Chile-table manner

Table manners are the rules of etiquette used while eating, which may also include the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures observe different rules for table manners. Many table manners evolved out of practicality. For example, it is generally impolite to put elbows on tables, since doing so creates a risk of tipping over bowls and cups.[1] Each family or group sets its own standards for how strictly these rules are to be enforced.

**The head of the household, usually the father, or the guest of honor is usually seated at the head of the table.

**Place your napkin on your lap and use it to dab your mouth. Never blow your nose on it.

**Dishes should be served from the left, and taken away from the right. Unless the food is placed on your plate at the table, then it should arrive from the left.

**It is good education, but not an obligation, serve food to guests first

**Do not start eating before the host does or instructs guests to do so. At meals with a very large number of people, it is acceptable to start eating once others have been served.

**Never use your hands to take food, unless eating foods customarily eaten as such, such as bread, asparagus spears. Only use you fingers in an informal dinner if you want to eat chicken wings, pizza, empanadas (Typical food),etc.

**When eating bread rolls, break off a piece before buttering. Use your knife only to butter the bread, not to cut it.

**You must not put your elbows on the table.

**If pouring a drink for yourself, offer to pour a drink for your neighbours before serving yourself.

**It is considered rude to answer the telephone at the table. If you need to take an urgent call, excuse yourself and go outside

**Always excuse yourself if you need to leave the table.

**Never lean across somebody else’s plate. If you need something to be passed, ask the person closest to it. If you have to pass something, only pass it if you are closest to it and pass it directly to them if you can.

**Try to not take food from a neighbour’s plate and don’t ask to do so.

**When chewing food, maintain your mouth closed and only talk after you have swallowed it. Eating or talking with one's mouth full is frown upon, and if it is very necessary, discuss with one hand in front of the mouth (to avoid food getting out), and only short sentences

**Do not slurp your food or eat loudly.

**Never pick food out of your teeth with your fingernails or your cutlers

**Try to eat everything on the plate; leaving some food is considered wasteful.

**Never transfer food to your mouth with your knife.

**It is not advisable to seek a second course, unless it is offered

**There should be no negative comments about the food, unless it is needed (like: "This food is too salty").

**Burping, coughing, yawning, or sneezing at the table should be avoided. If you do so, say, "Excuse me."

**When you have finished eating soup from a bowl or larger "soup plate," the spoon should be placed on the flat plate beneath, if one is present.

**The fork, if no knife is available, may be used to slice foods.

**Avoid taking your mouth pieces larger than you can eat
Thanks to the chef are very welcome (if he / she is on the table), but not mandatory if not.