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Now it's OK to eat with your hands: Etiquette experts say it's acceptable in restaurants (but don't

Now it's fine to eat with your fingers: Etiquette experts say it's acceptable in restaurants (but don't lick them clean)

  • Etiquette experts release guide to eating with one's hands
  • Includes tips such as 'don't like your fingers clean' and 'don't hunch over your plate'
  • Aim is to update 'outdated' table etiquette for modern dining tastes

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 15:50 EST, 22 November 2012 | Updated: 20:57 EST, 22 November 2012

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It may have been frowned upon for decades but eating with your hands in a restaurant is now acceptable, etiquette experts say – so long as you do not lick your fingers clean afterwards.

Debrett’s has issued a ten-point guide to modern dining manners designed to help people navigate the potentially messy minefield of ‘finger food’.

Top tips include cutting food into manageable pieces before picking it up, using a napkin to wipe messy hands and using a fork to pick up any food that spills on to the plate.

Handy guide: Etiquette expert Debrett's have released guidelines for eating with your hands to reflect modern dining habits and cuisine

Handy guide: Etiquette expert Debrett's have released guidelines for eating with your hands to reflect modern dining habits and cuisine

Obsolete: Debrett's says rules governing table etiquette are outdated and don't take modern dining trends into account

Obsolete: Debrett's says rules governing table etiquette are outdated and don't take modern dining trends into account. File picture

It advises taking small bites when eating finger foods such as pizza and reassures those who dislike modern eating trends that it is acceptable to use cutlery even if fellow diners choose not to.

Debrett’s says many traditional rules remain, such as sitting up straight, keeping elbows off the table, waiting for food to cool instead of blowing on it and gently dabbing any mess from one’s lips.

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The advice comes as the Pizza Express chain introduces calzone – a folded pizza – to its menus. Jo Bryant, etiquette adviser at Debrett’s, said: ‘The influence of other cultures and new foods, such as calzone, means eating with our hands is a growing trend.

‘Table manners are no longer about adhering to a rigid, and outdated, code of conduct. They exist for guidance but shouldn’t take away from the pleasure of sharing a meal.’

Not very lord-like: Lord Prescott flouts the rule about not licking fingers Not very lord-like: Lord Prescott flouts the rule about not licking fingers

Not very lord-like: Lord Prescott (left) flouts the rule about not licking fingers. And putting your elbow on the table is still a no-no, even when eating with your hands.

FINGER FOOD: THE DOS AND DON'TS OF EATING WITH YOUR HANDS

In our more informal times, it is acceptable to eat certain foods with your hands. The aim should be to create as little mess as possible.

  • It is sensible to cut large items into manageable-sized pieces that can be supported with both hands. Always put the food down on your plate between bites.
  • When eating with your hands it can be tempting to hunch over your plate. Try to sit up straight, don’t intrude into your neighbour’s space and never put your elbows on the table.
  • If your food is too hot to touch it will be too hot to eat; avoid over-the-top blowing on your food to cool it down. Be patient.
  • When eating with your hands, it is better to take plenty of small bites. This will avoid any excess mess or possible overspill of any filling. If the filling spills onto the plate, use your fork to eat it -don’t pick it up with your fingers.
  • Make use of your napkin. Place your napkin on your lap, don’t tuck it into your shirt or collar. Wipe your hands as you need to, but remember it’s likely to be a bit messy. If your hands get food on them, try to avoid licking your fingers clean.
  • If you get food on your lips, dab the corners of your mouth with your napkin as necessary during the meal. Don’t make grand wiping gestures. When you’ve finished, leave your napkin unfolded beside your plate.
  • Never wipe your mouth with your hand or talk with your mouth full - even if you have a conversational gem up your sleeve.
  • Even if all your fellow diners have chosen to eat with their hands, it is perfectly acceptable to use a knife and fork if you wish.
  • Eating with your hands is a relaxed and convivial style of dining, but don’t let your standards slip. Remember your manners.
  • Never use your phone at the table.

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