Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

1.
 
Starting to eat 
If you are eating out, you should wait until all the 
members of your group have been served before picking 

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 129 
up your fork. At a private dinner, observe the host or 
hostess and pick up your fork when he or she does. 
However, if you are at a buffet, you may start when there 
are others seated at your table. 
 
2.
 
Napkin 
The basic function of the napkin is to wipe your 
fingers and blot the mouth. 
After sitting, unfold your napkin (do not open your 
napkin by shaking it; open it discreetly under the 
table. and place it in your lap and don't tuck it in 
your collar) after the host or hostess has placed his or 
her napkin in their lap. 
Place your napkin in your chair if leaving the table 
during the meal. 
Don‘t use napkin as a handkerchief 
When the meal is completed, the napkin is folded 
loosely and placed to the left of your plate (or in the 
center of your place setting if your plate has been 
cleared).