Table Manners Reminder

With all the visiting and parties you may be attending you may want to help your children and yourself brush up on these table manners

Table Manners

1)The meal begins when the host or hostess unfolds his or her napkin. After they unfold their napkins the guest should follow suit and unfold theirs as well. When the host is done he will normally place his napkin in or beside his plate. At this time the meal is normally over and the guest should repeat the same step.

2)Do not start eating before the host or hostess unless the host ask that you do.

3) Once you use your utensils never allow the same utensil to touch the table again rather allow it to rest on the side of your plate

4) food served family style is passed left to right

5) If you would like something that is not in front of you say please pass the ... and then be sure to say thank you and also say thank you if the host or server removes items from the table

6.) Taste your food before seasoning it.

7.) Do try a little of everything on your plate.

8.)Do not blow your food to cool: rather allow it to sit while it cools

9.) Keep elbows off the table. Keep your left hand in your lap unless you are using it.

10.) Do not talk with your mouth full. Chew with your mouth closed.

11.) Do not blow your nose at the dinner table. Excuse yourself to visit the restroom. Wash your hands before returning to the dining room. If you cough, cover your mouth with your napkin to stop the spread of germs and muffle the noise. If your cough becomes unmanageable, excuse yourself to visit the restroom. Wash your hands before returning to the dining room.
This rule is especially important as we are able to enter a bad flu season!

12.) If you are a man sitting at the table with many couples remember it is proper for the men to stand up while the women excuse their selves.

A few General Rules

1.) Arrive at least 10 minutes early unless otherwise specified. Do not arrive earlier as your host or hostess may not be ready for you yet.

2.) Turn off your cell phone or switch it to silent or vibrate mode before sitting down to eat, and leave it in your pocket or purse. It is impolite to answer a phone during dinner. If you must make or take a call, excuse yourself from the table and step outside