There's nothing quite like travelling the world and experiencing different customs and traditions. But if you haven't the time, money or energy to leave our shores, why not create the experiences in your own backyard? This month, real living put on an Italian feast in its pages, and now online, we'll share a few customs to get the true Italian experience next time you put on a spread.

Crash course in manners

Italians are a well-mannered bunch! In fact, if you fail to observe common practices, you just might be considered rude. To start with, it's important to acknowledge the presence of someone - regardless of how often you see someone, you should at least shake hands. If it's family or close friends, they kiss each other on each cheek - usually starting with the right cheek. At gatherings, if you fail to "salutare" (greet with hello and goodbye) every person in the room, you could be labeled "cafoni" - a "bad-mannered oaf"!

Crash course in mealtime etiquette

* Don't serve butter to spread on your bread and never serve bread and oil as an appetizer as it can fill you up and spoil the main course!
* Bread and pasta do not go together in Italy!
* Leave the sodas and milk for small children and stick to mineral water or wine with meals to enhance the flavour (wine) or allow the meal to shine (water).
* If you're a guest at someone's house, it's expected you will eat everything on your place - leaving large amounts of food is considered an insult to the cook. And if you think you won't like it, give it a try anyway! Chances are, it's been cooked a different way to you and might just be extra tasty!

Crash course in common words and phrases
Yes “Si” [see]
No “No” [no]
Please “Per favour/Per piacere” [pavr fa-voray/pavr pee-a-chayray]
Thank you “Grazie” [grats-yay]
Hello "Salve!" [sal-vay]
Goodbye "Arrivederci" [ar-reevay-dayrchee]
Hello (for good morning and good afternoon) “Buon giorno” [bwon jorno]
Good evening (after about 5pm) “Buona sera” [bwona sayra]
Good night “Buona notte” [bwona not-tay]
Pleased to meet you "Piacere di conoscerla" [pee-a-chayray dee ko-no-shayrla]
Cheers! "cin cin" [cheen cheen] or "Salute!" [sa-lootay]
Enjoy your meal! "Buon appetito!" [bwon ap-pay-teeto ]