Tag: Etiquette

Putting your elbows on the table is frequently thought of as a no-no.  While you shouldn’t put your elbows on the table when you’re actually eating, it is perfectly acceptable to do so during a conversation.  Leaning forward and resting your elbows on the table is body language that tells other people at the table that you are intently listening to the conversation.  And as a side note, don’t fidget while you’re waiting for the meal to be served.

A few weeks ago, we went to a banquet at a country club.  I found myself needing a refresher on what to do with my roll and butter.  So here’s the skinny on bread and butter.

Before eating, you should break the bread into moderate sized pieces with your fingers.  Then you can butter the bread one piece at a time.  There were some differing opinions on whether you should hold the piece of bread when buttering or hold it against your plate, not in your hand.  The most prevailing opinions said to hold the bread in your fingers.  Toast and hot biscuit halves can be buttered all at once since they taste the best when the butter is melted.

If the butter is in the center of the table with a butter knife provided, you should transfer the amount you want to use to your bread plate, or to the side of your dinner plate if there isn’t a bread plate.  If no utensil is provided, individuals may use their own clean knives or forks.

When butter is served as individually wrapped squares, leave the empty wrappers on your bread plate or tucked under the edge of your dinner plate if you don’t have a bread plate. 

Etiquette is a way to show respect for others.  It’s not a way to put on airs or think you are better than others. A few years ago, I bought a reference book called Emily Post’s Etiquette.  It covers various topics on etiquette that range from weddings, travel, communication, and of course, table manners.
  

As a family, we’ve decided we’d like to start focusing on a different aspect of table manners each week, and as an added incentive for us, I thought I’d start sharing our focus here. 

This week’s topic is using your napkin.  In a place setting, the napkin is placed to the left of the forks, under the forks, or in the center of the dinner plate.  It can be either folded or with a napkin ring around it.

Your napkin should go into your lap as soon as you sit down.  In more formal settings, you may wait until your hostess puts her napkin in her lap.  Don’t tuck the napkin under your chin or in your belt.  The napkin should stay folded in half.

You should use the napkin frequently during the meal to blot your lips.  Do not wipe.  When you get up or when the meal is over, you should put your napkin to the left side of your plate with loose folds.  If your plate has been removed, you can place it in the middle of the place setting.