Etiquette expert shares how to act at formal dinner - and important posture rule
Let's face it, most of us would have no idea how to act if we were invited to a formal dinner and expected to follow specific social rules that we usually don't think too much about.
But we don't need to make it up as we go along and hope for the best, as an etiquette expert has outlined the key things we need to remember any time we're in a formal dining setting - or even when we just want to show off how polite we can be at the dinner table.
Lucy Challenger, 39, shared her tips in a viral video posted on TikTok, where she highlighted that the rules - including not putting your elbows on the table and maintaining good posture - were specifically geared toward dining in the UK, as other cultures will have different social norms.
The expert, who is the founder and CEO of high-end Mayfair agency Polo and Tweed, often shares content on her @lucychallengerofficial account TikTok, where she teaches young social media users about manners and etiquette.
In her dining rules video, Lucy started by explaining that you should never put your elbows on the table, or stick your arms out in a way that might bump into the person sitting next to you.
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She said: "Firstly, we need to think about our elbows, don't stick them out, as typically you'll end up interfering with the guest next to you. So as you eat, keep your elbows tucked into your body, as this is a polite way to do it.
"Secondly, with the elbows, we never rest them on the table. This is considered rather rude. Instead, your arms can rest on the side of the table, either side of the plate, or of course neatly into your lap."
Lucy claimed that putting your elbows on the table can impact your digestion, as your body will naturally compress your stomach as you bend.
On the topic of promoting healthy digestion, the expert also said you should never slouch in your chair while eating, as a good posture will help your food digest easily.
Lucy added: "Wherever possible, I recommend sitting on the front section of the chair with your feet grounded on the floor.
"Crossing your legs is never advised as again, it's not great for hip stability and back position. Instead, [keep your] feet flat or crossed at the ankles if you prefer.
"Of course, we have a backrest. So if you do have to use it for any postural aspects, or because it's a particularly long dinner and you want to relax at some point, then by all means, use the back of the chair. But if you're going to, slide back to the back of the chair so that you're remaining as upright as possible."
The etiquette expert then said you should always "keep your air to a minimum" - by which she meant there should never be any burping or farting at the dinner table.
She explained: "I mean no burping, no farting, no shouting, try to keep bodily functions to a minimum, or at least step away and go to the bathroom to do what you need to do."
Lucy's final tip was to "follow the host" when in doubt, as she said: "They will be setting the tone and the general etiquette for the dining experience."
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Commenters on the video were thankful for Lucy's tips, but some wanted her to go into more detail about other aspects of etiquette - particularly when it comes to people talking with their mouths full.
One person said: "I learned this from my mum when I was a kid, even now I unconsciously slide into it even at informal settings."
While another added: "This is amazing tips for dining etiquette, thanks Lucy!"
But someone else pointed out: "I think you forgot the big one of not talking whilst eating as so many people forget this."
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