Table manners

Always keep your hands visible in Belize when eating. Keep your elbows off the table's edge while keeping your wrists there. This socially manufactured expectation is extremely similar in Australia and is seen as a sign of deference and politeness.

To indicate to the hosts that you have completed eating and are ready to move on to the next activity, set your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right. This is a widespread practice everywhere in the world. As a demonstration of respect for the hosts and the work they have put into the particular event, wait to sit down until you are told where to sit. Many people from Australia and, particularly, European nations, may relate to the custom in Belize of delaying eating until the hostess starts and everyone else is seated.

For many 'western' women, who frequently make toasts on occasions and share this responsibility equally with men, the fact that in Belize only men make toasts can come as a bit of a cultural shock. After a meal, it's considerate to leave some food on your plate.