To think this is rude? Dinner table etiquette

[EdinaMonsoon]

Out for dinner & drinks with another couple last night. Immediately they finished their meals, they began stacking their plates and pushing them to the centre of the table, meaning DH & I had their used plates right in front of us. We didn’t say anything but they do it every time we go out to eat and we both find it rude and bad manners. Do people stack plates in a restaurant after eating? I certainly don’t and wouldn’t. And certainly wouldn’t push my used plate in front of someone else’s!

We also always wait until the last person is finished eating before we make any sign to waiting staff that we’re ready for the plates to be cleared whereas they will grab the attention of anyone passing and ask them to clear their plates even though others at the table are still eating. We’re not slow eaters but dinner a meal out should be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, no? AWBU?

This is terrible manners. You don’t stack plates up when dining with other people. You also don’t clear plates or ask waitstaff to do so until everyone has finished eating. Your friends are appalling. Maybe find some new ones with better manners.

I sometimes wonder who these people are. You here such weird stories on here.

I think that's really rude of them and it would put my off my own meal to see dirty plates stacked in front of me. Yuk! I would never stack plates in a restaurant (even when we've all finished the meal). If I was hosting I'd only clear once everyone had finished the course.

Are they not used to eating in restaurants? It’s very strange behaviour for a restaurant. At home it might be more acceptable but not out with company.

It's extremely rude.
I guess their objection is because the finished plates are in front of them and they just want them out of the way, but why should you have them in front of you?
As other PP have said, they should wait patiently until everyone has finished, then the waiter can clear the table.
I wouldn't go out for a meal with them again, I'd be too embarrassed.

I would never ever call a waiter to clear a table.

If all are finished I do sometimes stack our plates and put them in the middle of the table. I would never call staff over if some of the party hadn't finished.

I think it’s pretty rude. When I was a waitress i
was always told to never clear plates until everyone had finished and this is the same thing really. It makes the people still eating fee a bit pressurised. I’m a slow eater so I’m often left feeling uncomfortable this way.

Very poor manners. If I were you, I'd push their plates away, smile sweetly and say that the plates are a bit off-putting as you're still eating. If they take the huff and don't want to go out for another meal, well, you haven't lost very much.

It’s naff. They have never been taught that eating out isn’t the same as school dinners. I’d be so embarrassed.

I’m mortified for them 😂Who on earth does that? It’s like people who stick out their pinky thinking it looks ‘refaiiined’.

I think id just be totally passive aggressive about it and instigate a conversation on bad table etiquette one evening and drop it in as an example. They’re obviously completely uncouth.

Why?

Why don't you just leave them where they are?

William Hanson - etiquette expert would frown upon this habit of stacking 😂

I'd move the plates back and explain I didn't want them in front of me while I ate......end of problem.

Agree. Plate stacking is utterly cringey. 😱

Why on earth would you do this? The server doesn't need your help to pick up the dishes. You're not their mum and it's not your house. Just stop that already.

"Please can you leave your plates in front of you until they are being cleared. I'm still eating and I dont really want to look at dirty plates while I'm doing it. Thanks so much!"

Incredibly rude. The standards of table manners people exhibit lately are shocking, it’s like they were born in a barn…

I agree. I've visibly cringed at some peoples' behaviour in restaurants. 😐

Born in a barn......

What's the relevance?

Ignorant and rude.

Etiquette shaming...only on Mumsnet!

Honestly, the unintended comedy on this site is brilliant. I love it!

Just other people have no consideration for others

I take that to mean that you’re entirely comfortable with this kind of thing and most likely are the plate stacker, in company, and while dining out?

This thread has made me want to stack plates the next time I go out for dinner to see if I’m friends with the ridiculous kind of people who’d get annoyed at such an inconsequential thing.