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Eating with your hands has long been frowned upon in terms of etiquette , even though many of us know that it's the best way to consume certain foods, such as pizza. But it seems that the etiquette-conscious have finally come round to our way of thinking as the bible on all things polite and correct has said that it is OK to eat with your hands. Debrett's has issued a guide to how to eat in this way, as after all it's not as simple as just saying it's OK and going for it, there are still rules to follow – of course! The most important rule put across by the etiquette guide is to not lick your fingers after eating as this is seen as the height of impoliteness. Just as we shouldn't really lick a knife, no matter how covered in sauce it is, those who eat with their hands should use their napkins and not resort to licking their fingers clean. Before the matter of picking up a piece of food in a restaurant begins, the diner should make sure that it has been cut up into small enough pieces. This, according to Debrett's, is important and helps to keep diners on the right side of the etiquette line. Although it is acceptable to use hands when eating certain foods, anyone who does not feel comfortable doing so can continue to use a knife and fork. Other etiquette rules still reign supreme, however, such as sitting up straight and keeping elbows off the table. Jo Bryant, etiquette adviser at Debrett's, said: "The influence of other cultures and new foods, such as calzone, means eating with our hands is a growing trend. " Table manners are no longer about adhering to a rigid, and outdated, code of conduct. They exist for guidance but shouldn't take away from the pleasure of sharing a meal."
