The seating arrangement in China is different from that in foreign countries. Generally speaking, the seating arrangement is "respecting the east from the left" and "respecting the gate".

If it's a round table, it's the host and guest facing the gate. In terms of the distance from the host and guest, the closer to the host and guest, the more respected it is. At the same distance, the left side is more respected than the right side. If it is a square table, if there is a seat facing the gate, the right seat on the side of the gate is the host and guest. If it is not facing the gate, the right seat on the east side is the chief.

If it is a big banquet, the arrangement between tables should pay attention to the chief, with 2, 4 and 6 seats on the left and 3, 5 and 7 seats on the right. According to the identity and status of the host and guest, the relatives and friends should sit separately.

table manners

At the beginning of a Chinese banquet, the first wet towel sent by the waiter is to wipe your hands. Don't use it to wipe your face. When lobster, chicken and fruit are served, a small water bowl with lemon slices or rose petals floating in it is not a drink, but for washing hands. When washing your hands, you can take turns to wet your fingers, rinse them gently, and then dry them with a small towel.

Pay attention to manners when eating. Don't persuade foreign guests repeatedly, but introduce the characteristics of Chinese food to each other, and it's up to him to eat or not. Don't expect the host to give you food repeatedly when attending a banquet hosted by foreign guests.

After the guests are seated, don't start eating immediately. Instead, guests should wait for the host to say hello and raise their glasses to signal the start. Guests can't get ahead of their hosts. To be civilized, you should wait for the dishes to turn to yourself before moving chopsticks. Don't grab in front of your neighbor, and it is not advisable to take too many dishes at a time.