How does one eat and make conversation at the dinner table at the same time without appearing offensive?
Listening to others speak is perhaps one of the most important and overlooked elements of a good dinner companion/guest. Between bites of your meal, you could converse and of course, you would acknowledge any questions directed at you during the meal. It is polite to use your napkin to wipe your mouth while you are chewing to indicate that you are still eating before you answer a question. The safest thing to do at a dinner party is to listen more than you talk, chew with your mouth closed, indulge in alcohol in moderation and include as many people as possible in your conversations. Have fun!
Rule #1: DO NOT get drunk. Omit, or at least limit, alcoholic intake. People talk louder when they drink alcohol. Their convictions become stronger; therefore they can be perceived as obnoxious and offensive. Rule #2: Avoid controversial subjects such as sex, religion, politics, and controversial characters (e.g. Monica Lewinsky, Hillary Clinton, Tom Daschel, etc.) Rule #3: Listen to others more than talk about yourself. Your interest in another person makes you a more interesting person. Talk to people on both sides of you through out the meal. Rule #4: Know your table manners! Chew with your mouth closed and enjoy the experience.
