Human's food variety has rapidly expanded from the time when humans firstly learned to control fire. And the eating habits have been evolving differently at different places due to available technology, ingredients, climate, and customs. Based on the food available and people's habits, table manners are gradually developed. Presently table manners are not simply the dining order between seniors and juniors, guests and hosts but the etiquette to be followed in every dining occasion. Table manners become such an important social norm that sometimes a person's home education might be judged by his/ her table manners. But on the other hand, dining etiquette also provides the ground for people's interaction over the meal. Here we also need to note that cultural differences result in widely diverse dining etiquette. Understanding the differences helps us avoid discourtesy.

Chinese
In Chinese cuisine, dishes are usually shared communally. Lazy Susan turntables are also common seen for a large group and should be turned clockwise when one is trying to get a certain dish. One or several pairs of communal serving chopsticks and spoons would be prepared at more formal meals. One should be aware that when attempting to reach a dish, his/ her hand should not extend over somebody’s hand when the other person is getting food for herself. Outer utensils should be used, followed by inner ones. Place back the utensil after using it. Guests are firstly invited to be seated. Left-hand-side is superior to right-hand-side; and center superior to sides. The least prominent seat is generally the one nearest to the kitchen entrance or service door, where the waiting staff serve the dishes.

Western
In most European cuisines, dishes are served separately for individuals, usually starting from hors d'oeuvres, appetizer, salad, soup, to main course, and followed by desserts or cheese. At least three pairs of knives and forks would be placed next to the plate and the most outer pair should be used first. In terms of seating arrangement, right side of the host is the guest of honor.The second guest of honor would usually seat at left of the host, or right of the first guest of honor. Dishes and drinks would be served from all guests’ right-hand-side.