Dinner etiquette and proper table manners are to basic social rules to follow when dining at a party or at home. While rules of etiquette can be elaborate depending on the social circumstances, these are a few generally accepted dinner etiquette tips and table manners that are always considered polite and respectful.

Some dinner etiquette and proper table manners include; responding to an invitation to dinner in a timely manner, placing the napkin in the proper location after being seated, when to begin eating, speaking while eating, placing flatware in the proper location on the plate after finishing the meal, dinner conversation, thanking the hostess and host. Knowledge of proper table manners creates a polite environment when eating at any restaurant or at home.

It is polite to respond to a dinner party invitation within one or two days.http://www.emilypost.com/social-life/invitations-and-announcements/153-invitation-etiquette- If the invitation did not mention dress code, follow dress code suggested by the host or hostess. Dinner party arrival time is five to ten minutes prior to the start time on the invitation.

Thanking the hostess and host after the meal is considered polite dinner etiquette. Sending a thank you note to the hosts is another proper gesture. If dining at a restaurant, thank the server or busperson when they remove plates or other items from the table.http://whatscookingamerica.net/Menu/DiningEtiquetteGuide.htm

Depending on the formality, a dinner party may have place settings. If so, each guest sits at the setting with his or her name at the top of the place setting. If not, the hostess or host may direct guests to their places at the table. If there is ever a question, look to the hostess for guidance. As a hostess, quests may prefer direction when seating at the table.

Once seated, remove the napkin from the table and place it flat on the lap. Here are some other basic rules about napkins;http://whatscookingamerica.net/Menu/DiningEtiquetteGuide.htm

• The napkin rests on the lap, it is not to be used to blow the nose, wipe the face or shine the silver. Do not shake the napkin open, gently unfold it.
• At a private dinner party, the hostess sometimes signals the beginning of the meal by unfolding her napkin, guests follow suit. (The signal to begin eating the meal is when the hostess picks up her fork). The hostess signals the end of the meal by placing her napkin to the left of her dinner plate.
• When excusing oneself from the table, at a restaurant or dinner party, place the napkin gently folded on the table. Do not leave the napkin on the chair. Do not wad up or completely refold the napkin.
• At the end of a meal, leave the napkin, gently folded, at the left of the dinner plate.

While table manners and dinner etiquette can refer to how to eat food properly, it also relates to polite social interaction. Comfortable, easy conversation while dining can create enjoyable meals. Guests at dinner parties, and family members at everyday suppers, benefit from interesting conversation.

If a meal has multiple courses, there may be several choices of flatware, glassware, plates accompany menu items. (Note: flatware and silverware are interchangeable terms referring to the utensils for eating). A general rule, when selecting the proper flatware for a course is to use the silverware farthest from the plate first and work in. Use plates to the left and glassware to the right of the place setting.http://whatscookingamerica.net/Menu/DiningEtiquetteGuide.htm

There are two accepted ways to hold and use flatware; the Continental style and the American style. In general, the American style involves switching the fork to the right hand after cutting while the Continental style does not. Once flatware touches food the rule is that it must not touch the tablecloth again but rather be rested on a plate until cleared.http://whatscookingamerica.net/Menu/DiningEtiquetteGuide.htm

Once finished with a course, place any used silverware at the "5 o'clock" position on the plate, with the tines of the fork facing up and the knife blade facing in. Leave clean flatware on the table. If at a private party and guests have been excused from the table, leave the napkins gently folded at the left of the table setting.

There are certain behaviors that are not considered part of polite table manners in Western culture, with noted exceptions. Typically, they relate to personal hygiene, loud sounds or impolite conversation.

Here is a list of behaviors that are not in keeping with proper table manners:http://www.leaderu.com/isr/lifeinamerica/tablemanners.html

• Sitting before the hostess has sat down (or directed guests to sit).
• Starting to eat before the hostess begins (or directs everyone to begin).
• Speaking with food in the mouth.
• Pointing or waving silverware in the air.
• Seasoning food without tasting it first.
• Reaching across the table.
• Touching one's nose, hair or teeth while eating.