Having beautiful table manners can make the difference in getting a job or perhaps a second date.

Participants in the High River Spring Ball have learned which fork to use, which glass to drink out of and just what to do with that pesky napkin.

Spring Ball Committee Member Alison Laycraft says by hosting a formal dinner the students have a chance to practice what they have learned.

"We try to give them an experience that they may or may not have had in their personal life," said Laycraft. "As they move forward into University and careers this gives them an opportunity to learn about more fine dinning."

It shows them how to handle going for a meal with their boss, or how to handle going to a Christmas party.

Sometimes job interviews are held over a meal to measure the candidates skill with manners.

"So you don't want them speaking with their mouth full or tucking their napkins in their shirts," said Laycraft.

The students are also given lessons on how to carry on conversations with strangers.

The evening starts off with the students setting the table, then going through a receiving line.

Then they host two to three dinner guests while they serve and clear the table.

"Each table is like a little mini dinner party."

By having the students take part in an actual dinner party they are more likely to remember what they have been learning.

"The class was last week and they got a handout and we went through quite a few things, but I am sure that most of those things wouldn't stick until they actually see the application and the importance of doing the things that we taught them," Laycraft said.