Congratulations: You scored a reservation. Now you're going to dinner with that person you're into, meeting their parents, or celebrating an anniversary. Maybe you’re sharing a table with your boss, an important client, or both. Your friend just graduated, got promoted or engaged. Whatever brought you to this table, it’s essential to know how to conduct yourself once you’re there. Good table manners might sound boring and outdated, but they're really about respect—for yourself and your fellow diners.

In case you never attended cotillion as a tween as I did or simply need a reminder, consider this your back-of-the-envelope guide. Once you know the rules, then you can break them. But we don't recommend it.

Dress for the occasion. Rarely is anyone overdressed, and it’s much better than bei

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