Marigold Harding - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

What to do when:

Hair on your food or a peck in your water: Simply refrain from drinking, put your fork down until you catch the attention of a waiter. While it might be possible to avoid the rest of the table noticing something is amiss, avoid making a fuss.

Insist that your tablemates continue eating regardless of how long it takes for a replacement.

Food on someone's face at the table

Subtly call the person's attention by using your index finger to lightly tap on your chin or whichever part of the face is affected.

As prevention, occasionally dab your chin and upper lip with your napkin to remove any wayward bits of food.

Food lodged in your teeth

Never use your fingers or utensils to remove food lodged in your teeth to dislodge any food caught between your teeth.

Discreetly wipe your teeth with your napkin without attracting attention. Do not use your drink to wash your mouth and swallow. Never use a toothpick at the table.

You spill your beverage

Immediately set your glass upright and apologise to all present. Simply say, "I am sorry, that was clumsy of me." Don't feel as if you have to crawl under the table. If it is your wine, signal the water or bus-boy, who will put a napkin to cover the stain.

Mind your manners

Place containers for butter and jelly on the edge of the bread plate. Place papers covering the tip of your straw tightly folded under the edge of your bread plate. The aim is to keep the table looking litter free.

In some upscale restaurants, steamed hot towels are brought in after the meal and in some instances, before the meal. Use the towels to wipe your hands after meals, also areas around the mouth. Never wipe the back of your neck, your forehead or behind your ears. The waiter will remove the towel as soon as you are finished. In the case of after meals, place it on top of your loosely folded napkin.

Never groom at the table. It is more polite to excuse yourself and put your lipstick on in the ladies' room. In an informal atmosphere, apply your lipstick quickly and discretely, using your napkin to cover your mouth.

Never use compact or powder at the table. Never use a comb or rearrange your hair and put your hands to it wherever food is served. Believe it or not, some people have no qualms about doing something so private in public.

If you are hosting a meal in a restaurant, it is best to let the maitre d' or waiter know in advance. When you are ready to pay, signal the waiter by putting the cheque holder to the edge of the table with the bills. And for guests, don't try to grab the cheque, offering to pay. This is insulting your host. Your time will come.