Modern-day influences at the dinner table are leaving traditional Brits infuriated
If you really want to annoy those you’re dining with then take a photo of your meal (22%), talk about reality TV (31%) or start discussing your children’s talents (24%).
New research conducted into modern dinner table etiquette by Rachel’s organic dairy products, highlights the irritations and annoyances plaguing the nation’s dinner tables. A study of over 2,000 UK adults reveals that checking your phone at the table is the most infuriating habit for almost two thirds of us (58%), with Brits surprisingly preferring to share their dinner table with a noisy eater (39%) in comparison.
Talking about sex is most likely to put people off their food (54%), while taking selfies (38%) and sharing your dinner on Instagram is also seriously frowned upon with one fifth (22%) describing it as unacceptable behaviour. Bringing up your latest diet fad is not advisable either and will set almost a third (27%) of Brits off on a rant.
The guide to modern dining was carried out by Rachel's in a bid to discover how etiquette is changing. Interestingly, some behaviour which would have been considered a major faux pas in the past goes almost unnoticed these days. It seems as though chivalry is a thing of the past, with a mere 11 percent of women considering it rude if men do not pull their chair out for them. Furthermore as traditions continue to change just 18 per cent of men think women should be served first.
Having elbows on the table, so often something children used to be chastised for, is now only frowned upon by 16 per cent of us. Similarly, eating ‘left-handed’ – with the knife and fork in the ‘wrong hand’ – would only draw disapproving looks from 10 per cent of fellow diners, reflecting the rise of casual dining. It is not just how we hold our cutlery either – over half (52%) of us can’t tell a carving knife from a bread knife and a further 49 per cent are clueless when it comes to the difference between a soup spoon and a dessert spoon at the dinner table.
The study also reveals other major annoyances, whether we are at a dinner party or eating out. It seems overly loud music often gets on our nerves (47%), with ‘pretentious food’ (34%) and those who have ‘too many opinions on the wine or food’ also set to aggravate.
The ten most irritating things to do at the dinner table
1. Checking your phone at the table
2. Eating too loudly
3. Taking selfies
4. Instagramming your meal
5. Guests becoming more opinionated
6. Oversharing personal information
7. Eating with your hands
8. Double dipping your fork or spoon
9. Drinking from a can
10. Diving in for seconds too early
The ten least popular topics of conversation at dinner parties
1. Sex
2. Politics
3. Reality TV
4. Dieting
5. Children’s achievements
6. Divorce
7. Money
8. Work
9. Pets
10. Single life
Rachel Rowlands, co-founder of Rachel’s, said: “Dining with friends and loved ones is one of life’s great pleasures and it’s interesting to see how modern influences are affecting how we enjoy this quality time together. Technology in particular is evolving both the way we enjoy and create great tastes and flavours in our kitchens, as well as how we share these experiences with others.”
Diana Mather, etiquette expert & author, said: “It seems that checking your phone at the dinner table has become the modern equivalent of placing elbows on the table. Though it’s surprising that people are becoming less concerned with the eating habits of their fellow diners, the fact that they don’t like to be ignored shows our social values haven’t changed all that much. Sometimes placing phones in the centre of the table is a fun way to balance your attention with your guests – whoever reaches for theirs first is responsible for washing the dishes!”
Rachel’s commissioned the research around the nation’s etiquette habits to celebrate the launch of its new Divine Desserts range; the perfect after-dinner treat for nights in with friends and family. Visit rachelsorganic.co.uk for more information on the Divine Desserts range and to discover inspirational recipe ideas for your next dinner party.
