Dining Etiquette & Table manners

If a Russian person invites you to their home, you should show there promptly or no later than 15 minutes after the invitation. Take off your outdoor footwear. You may be given slippers to wear. Dress in something you would normally wear to work. Respecting your hosts by dressing nicely. Be prepared to receive respect and honor. Offer to assist the hostess with the meal's preparation or cleanup afterward. It's possible to decline this out of courtesy. "Are you certain? Gives the hostess the option to accept your offer. Continental table manners dictate that the knife should be held in the right hand while eating and the fork in the left.

First served is the oldest or most esteemed guest. Wait until the host invites you to start eating before you start. Your hands should always be visible, but avoid resting your elbows on the table. You'll be urged to eat more often than not. Using bread to sop up sauce or gravy is considered polite. Women seated close to males get beverages poured for them. Your hosts have shown you plenty of hospitality if you only leave a little food on your plate. Wait until you are invited to leave the table before standing up. The honored guest is always the first to leave a formal dinner.