Many table manners will be used even before you begin eating. The first thing to do when you sit down for a meal is to find your napkin and spread it over your lap. As the food is passed in a counterclockwise direction, help yourself only to the amount you will be able to eat. Make sure that you leave enough for everyone else. When everyone has been served, the hostess will pick up her fork, signaling you to begin eating. If you are unsure of which utensil to use, follow the lead of your hostess or the guest closest to you.

Using your utensils correctly is an important element of table etiquitte. For normal use they should be held similar to a pencil, with the middle of the handle resting on your middle and index fingers and your thumb on top of the handle to give it balance. Forks should be used for most eating, while spoons are saved for soups and soft desserts. When cutting your food, you will need to hold the utensils differently. Hold the fork and knife in opposite hands with the blade and tines angled towards each other. Cut only one or two bite-sized pieces at a time. Then lay your knife on the edge of your plate while you eat, taking only one bite at a time so you can swallow easily and rejoin the conversation.

While mealtime conversation can make your food more enjoyable, it is often the cause of humiliating social blunders. To avoid making mistakes in this area, you should pay special attention to your manners while conversing at the table. Make sure your mouth is completely cleared before speaking to avoid "see food." Don't talk with your hands, especially while holding an utensil. Your dinner conversation should center around positive and pleasant topics, avoiding controversial subjects that might cause indigestion. Make sure everyone is included in the conversation.

Once you've learned the fine points of suitable table manners, you will be ready to rejoin civilization. With social grace as your defense, you will be able to dine with the best without fear of humiliation. As everyone notices your fine manners, you can smile and ask, "Are you enjoying your meal?"