
•  When dining out, is it okay to share your food with the others at the table for tasting purposes? 
  Yes, it is appropriate to share when others at the table are also willing to share. However, always request additional small plates and clean utensils for dividing the shared food.
• What is the correct way to butter bread or a roll? 
  When served bread or a roll on a bread/butter plate; break the bread with your fingers into pieces small enough for one or two bites; butter a pulled apart piece and then eat it. Do not butter the entire roll or piece of bread at one time.
• When you have some food in your mouth that you don’t want to swallow, what should you do? 
  Move the food forward with your tongue onto the fork and place it back on the side of your plate.
• Where do I place the finger bowl after cleansing my fingers? 
  When using a finger bowl, after cleansing your fingers, place the finger bowl and the doily on the upper left side of the place setting; this clears the dessert plate for the dessert.