What not to do at the dining table

The master and lady of the house
- never behave anxiously or be nervous for the success of the meal
- never use a plastic tablecloth
- never prepare pre-cooked dishes
- do not insist for your guests consume more food
- soups should never be poured higher than the internal boarder of the soup dish
- never serve the wine in a carafe, except in the case of old vintage wine
- never receive your guests whilst wearing slippers
- never remove the plates until all of the guests have finished that course
- never keep the television switched on during a meal. Music is allowed but at a low volume

The guests
- remember to wash your hands prior to starting a meal
- do not read at the dining table, do not expose documents or any other material
- avoid placing elbows on the dining table whilst eating, keep them by your side. Elbows may be placed onto the dining table but only when not eating and with the hands interfaced
- do not speak with your mouth full
- never use your table-napkin as a bib by inserting it into the collar of your shirt
- never blow onto your soup or coffee, nor should you spread risotto onto the plate in order to allow it to cool down quicker. It is however, allowed to incline the soup plate in order to collect the final spoonfuls
- never bring the knife to your mouth
- toothpicks are forbidden to women and not recommended to men either. If they are not already on the dining table, do not request them
- never smoke prior to the serving of desert but, if absolutely necessary, ask to go out onto the balcony to smoke. Always ask the master of the house for the permission to smoke
- avoid leaving lipstick marks on the table-napkin or glasses
- do not sprinkle salt or pepper with your fingers
- it is no longer customary to say "enjoy your meal" prior to eating, nor "cin cin" when performing a toast: remember; this should absolutely NEVER be done
- do not make any sounds when drinking and do not lift your little finger from the rest of your hand while lifting a glass
- do not play with the cutlery or with the bread crumbs on the table

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