Marigold Y. Harding, Contributor

Marigold Harding - Photo by Carlington Wilmot

Marigold Harding continues her series on etiquette and fine dining with tips on dining out.

Etiquette Rules to Live By

A Set of Rigid Rules - Manners change with the times and today are more flexible than ever before. Etiquette is merely a set of guidelines for doing things that make people feel comfortable.

Something for the wealthy or well born - Etiquette is a code of behaviour for people from all walks of life, every socio-economic group and all ages.

A thing of the past - The bedrock principles of etiquette remain the same everywhere.

Snob - A person who looks down on others, shows himself not as superior but small - the kind who is anything but respectful and considerate.

One reader asked for clarification on a 'doggy or take-away bag.'

When you have left-over food that you do not want to waste and you are paying for it, it is usually acceptable to ask for a 'doggy bag.' a well trained waiter might ask if you wish to take it with you, especially if children are involved and this is usually handed to you leaving, in a lidded container, slipped into a paper bag.

You never request a doggy bag at business meals. If you are with a close business friend and you are 'going Dutch,' you may request the left-over food.

Never request a doggy bag at a reception, a function, a private dinner or a wedding. The food is provided for you to partake and enjoy, not to be taken away. Quite often guests are seen leaving with foil packages or paper napkins in hand, too large to hold in the evening bags. This is an absolute NO-NO, and just shows the person's bad manners on display.

What to do when:

You have dropped something: Do not pick up utensil and put it back on the table. Tell your server who will retrieve it and bring another one.

Your napkin falls: Likewise, if your napkin falls from your lap, ask for a replacement. Do not fumble around at your feet trying to retrieve it.

Food falls to the floor: If food falls to the floor, quietly tell the waiter at the end of the meal so that it can be cleaned up before the next dinner is served.

If your fork or glass is unclean: Don't use your napkin to rub smudges off and do no announce the problem to everyone, especially the host. Discreetly ask for a replacement the next time a server comes by.