BuzzFeed Staff, UK 

BuzzFeed

So many rules to follow, so little time to actually eat.

How Bad Are Your Table Manners?

Put it on your lap as soon as you sit down

When everyone else's food has arrived, unless the host tells you to start

Work from the outside in

Your fork goes in your left hand and your knife in your right hand. The American way of cutting up all your food and then eating with just a fork is unusual in Britain.

Your left hand

While eating, your fork tines should point downwards.

The one on the left is a cheese knife, and the one on the right is a pie serving knife.

Debrett's guide to table etiquette bans elbows on the table.

Never!

No! Nobody wants to see that

No, swallow your food first

Unless they're giving a speech. That's a bit rude.

Of course that's fine!

You don't want to be the only person using a knife and fork.

Follow what the hosts are doing!

Spit them into your left hand and place them on the side of your plate

Never

Yes wait ’til you're somewhere private. Nobody wants to see that.

Oh dear! You have terrible table manners. Now remember, no talking with your mouth full, elbows off the table.

Terrible table manners!

You know a thing or two about posh dinner party table manners, but there's still a lot to learn before you have dinner with the Queen.

Quite bad table manners.

You've definitely got the basic rules down, although you could brush up on a few things.

Good table manners!

You definitely have excellent table manners. Well done!

Excellent table manners!

About BuzzFeed Community

Community Brand Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community

Sorry, this content is <i>no longer</i> supported.

BuzzFeed Community Guidelines

BuzzFeed Community Leaderboard

BuzzFeed News has breaking stories and original reporting on politics, world news, social media, viral trends, health, science, technology, entertainment, and LGBTQ issues.

All the best animals on the internet. The snuggle is real.

BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, Tasty food videos, recipes, DIY hacks, and all the trending buzz you’ll want to share with your friends. Copyright BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved.

BuzzFeed News | Breaking News | Original Reporting | News Analysis

Animal Pictures and Videos - Adorably from BuzzFeed

Name

Thanks for subscribing!

Stay up to date with our latest BuzzFeed video. Enter your email to subscribe!

Oops! Upload an image or add text to submit.

BuzzFeed has the hottest, most social content on the web. We feature breaking buzz and the kinds of things you'd want to pass along to your friends.

Browse links

How Bad Are Your Table Manners?

Questions inspired by Debrett's etiquette guide.

How Bad Are Your Table Manners?

Questions inspired by Debrett's etiquette guide.

Share This Article