"Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use."
Emily Post
In the midst of the ever changing, fast paced society, etiquette and manners are changing, but the importance and essential need for them remains the same.
Etiquette is simply a set of rules of behavior and by using these rules people make living with each other more pleasant and comfortable.
Etiquette covers the whole field of human relations. There are guidelines of behavior for the simplest action and for the most elaborate of social occasions. Other aspects of etiquette are based on what is called good taste. There are things we do not do because they offend other people. We do not shovel food into our mouths, talk with our mouths full, or eat messy food with our fingers. To do so would be unpleasant for other individuals to watch. A knowledge and understanding of what constitutes good manners makes us at ease within ourselves and with other individuals.
Table Manners
Who is served first at the table and when is the proper time to begin eating?
The hostess is not served first unless she is the only lady at the table. If an older person is present, the dishes are first presented to her. After several people have been served, guests can begin eating so their food will not be cold. As a rule a party of 6 and below should wait till everyone is served.
Which is correct - the American way of holding the fork in the right hand, or the Continental custom of holding it in the left?
Either is correct, but a combination of the two systems is now acceptable. It is sensible to convey cut food to the mouth with the fork in the left hand, with the tines of the fork facing down.
Is it permissible to "dunk" doughnuts, cookies etc. either at home or elsewhere?
Dunking doughnuts or cookies, eating chicken, pie and other things with your fingers depends on the circumstances. If you are having coffee with a friend at home, dunk if you wish. If they are served at a tea, you would be uncomfortable doing so. Many of these things depend on good sense and suitability. As a rule don't dunk publicly except under very informal situations and if you dunk, break the doughnut or cookie in half just as you would break you bread rather than bite into the whole slice.
When you find you have taken some foreign matter into your mouth such as fish or chicken bones, are they removed with the fork with which you have been eating?
Never use your fork. Foreign bodies accidentally taken into the mouth are removed with thumb and forefinger.