6. Help Yourself to.Table Manners

When invited to an American home…

Here are a few tips to help you know how to ........ at an American dinner.

First of all, you should always arrive ..... time.

Even 15 minutes late is impolite! If you are going to be late, call your host or hostess .... of time.

It is always nice to bring your host or hostess something such as flowers, but it is not necessary.

When in the dining room, don’t take a .... until host or hostess shows you where to sit.

Unfold the napkin that is beside your plate, and put it on your ....

Bowls of food are usually passed from person to person ..... the table. People serve themselves.

Before eating, someone may say grace, or prayers. During grace you should bow your head and remain silent.

Don't forget to .... hands before eating.

You can start eating when the host or hostess does. In America it is considered rude to begin ..... before everyone has been served.

But don’t talk with your..... full.

Do not ...... in front of someone for a dish, the salt, or the pepper. Simply say, “ Please pass the salt.”

Always be ...... the cook by saying, “The meal is delicious/ wonderful !”

When dinner is over, help ..... the dishes off the table. When you are leaving, thank your host or hostess by saying, “Thank you for a nice evening. I enjoyed it very much.”

Americans often send a thank-you note afterwards.