Final answer:
Pre-dinner table maintenance includes checking cleanliness, proper placement of tableware, and ensuring that all necessary items like napkins and cutlery are at each setting. The napkin should be placed on your lap shortly after sitting at the table. On a telephone call with call waiting, a person should not keep the caller on hold for more than a minute, or they should inform the caller if it will take longer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pre-dinner table maintenance involves checking the dining area to ensure that the setting is correct and ready for guests. The primary aspects include ensuring that all tableware is clean and properly placed, as per the etiquette standards. Necessary items such as napkins, cutlery, and glasses should be checked for cleanliness and completeness.
When you sit at a dining table, the napkin should be placed on your lap shortly after you sit down, but before you begin eating. It is a signal that you are ready to start the meal and also serves as a courtesy to other guests and the host. In terms of waiting on hold on a telephone call, etiquette suggests that a person with call waiting should return to the call within a minute, or let the caller know if it will take longer. This shows respect for the caller's time and maintains polite communication.
Replacing any soiled or missing items is crucial in maintaining the table's readiness, and attention to detail is important for proper table maintenance. For a formal dining setting, each piece of cutlery, glassware, and napkin must be replaced if not in perfect condition for the incoming guests.