Remember that is impolite to point out the bad manners of another.  But maybe you can come up with a way to discreet way of letting each other know when something needs to be corrected or when you are all doing a great job!

We have talked about fast food and mid-price restaurants, but you may find yourself in a fancy, upscale, or high-end restaurant.

When people go to a high-end restaurant, they are looking for something different than when eating at a fast food or mid-price restaurant.  They are looking for dinner to be an experience and an event in itself.  They want to enjoy the many different courses of food, the atmosphere, and the people they are with. 

Dressed up in your finest clothes, you can enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and the company, too.

If you are invited to dine out at a restaurant as a guest, follow the other person’s lead in ordering.  If he orders an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, then you may do the same.  If he only orders an entrée, only order an entrée.  Also, be considerate and try not to order the most expensive item on the menu.

If you receive food that is not done the way you ordered or is unacceptable, let the waiter know and let him know what you would like.

If you are paying the check, look over the check for accuracy.  In some cases gratuity (the tip or a surcharge) is included in the check.  If gratuity is not included, the customary amount to leave is anywhere from 15% to 20% of the check depending on the level of service you believe you received.  Very poor service can be even lower.

You will usually pick up your plate where the food is laid out.

Patiently wait your turn and avoid cutting in line.

Use the utensils provided to put the food on your plate.  Do not use your hands.

If one food accidentally drops into another, use the utensils to put it back.

Only take as much food as you are going to eat. 

Do not eat while in line.  Wait until you are back at your table.

If you feel you may sneeze or cough while in line, excuse yourself from the line so that you do not sneeze or cough in the food.

If it is a pot luck dinner, make sure everyone has been through the line before you go back for seconds.

Along with remembering that you are in a public place, here are a few points to keep your dining experience pleasurable for the whole family.

If you must wait, the hostess will take your name, give you a number, or give you a signaling device.  Listen for your name or number to be called or your signaling device to go off to let you know your table is ready.  Go to the hostess stand quickly.

Once you are seated, set out your silverware as you would at home and put your napkin in your lap.

Keep personal items off of the table.  Put purses behind you on the seat or just under the table where others won’t trip on them.

Look over the menu and decide what you will order.  Be ready when the waiter or waitress comes by to take your order.  Once you have ordered, you will have time for more in-depth conversations.

If rolls or bread is offered, take the first one you touch and put it on your bread plate (yours is on your left).  If a plate isn’t provided, put it on your dinner plate.

Don’t put any of your food on the table.

Don’t play with the sugar packets, salt and pepper shakers, etc.

Keep empty cracker, butter, and straw wrappers in one place, preferably under the lip of your dinner plate.

Thank those who have been serving you.  If the service has been exceptional, let them know that, too.

First, let’s visit the fast food restaurant.  In a fast food restaurant, you typically order your meal at the counter and wait for your food to be prepared and put on a tray.  You then take your tray to a table, eat your meal, and then throw away the food wrappers.

Even during this process, there are manners that can show courtesy to those around you.

If necessary, use the restroom or wash your hands before you order.  This way you are not leaving your meal either at the counter or at a table that others may need.

Know what you plan to order before you reach the head of the line.  Place your order and pay quickly.  This is not the time to chit-chat with the cashier.  This is especially true if there are others waiting behind you.

If you are given a number, listen for your number to be called.

Only take the number of napkins, ketchup packets, spoons, straws, etc. that you will need.  Taking any more is wasteful.

Once you get your meal to your table, lay out your meal on either a wrapper or on a napkin.  This is for hygiene reasons.  The tables, seats, and floors of fast food restaurants are generally not very clean.

If you accidentally spill something, clean it up.  If it is a really big mess, ask an employee for assistance.

Remember that you are in a public place.  Use “inside voices” and avoid any behavior that would disturb other patrons.

When you are finished with the meal, collect your trash and throw it away.