table manners
Chinese banquets generally use round tables, covered with red tablecloths, and drinks are set in advance. If it is a small banquet for two tables, both tables can be arranged horizontally and vertically. When arranged horizontally, the table on the left hand side faces the main entrance, and when arranged vertically, it is far away from the main entrance.
When the number of tables is more than three, it is also necessary to follow the layout principle of "face to face positioning", "left hand is the highest" and "distance is the highest", which can be followed by both the guests attending the banquet and the organizers who arrange the banquet.
Etiquette of rank
For a formal banquet of Chinese food, the etiquette about ranking is very important. No matter in the south or in the north, guests sit facing the main entrance, which is called "main escort". Sitting at the table with the "main escort" is the "deputy main escort" The left hand side of the host is the "guest of honor" and the right hand side is the "deputy guest of honor". Regarding the ranking of other ranks, the principle is that "the closer the table is to the host's table, the more distinguished the table is, and the closer the seat is to the host, the more distinguished the rank is."
In addition, there is also a limit on the number of people dining at each table, preferably no more than ten, and the arrangement of the number of people dining prefers double to single. At present, the tables in major hotels are standard, and the table for ten people is the most widely used table type. If there are too many people, it will be crowded. If the table used is relatively large, the number of people can't be taken care of, which seems to neglect the guests, which is not what the host wants to see.
Dining etiquette
When everyone has a meal one after another, the oldest person has to sit down before the rest can sit down.
There are all kinds of soups in Chinese food, and after the soup is served, it is almost all cooked now, and the temperature is high. It is not advisable to scoop too much soup for the first time. Scoop a small amount into the bowl. First, gently touch the test temperature with your lips or spoon. Don't hiss and blow cold soup, and don't make any noise when drinking soup.
The collocation of meat and vegetables in Chinese food is reasonable. If there are many fibers or the meat is not rotten, you often need to pick your teeth. At this time, use toothpicks to cover it with your hands or handkerchiefs.
During the meal, the eating speed needs to keep pace with the owner, neither fast nor slow. At this time, smoking indoors requires the consent of the host and the diners at the same table. If there are women and children at the table, smoking should not be allowed. When leaving, you need to wait for the host to leave before you leave.