Etiqueta y Protocolo Grupo 5: montaje de la mesa, modales en la mesa

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on proper dining etiquette, covering everything from table settings to behavior during meals. It explains the correct way to set a semi-formal or gala table, the placement of utensils, glasses, and napkins, and the proper way to sit, eat, and interact at the table. Key tips include using the right cutlery, maintaining proper posture, avoiding discussions of sensitive topics, and being mindful of personal behavior, such as not placing purses on the table or talking with a full mouth. The video emphasizes the importance of elegance and respect in a dining environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The table setting should start with the base plate in the center, 2 cm from the table's corner.
• 🍽️ Cutlery should be placed in the correct order: knives on the right, forks on the left, and a butter knife next to the bread plate.
• 🍷 Glassware is arranged from largest to smallest, with water glasses positioned for easy access, and wine glasses added as the formality increases.
• 🥂 For a formal dinner, champagne glasses and different utensils (such as those for soup or salad) are used depending on the meal's courses.
• 🍞 The napkin should be placed on the left side of the plate, never on the plate itself or on the back of the chair.
• 👫 Wait for the host or hostess to indicate where to sit, and always assist a lady by pulling her chair before sitting.
• 🙋‍♂️ The host sits first, and guests follow, placing their napkin on their lap after the host does so.
• ❌ Avoid placing personal items like purses on the table; they should be placed next to the chair or on the back.
• 🍲 When eating soup, always drink away from your body and never stir or take food randomly; be mindful of not blowing on your food.
• 🍴 Use cutlery from the outside in, and follow the appropriate style (American or European) for eating different foods.
• 🍷 Never drink wine or water when your mouth is full. Always swallow first, then sip your drink.
• 🍇 If eating fruit with seeds or bones, discreetly remove them with your hands and place them on the side of the plate.
• 💡 Centerpieces should be elegant but not obstructive, with vases for daytime and candlesticks for night dinners, ensuring visibility between guests.
• 🍽️ If a utensil falls, ask the waiter or host for a replacement—do not pick it up yourself.
• ☕ After finishing the main course, the dessert fork or spoon is used, and a cup of coffee is served to aid digestion.

Q & A

What is the correct placement for the base plate in a formal table setting?

The base plate should be placed in the center of the table, approximately 2 cm from the corner.

Where should the napkin be placed when seated at the table?

The napkin should be placed on the left side of the table or in the center of the plate. It should never be placed on the right side.

What is the proper way to behave when sitting down at the table?

Wait for the host or hostess to indicate where to sit. Never sit before the host, and if a lady is next to you, offer to pull out her chair.

What should a lady do with her purse during a formal dinner?

A lady should never place her purse on the table. It should be placed on the chair next to her or on the back of the chair.

How should soup be consumed at a formal dinner?

Soup should be consumed by drinking it outward, away from the body, and never towards oneself.

What is the etiquette for drinking wine or water at the table?

Wine or water should be sipped slowly, never when the mouth is full. Always swallow the food first, then take a sip of liquid.

What is the correct way to use cutlery in a formal setting?

In the American style, the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right, with the food cut and transferred to the mouth. In the European style, the fork is held in the left hand, and the knife in the right to cut food, but the fork is used to bring food to the mouth.

What should you do if you drop a utensil during the meal?

You should not pick it up yourself. Instead, politely ask the waiter for a replacement or request a new utensil from the host.

How should you handle food like grapes or fruit with seeds at the table?

If eating fruit with seeds, remove the seeds discreetly with your hands or a spoon, and place them on the side of the plate.

What is the proper way to signal that you have finished eating a course?

To signal that you are finished with a course, place your cutlery in the correct position, such as at the 3:15 position on the plate, indicating to the waiter that the plate can be cleared.