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Table manner is an important component of Chinese culture, which could be summarized in the following aspects, from inviting guests, seating, eating, using chopsticks and teapot.

Inviting guests

When the guest enters into the room, the hosts stand until the guest sit down. Dishes are usually ordered by host and guest should keep silent. Before dinning, a toast started from host is usually held, where guests could express their thanks for invitation. When the dishes arrive, host would invite guests of honor to taste first.

Seating

In China, a round table is commonly used. On this occasion, the seat facing the entrance is the seat of honor, which should be seated by the people with the highest status. The seats on the left-hand-side of the seat-of-honor are second, fourth, sixth, etc. in importance, while those on the right are third, fifth, seventh and so on in importance, until they join together.

Eating

Food is mostly served by chopsticks and hand is seldom used unless some exceptions. While eating and drinking soup, no noise should be made. While dinning, the host should take care of all his guests and invites guests to enjoy the dishes. While someone is picking up food from dishes with chopsticks, the lazy Susan should never be turned.

Chopsticks

Chopstick is mostly used in Chinese dinning, while there are some protocols of using chopsticks. Chopsticks are not used to toy with one's food or with dishes in common and they should be placed neatly after used. It is impolite to point someone with chopsticks. Never search food in the common dishes with chopsticks. You should never bang your chopsticks as though you were playing a drum.

Teapot

Since Chinese tea culture has time-honored history, while using teapot also has its own etiquette. The teapot should never be placed pointing someone directly, which is quite impolite. If you are getting tea for yourself, make sure to ask others whether they need tea or not first. If they do, get tea for others first before serving yourself.