"That they (the older women) admonish the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4-5

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

How-To: Table Etiquette


I recently read an article on www.meals.com about proper table manners for a very formal dinner party or restaurant. If you're going somewhere nice for New Year's Eve, this list might be useful to you!

The silverware is placed on the table in the order in which it will be used, starting with the outside pieces. Let this be your guide as you work your way through a meal.

Tips:

  • It is proper etiquette to wait for the host or hostess to unfold the napkin and begin eating before the guests do likewise.
  • To eat soup, dip the spoon into the soup, then remove it by going away from your body, not toward it. Sip the soup off the side of the spoon, instead of placing the whole spoon in your mouth.
  • When eating bread, tear off pieces with your fingers - don't cut it. Also, butter the piece you've just torn right before you eat it; don't butter the whole piece first.
  • If you're uncertain about how or when to use a certain utensil, watch others and do what the majority of them do.

Steps:

  1. Put your napkin on your lap. Unfold it, but don't spread it.
  2. Use outside fork for first course, unless soup is served, then use the outside spoon.
  3. When you are finished with the course, place your fork at the right end of your plate, using a slight diagonal. This signifies that you are done. For a soup course or another course that uses a wide bowl, place the spoon on the plate below the bowl. If a shallow bowl is used, place the spoon on the bowl in the same manner as a fork on a plate.
  4. Continue by using the new outside fork. If the course requires a knife, use the knife farthest to the right.
  5. Use fork closest to your plate to eat your entree. The spoon and fork at your plate's head are for dessert.
  6. Drink water from the largest glass at your setting.
  7. Drink red wine from the big bowled glass; drink white wine from the narrower bowled glass.
  8. If a little bowl of water is on the table, or appears with the dessert, wash the tips of your fingers in it. Dry them on your napkin.
  9. Refold your soiled napkin when you leave the table.

Do you have any stories about etiquette, either funny or tips? Share them with us!

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