Handbag etiquette demands that you always carry your handbag on either your arm or in your hand.

Shoulders are meant only for shoulder bags (bags which have long straps) or shopping bags (bags which are usually very large).

Carrying your handbag on your shoulder distorts your frame and looks ungainly.

If you are trying to make a statement with your bag over dinner, make it an understated one.

It's rude to hang your bag on a chair or keep it on the dining table. Placing it under your chair is the best option. A tiny formal bag, however, may be kept on the table.

Chhaya's tip: The dining table isn't the place to flaunt your new Louis Vuitton, so keep it off the table. Hanging it at the back of your chair is likely to have the waiters tripping.