Any cultured person is familiar with the rules of table etiquette. But what to do if you find yourself in an awkward situation at the table and how to get out of it?
Suppose you found a midge in a bowl of soup, a fatty piece of meat fell on a tablecloth, or you choked, then this is not the end of the world and such an unpleasant situation can happen to each of us sooner or later. If a similar embarrassment has occurred to you, do not panic and do not attract attention, but simply remember how to act in such a situation.
Very hot or poor quality food
If the bite is too hot, quickly wash it down with water or other liquid. If this is not at hand, quickly and imperceptibly spit the burning piece on the fork or pull it out of your mouth with your hand and put it on the edge of the plate.
You cough or want to sneeze
If you feel that the cough will be short-lived, then you should not get up from the table: cover your mouth with your hand or a tissue, cough (or sneeze) and apologize. If the coughing fit is severe, excuse yourself and quickly leave the room.
You choked on a piece of meat or a bone
After choking, try to "push" the stuck piece by drinking a sip of any drink. If that doesn't help, cough with a tissue over your mouth. In the event that the cough is prolonged, excuse yourself and go to the toilet or another room.
If you are choking heavily, there is no time for protocol: you need to attract attention and call for help. Perhaps your life depends on it.
Food stuck in teeth
To remove food stuck between the teeth at the table is bad manners. If a piece of food gives you pain or discomfort, wait for a change of dish or another pause in the meal, leave the hall and there remove the piece that is interfering with you with a toothpick.
Have you dropped or spilled something on the table?
A piece that has fallen on the table must be taken from the table and put on the edge of your plate, apologizing to the owners for your embarrassment. If a trace remains after it, moisten the edge of the napkin with water and try to remove it.
The same should be done if you spilled something on the table.
Did you notice a hair or an insect on your plate?
Having noticed something inedible on your plate, it is better to get rid of it imperceptibly and not attract attention, so as not to discredit the hostess of the evening. If you're too uncomfortable, just put your plate down.
If a similar situation occurred in a restaurant, then you have the right to point out a foreign object in the dish and demand its replacement.
If the inedible has already got into your mouth, then unnoticed by others, remove it and put it on the edge of the plate.
It will also be helpful for you to know what rules of etiquette should everyone know.
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