Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1.First of all, how we sit at the table. We sit up straight and well positioned in our chair; don’t lean back
on your chair. It may seem simple, but it’s important nonetheless.
2. We bring our fork to our mouth, not our mouth to our fork. It’s best to avoid leaning forward towards
your plate or curving your back in order to be closer to your plate. If something is difficult to eat, it’s best
to take small, manageable mouthfuls.
3. We don’t put our elbows on the table. In France, doing this conveys laziness and makes you seem
limp, it also allows you to lower your head towards your plate
4. Make sure to use your cutlery correctly at the table. Your fork should be held in your left hand, and
your knife in the right. When you have finished eating, you should put your cutlery together pointing
towards the upper left hand side of your plate. In a restaurant setting, this indicates to the staff that you
have finished your meal and are ready for the next course.
5. Try not to make any noise. With your mouth when eating, that is. Close your mouth when you’re
eating so that other diners can’t hear the sound of you chewing, don’t slurp on your soup and definitely
don’t burp at the table! This is essential.
6. Don’t spit your food out. If there is anything you don’t like, move it to the side at the top of your
plate, so that it is further away from you.
7. Don’t speak with your mouth full. It’s important to wait until you have finished your mouthful before
eating or replying to someone.
8. Don’t put your hands underneath the table or on your lap. In France, it is common practice to rest
your hands on the table when they are not holding cutlery.
9. Don’t reach across anyone; to get the salt, the bread etc. You need to ask people further along the
table to pass you what you’d like.
10. Normally we clear our plate. Try to finish as much food as you can and leave what you can’t finish in
the corner of your plate with a little piece of bread. This will help whoever clears your plate to wipe it
clean, it’s seen as respectful.