Certainly the first invitation to dinner or lunch to inaugurate our new home was made to friends and family with whom we talked freely about everything, but if we also wanted to organize a more formal evening, perhaps with some important work colleague or client , after having well set and chosen the menu, once we were seated on the table we also had to find interesting topics with which to make the meal pleasant.
But what do we talk about during a dinner or a lunch? What are the topics of conversation that, according to etiquette, can be addressed and which ones, instead, should be avoided?
Monopolize all the guests with their own ideas, attract all attention to them, shout or, conversely, whisper in such a way that only the close neighbors can hear, surely they are not practices well accepted by the label, as well as the speeches that arise when a guest has decided to drink a lot.
Themes yes
At the table, according to the etiquette, we essentially talk about topics of general interest: not too frivolous, but not too heavy, able to involve all the guests (absolutely forbidden to deal with topics that involve only a part of the guests) in compliance with the rules of common living. Separate chapter for listening: although we should not be taciturn (at least a few words, during a meal, it is good to express it), we must also know when it is necessary to remain silent and let those close to us speak.
Themes no
Absolutely forbidden to speak of tragedies, such as deaths, illnesses, misfortunes or all those arguments that could cause sadness among the guests and bad moods among the most sensitive people. A meal together must be a situation of joy that, therefore, should not be upset even with political or religious conversations that can generate (especially if not everyone thinks the same way) in disputes and unwelcome debates or even real ones. own moments of tension. It is not advisable to concentrate diners too much on topics of conversation that deal exclusively with ourselves, with the risk of not being interested and appearing superficial or egocentric, concerning food and the menu served or money. Finally, it is absolutely forbidden to speak ill of absent persons or of subjects that are too risqué and scandalous.
