The classic Male

Most people know a few basic rules of standard table etiquette. But when they are faced with a proper place setting at a formal dinner, banquet, or holiday, even the most mannered can get confused. This article will attempt to uncover some of the confusion on what to do, and most importantly, what not to do, when faced with that situation.

First, there is the dizzying array of silverware, plates, and glasses that can be found on a formal dining table. So let’s cover some of that. The bread plate is to the left of the dinner plate, with the bread knife laid on top of it. All beverage glasses are to the right of the plate. If there is a wine and a water glass, the water glass is to the left and closer to the plate. When selecting your silverware, move from the outside in. The salad fork should be the furthest to the left, and the soup spoon the furthest to the right. If there is a fork and/or spoon above the plate, this is for dessert.

Of course, common courtesy traditions should be observed whether the dinner is a formal or an informal one. Men shouldn’t wear hats at the table and they should remain standing until the women are seated. Do not start eating until everyone has been served their food and the host or hostess begins eating. Always keep your napkin in your lap unless you are using it.

While eating, spoon your soup away from you and be careful not to slurp. Never use your fingers to push food onto a fork. If you need help, use your knife or a piece of bread. If you can help it, don’t blow your nose, cough, burp, sneeze, or make any other unnecessary noises at the table. Leave the table if you must do one of these. While on that subject, always say “Excuse Me” when leaving the table. And one modern piece of etiquette which must be added to any list of don’ts is don’t use your cell phone or text device while seated at the table. Excuse yourself and do so in another room.

When you finish eating, place your used utensils on the plate, not on the table or on the tablecloth. Place your napkin on the table to the left of the plate – not the plate itself, and never put it on the chair. Wait for the host or hostess to rise before you do, and always thank the hostess when leaving.

Just a few simple tips and things to remember will help you get through your next formal dinner gathering without looking as uncomfortable as you probably feel.

A beard might score you some serious manliness points, but it's not as easy as just shelving your razor for a few months. Whether you're going for sophisticated stubble or the lumberjack look, growing a beard requires commitment and a certain degree of dedication: You can't just let nature take its course and assume that you will emerge as a stud with magnetic facial hair. Just like the rest of your body, a beard requires maintenance and grooming. Here are three things that you can do to make sure that your facial fuzz attracts, rather than repels.

1. Trim regularly.

This one may seem a bit obvious, but it is all too easily forgotten. Even if you want to keep your beard long you should trim it once a month or so. Think of it as getting rid of split ends in your hair: even if it's not noticeable right away, it makes a huge difference once you take a closer look. However, when you're still growing your beard to your desired length, wait a bit before you start trimming. If it doesn't have the necessary volume yet, it's hard to shape and you might end up having to shave it all off and start again.

2. Shampoo.

Whenever you're in the shower and washing your hair, thoroughly wash your beard as well. Some people use regular soap for this, but that's not really a good idea: it will likely dry out both your beard and the skin beneath, resulting in scratchy and itchy facial fuzz that won't please anyone. Plus, your skin will fight back by making your skin extra greasy. Just use your regular shampoo instead. If it works on your head, it'll work under your head as well.

3. Keep it moisturized.

This is the one grooming habit that most people seem to ignore or just plain not know about. While some men might get away with just trimming and occasionally washing their beard, the secret to unleashing its full power on the ladies is keeping it moisturized. You know how some women complain about beards pricking them while kissing? Keep it moisturized and that will no longer be an issue. There are special products that do just that, but depending on your facial hair you might not even need to go that far: it may be just enough to use a moisturizing shampoo. If that doesn't do the trick, grab yourself some conditioner (I've had the best results with the kinds that you leave in) or even work in a couple of drops of beard oil. Just don't overdo it - the goal here is to make the beard look fresh and feel soft, not to turn it into a shiny lump.

If you follow these three basic grooming rules, you will be able to harness the full power of your facial hair. However, always keep in mind that not every man is fit to wear a beard. If your budding beard still looks patchy after about two months time, you should probably give up because it's most likely not going to get better. And if reading this post made you groan at all the extra effort that grooming a beard generates, you really should think twice. You certainly don't have to follow the tips outlined here, but always remember: a beard is only as good as your grooming habits.