Ladislav Špaček revealed the biggest mistakes when dining. Do you make them too? | Magazine

If you think of an etiquette expert, the first name that comes to mind is Ladislav Špaček. We asked him which transgressions still persist at the table, but also which are disappearing from restaurants. By the way, do you dine like a noble or carry the sins of your childhood?

Ladislav Špaček, former spokesman for President Václav Havel, became famous not only for his knowledge of etiquette. He is also able to present the rules of good behavior to the general public in an entertaining way and in such a way that it actually seems obvious and easy to you. Like something you knew a long time ago, just forgot for a while. Remind yourself how to hold cutlery or glasses correctly and how to eat pastries. You will also learn how to recognize a good restaurant by the table setting.

Let’s recall other rules of proper dining:

• Sit up straight and keep yourself upright. Maintaining good posture is important for your health and also for improving digestion.
• If there is a cloth napkin on the table, place it on your lap. Never tie a napkin around your neck. Use a napkin whenever you want to drink, talk or whenever you feel the need to wipe your mouth after eating a bite.
• If you only have a paper napkin at your disposal, use it in the same way as a cloth napkin, only do not put it on your lap, but place it on the table next to the plate.
• You should try not to drop any food on the tablecloth, but if such an accident does happen, try to fix it immediately.
• Start eating only when all other companions at the table are also ready.
• Eat slowly and try to enjoy your food. Chew thoroughly and never eat with your mouth open. If a conversation is appropriate at the table, choose topics that are pleasant for everyone and, above all, non-conflicting. And speak only when you have nothing in your mouth.

• Do not leave the table during a meal unless necessary. When you have to leave, don’t forget to ask for permission before you leave.
• Never reach into someone else’s plate! If you want to taste, ask the person to do so, and then taste if necessary.
• When the meal is over, place the cutlery on the plate in a neat order – with the blade or points towards the center of the plate and the handle towards the right, where the clock shows four o’clock. If you have a cloth napkin on your lap, fold it and leave it on the table. Place the folded paper napkin under the cutlery.
• Thank the host for the meal. If you are in a restaurant, thank the staff. Don’t forget to say goodbye politely when you leave.