Elven Etiquette

Elves have a rather strict etiquette when it comes to dining. They are expected to remain prim, proper, and polite in all ways while eating. It is what separates them from the nature of the more boorish, animalistic neighbors that surround their home...or in some cases, simply something that helps provide a little something extra to the less fortunate.

History

Elves have always had overly polite etiquette when regarding to their food. A waiter or waitress will always ask their customer how their day is, while a customer may return the favor, sometimes even striking conversations with their server. This all stems from their preference of living in a high society lifestyle. An Elf is very long lived, and thus, they strive to maximize their experience in every way they can, so that they make a long lasting impact upon the history of their people. Good table manners have also been used as a status symbol in many ways.
For example; Elven lords are known to not even touch the bread served upon their table, instead opting to leave it be. This was actually done in alms towards the poor, with any remaining bread being rounded up and distributed to the less fortunate. It was also a method of showing power and influence for the monarch in question, to show that they could truly afford to give away something as meager as food to those who need it more.
Similarly, they have also developed unique table manners that are known to separate themselves from the more boorish sort.

Execution

Politeness: Chatting and keeping a conversation over dinner is an important part of Elven culture -- though talking with one's mouth full is generally seen as rude. Simple gestures, such as raising the fingers to one's lips, can indicate when a man is too busy eating to talk at the moment, though they are generally expected to return input shortly after swallowing. It is always expected for Elves to provide the highest quality service to their patrons, be it through something as simple as asking how one's day is, or by asking about current affairs.
'Table Speak: There is a whole language used by Elves when they're at the dining table. To stab one's food is to pronounce anger or disgust with the chef -- and perhaps even insinuate murderous intent. To cross the fork over the knife is to tell your chef you are full, while placing the fork parallel and vertically from you tells them that you desire more, and thusly pleased with their meal so far. Finally, having the knife and fork pointed downward towards oneself indicates disappointment in the Chef's food.
Bread:Bread plays a bit of an importance in Elven culture. The browner and less refined one's bread is, the poorer they're said to be, whereas the bright white, soft and sweet breads are generally assumed to belong to high nobility. Despite that, it is considered poor taste to be eating bread as a noble. Not only because bread is a very bland and simple meal compared to what Elven nobility is capable of indulging themselves in, but also because all bread is rounded out and donated to the poor upon finishing a royal dinner.

Components and tools

Fork and knife for the 'table speak'.

Participants

Typically nobility; though many Elves follow the standard etiquette above unless they were quite literally born poor.

Observance

During a meal! Typically when a guest is involved, as opposed to a family dinner.