When you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say "My friend, move up higher". In that way everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man whio humbles hmself will be exalted.(St Luke xiii)

Mind, it doesn't always work out like that. But it's a pretty good rule of thumb.