Table Manners A Westerner doesn't leave his napkin (paper or cloth) on the table. He puts it on his lap where it's supposed to protect his clothes from spilled food or used to wipe his hands or mouth when necessary. A Westerner doesn't put his own utensils (fork, knife, spoon) into a serving bowl. He uses the utensil in the bowl (generally a large spoon or fork) to put some of the food on his own plate, and then returns the serving utensil to the bowl. A Westerner doesn't spit food anywhere. If he has bones in his mouth, he takes them out with his fingers and places them on the edge of his plate, never on the table. A Westerner doesn't drink soup or other liquids out of a bowl. He uses a spoon. A Westerner doesn't reach across the table or in front of another person. He asks someone to pass whatever he wants. A Westerner doesn't put nut shells, fruit peelings, etc., on the floor. He puts them in a plate or ashtray or, lacking these, on a table top. Where should you NOT put fruit peelings?