Dining Guide / Seating & Posture
Where to Put Your Bag and Phone
A small bag goes behind your back or at your feet; large bags and coats go to the cloakroom. Put your phone away and keep the table clear.
Try what you’ve read in questions based on real dining situations. · 5 min
Practice: Taking Your Seat
Key Points
- Tuck a small bag between your back and the chair back, or set it at your feet.
- Check large bags and coats at the cloakroom if there is one.
- Keep bags, phones, and keys off the table.
- Silence your phone and put it away. If you’re expecting an important call, mention it at the start and step away to take it.
Do
- Keep a small bag behind you or at your feet
- Check large bags and coats
- Mention an expected call at the start
Avoid
- Putting your bag or phone on the table
- Checking your screen mid-conversation
- Taking a call at the table
Handy Tip
If your bag goes on the floor, keep it inside the legs of your chair. It stays out of the aisle, so no one trips over it.
Practice in a Lesson
- Taking Your Seat — 5 min · Practice in a Lesson
- Eating and Talking — 5 min · Sign in to unlock
Read next
Occasions where this helps
- Wedding Reception — You've been invited to a wedding
Sources
- Emily Post Institute, “Top Table Manners Tips” — Posture, napkins, utensils, soup and phones at the table.
- Debrett's, “A Practical Guide to Table Manners” — Eating and talking, posture, and using cutlery from the outside in.