How many times have you grudgingly walked into the kitchen in the night to make dinner, wishing that you could have had someone else prepare it for you instead? After working for hours in the day, it is quite impossible to find enough energy or enthusiasm to cook dinner for all in the family. During these moments, it is always great to take the easy way out. You could go out to a restaurant, and have a splendid dinner without for once having to bother about cleaning up the mess behind.

But while you are out dining, you have to remember that you cannot treat a restaurant like your own house. Back in your cot, you may like to gorge on your chicken legs and tackle your food with swords and guns, but in the restaurant, there is some etiquette that you need to follow. You have to remember that there are other families and couples dining with you and you have to be at your best appearance. So what are the norms that should guide you through the three course meals in a restaurant? Follow some tips given below:

• Nothing works as great as showing a little glint of chivalry. When you have female companion, it is better to pull out their chair for them, and have them sit first. This not only shows good manners, but gives the apparent idea that you care, and this gestures is highly favored by women! Thus, it is a sophisticated move that is a must in formal restaurants.

• Use the napkins for once. Those are not meant for table décor, really. The moment you have your seat, pull out the napkins and spread it on your lap. Not only will it keep the food stains off your lap, but you will also need it once in a while during your meal to wipe your mouth.

• Whenever a female companion departs from the table, stand up. This is a very courteous habit that very few men know or practice. It is done in very formal restauran
ts, but is better if you show such gentlemanly attitude almost any place you go.

• When you are using your knife, make sure that you do not put it back on the table. When you use it to cut food, always place it on one side of the plate. Do not dirty the table cloth. That shows that you are careless.

• Try to get the best table location possible in the restaurant. Do not seat near the road, since you will be constantly distracted by the ongoing traffic. It is better to get a corner with a window nearby or a wall with an elegant picture hanging on it.

• Do you know that often waiters spoil food before bringing it to you if you as much as shout at them or disrespect them? Some waiters even spit on the plate! So next time you decide to give one of those servers a piece of your mind, think carefully. Remember that they are here to do their job, and if you are simply very rude to them, they go through a lot of stress. To avoid that, if your waiter makes a mistake, or does not serve your food properly, try to send it back as courteously as you can.

• Do not make loud sounds while eating. Always chew with your mouth closed. Do not talk with food in your mouth.

• Remember that you cannot soak or dip your bread in the soup.

• Use each knife for the appropriate purpose. For Pete’s sake, do not use a salad fork for cutting your chicken.

• Always keep your elbows off the table.

• Try to cut up your steak into small pieces. Big chunks are difficult to eat.

• Try to offer lavish tips to the waiters. This is an excellent way to be remembered and appreciated.

• Always dress well. Some restaurants do not allow customers in if they do not wear the customary tie and suit.

Eating in the restaurant is a different experience from dining out in the diners like McDonald’s. Therefore you should be at your best, and learning a few of these tips will be helpful.