6. SERVE THE MEAL
Sure, you can just throw everything on the table and let your guests attack it like a pack of rabid dogs, but if the thought of your painstakingly prepared dishes being devoured without a hint of appreciation bums you out, here are some tips on simulating a fine Chinese dining experience:
- Set each table place with a rice bowl (or a plate, if that'd be more convenient for your guests), a soup bowl, a pair of chopsticks (or a fork), a soup spoon, and a napkin.
- It's a Chinese tradition for the host to ladle soup into his/her guests' bowls, then set the large soup bowl down on the table for the guests to help themselves to seconds or thirds.
- After the soup and appetizers, bring out the rice and the main course dishes. Set them all at the center of the table and encourage your guests to help themselves.
- Bring out your artfully-arranged fruit platter (or your wittily-stuffed fortune cookies) and let everyone partake. Remember that for the fortunes to come true, you have to offer one to each guest and then take the last one.
