Dining Etiquette: The Social Art of the Table: Rich and Happy

At its core, etiquette is rarely about knowing which fork to use for the salad course. Instead, it is an ancient, deeply human practice of signaling respect, facilitating comfort, and sharing sustenance. The very words we use to describe our dining partners reveal this truth.

The terms "company" and “companion” trace their roots back to the Late Latin word *companio*, which is formed from *com-* (meaning "together with") and *panis* (meaning "bread"). To be a companion is, quite literally, to be someone with whom you break bread.