American Table Manners

       Before sitting down to have a formal meal, gentlemen stand behind their chairs until women are seated.

       Eat soup noiselessly. When there is a little soup left, you may lift the dish gently with your free hand to collect the soup into your spoon.

       If you have difficulty getting food with your fork, use a small piece of bread or your knife to assist（帮助）.Never use your fingers.

       Chew（咀嚼） with your mouth closed. Do not slurp（发出啧啧的声音）, talk with food in your mouth, or make loud or unusual noises while eating.

       Say "Excuse me." or "Excuse me. I’ll be right back." before leaving the table. Do not state that you are going to the restroom.

       You may rest your forearms（前臂）or hands on the table, but not elbows（肘）.

       The fork may be used either in the American style (hold the fork in your left hand while cutting; use your right hand to pick up food and eat when you do not use the knife) or the European style (the fork is always in the left hand).

       When you have finished your meal, place all used utensils（用具）on your plate on the right side, and the waiter knows you have finished. Do not place used utensils on the table.

       Leave the napkin（餐巾） on your seat if you just want to leave temporarily（临时地）. When you finish the meal, loosely（松散地） place the used napkin on the table to the left of your plate.