Elbows have always been allowed on the table. The rule for fancy dining was that you couldn’t have elbows on the table during a course, i.e., when people are actively eating, but before/after, it’s fine. That’s a reasonable rule to be considerate of space.
Elbows have always been allowed on the table. The rule for fancy dining was that you couldn’t have elbows on the table during a course, i.e., when people are actively eating, but before/after, it’s fine. That’s a reasonable rule to be considerate of space.
Exactly. Food on the table? Elbows off. It’s simple.
Why?
Respect. Culture. Table manners.
Take your pick.
Edit. Personal eating space is probably the most realistic answer.
“Because”