‘You are what you eat—and how you eat it says a lot about you,’ says etiquette expert Myka Meier.
As the holiday season kicks off, Meier reminds us that table manners aren’t just for fancy dinner parties—they’re for every meal.
While many in Gen Z feel traditional rules are fading, Meier insists that dining etiquette is alive, well, and surprisingly easy to master.
“Dining manners create an atmosphere of respect,” Meier told the Daily Mail.
“How we act and treat others at the table helps everyone relax and enjoy themselves.
Good manners will always set you apart.”
Pass Salt and Pepper as a Pair
A small detail can make a big difference. Meier advises always passing the salt and pepper together—even if someone only asks for one.
“Passing them together keeps the table neat and avoids the awkward hunt for the other shaker,” she explained.
“It also helps the conversation flow without interruptions.”
Pause When Someone is Speaking
Paying attention to your dining companions matters as much as your cutlery.
Meier emphasizes pausing your meal whenever someone is talking.
“Putting your fork down shows that person they have your full attention,” she said.
“It makes conversations feel thoughtful and respectful.
It also helps create a calmer, more connected dining experience, which is especially nice during the holidays.”
Tear Bread Into Manageable Pieces
Bread is a simple pleasure, but Meier warns against biting straight into a large piece.
“Tear it into small, manageable bites,” she advises.
“It keeps things neat, prevents crumbs, and stops you from chewing so much that you can’t talk comfortably.”
Offer Food and Eat at a Steady Pace
Etiquette is about awareness of others. If there’s only one serving left, always offer it to others before taking it yourself.
“Simple gestures like this show selflessness,” Meier said.
“It helps create a considerate and welcoming table.” She also stresses eating at a reasonable pace.
“When we rush, meals become messy, and others feel pressured to hurry.
Matching your pace to the table makes the experience relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.”
Hold Silverware Correctly
Finally, Meier highlights one of the most common mistakes at the table: holding cutlery incorrectly.
“It can be jarring to watch, but it’s easy to fix,” she said.
“There’s the American style—fork in the left hand, knife in the right, then switch the fork to your dominant hand after cutting.
Or the Continental style—knife in your dominant hand and fork in your non-dominant hand, keeping them there for the whole meal. Pick a style and stick with it.”
With these small but thoughtful adjustments, anyone can elevate their dining game, impress guests, and enjoy meals with confidence—and maybe even feel a little festive charm along the way.
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