Elegance lives in the details—the quiet gestures that speak volumes without a word. And nowhere does it show more clearly than at the table. Polished etiquette doesn’t just elevate a meal; it leaves an impression that lingers long after the last bite.

No Clinking, Please
A toast should never sound like a cymbal crash. Crystal is delicate, meant to shimmer, not clash. Raise your glass, meet eyes with a smile, and let the gesture carry the weight. The elegance is in the silence.
Excusing Yourself, Properly
Nature calls, or perhaps the phone (though ideally, it shouldn’t). The correct exit? A simple, “Please excuse me.” Your napkin does not belong on the plate—it rests gracefully on your chair or the arm of it, signaling you’ll return.
Holding Your Wine Glass
It’s a common mistake to hold a wine glass by the bowl. But the refined way? Gently from the top of the stem. This keeps fingerprints off the glass and the wine at its intended temperature. A subtle move, but unmistakably elegant.
Bread: Break, Don’t Cut
Bread is never to be treated like steak. Even if a knife is waiting beside the plate, resist the urge. Bread should always be broken by hand—tear a piece, then enjoy. It’s ritual, tradition, and refinement rolled into one small act.
Manners are not about rigidity; they’re about thoughtfulness. They show respect—for the meal, for the company, and for yourself. Because the true art of dining isn’t just in what’s served—it’s in how you savor it.