Dining Etiquette 103: Finishing Strong & Going Global
Image Credit: The final act in our etiquette mini-series, from farewells to global table rules.

YOU'VE RSVP’D RIGHT, ordered smart, and survived the soup. Applause! But a performance isn’t over until the curtain call — and mealtimes are no different. How you wrap things up matters just as much as how you began.

Here’s how to leave the table without undoing all your good work.

Signalling you’re done

When you’ve finished, place knife and fork neatly side by side on the plate, angled like 4 o’clock. Don’t shove the plate away or stack it like you’re bussing tables.

Napkin finale

When the meal is over, fold your napkin loosely and set it to the left of your plate. Heading to the loo mid-meal? Leave it on your chair, not the table.

The bill dance

  • If you did the inviting, you do the paying. No awkward fumbling.
  • Tip discreetly and appropriately; don’t make it part of the dinner theatre.
  • On dates, take the lead when the server arrives. No calculator apps at the table, please.

Exiting gracefully

  • Thank the host before you leave.
  • Don’t linger more than 10 minutes after the bill is settled — unless everyone’s agreed to shift to the bar.
  • For business meals or interviews, follow up with a thank-you note within 24 hours.

Global Quirks Worth Knowing

Etiquette isn’t one-size-fits-all — it shapeshifts across cultures.

  • France: Hands visible on the table (wrists, not elbows). Hide them in your lap, and people might think you’re plotting.
  • Japan: Slurp those noodles proudly — it’s a compliment, not a crime.
  • China: Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice — it resembles funeral offerings.
  • Korea: Don’t touch your chopsticks until the eldest at the table has started eating.
  • Middle East: Eat with your right hand only; the left is considered unclean.
  • US & UK: Salt your food only after tasting — it’s seen as a snub to the chef otherwise.

Think of it as the culinary equivalent of learning “hello” and “thank you” in the local language.

The Takeaway

Every meal tells a story — and good etiquette makes sure you’re remembered for the right reasons. Whether it’s a date, a deal, or a dinner abroad, a little table savvy goes a long way.

That’s a wrap on our three-part guide! Feeling confident? Next week, put your table smarts to the test with our etiquette quiz.