7 Simple Etiquette Tips for 2017

Greetings Fam Bam!

A few weeks ago I attended a beautiful formal dinner. The event made me think about proper table etiquette and just plain good ole "home training". Below I listed a few general tips I was taght as I grew up.


1. RSVP

RSVP is an acronym of the French phrase, "Respondez s'il vous plait," or "Respond, if
you please." RSVPs help the host to know how many guests will be attending. This
information helps with planning the event. It will be used to food preparations, table set
up ect. Please don’t forget to RSVP by the date stated on the invite.

2. Place Settings

An easy way to remember: Work from the outside in. Also “Follow your host”. That
shorter fork is for your salad. Start there. With each new course, just work your way in.
When you are done, simply place your utensils side by side at an angle on your plate
(fork tines facing up, knife blade facing the center of the plate), which is a signal to the
waiter that you are done.

3. Thank-You Notes

If someone has gone through the trouble of buying you a gift, has helped you, or
simply done something nice, the very least you can do is to say thank you. Shy
away from preprinted or generic thank you cards. If you would really like to make an impression, get some very nice monogrammed stationary and pen a beautiful note. Whatever you do, make it personal!

4. Hygiene Belongs at Home

Flossing teeth, clipping your nails, brushing or combing your hair (especially while in a
restaurant (hair flies around!) or brushing your teeth should be done at home or at the
very least in the bathroom. Makeup application should not be done at the table. 

6. Punctuality

Being on time is very important. Being late can send the message “My time is more
important than yours”. You do not want to be rude and give a bad impression by being
late. If you are that “always late” friend, get it together! On the other end of the
spectrum, being more than 15 minutes early can put unnecessary stress on a hostess.
Be mindful of time. 

7. Cell Phones

Cell phones should be silenced at the dinner table and during meetings. When using 

your cell phone in public (grocery store, postoffice, ect.) you should speak in low tones
so that others are not privy to your conversation. You should not text or check social
media accounts while you are talking face to face with someone. It makes the other
person feel they do not have your full attention. When in doubt, put the phone down!

These tips have never steered me wrong. Please share below your top etiquette tips.



-De