ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS

      So, you have been invited to a formal wedding reception. Attending these receptions is really not any different that attending a formal dinner as a guest. It is still appropriate to use proper etiquette while in attendance. We have put together some of the do's and don'ts that are suggested for proper reception manners!

We will touch on dinner table etiquette ~ Do's and Don'ts and simple good manners.

DINNER TABLE ETIQUETTE - the Do's

1. Once seated, unfold your napkin and place it across your lap.

2. At the end of the dinner, leave the napkin on the place setting. This also helps in letting the serving staff that you are done, and they can remove your place setting.

3. Leave your plate where it is when finished, never push it away from you.

4. It is acceptable to leave some food on your plate, on the other hand do not attempt to leave your plate so clean that it looks as if you haven't eaten in days.

5. While you are eating, you may wish to rest the knife and fork on the sides of the plate, between bites. When you are finished lay them side by side in the middle of the plate. This also signals the staff that you are finished, and they may remove your plate.

6. If you have olives, remove the olive pit with your thumb and index finger, before placing it in your mouth.

7. Taste everything on your plate, unless you have allergy issues. You do not have to eat it all, but make an attempt to taste it.

Table set up for reception at Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia

DINNER TABLE ETIQUETTE ~ the don'ts

1. Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.

2. Never blow on the food to cool it down, let it cool on it's own if it is to hot.

3. NEVER blot your lipstick with your napkin, OR blow your nose. In fact, excuse yourself from the table and go to the restroom to blow your nose NOT AT the table.

4. Keep your elbows off the table at all times.

5. Don't put your purse, keys, sunglasses or eyeglasses on the table.

6. Lipstick is a real problem - always blot it when you apply it (away from the table) with a tissue, not at the table with a napkin. Lipstick often ruins linens, and the host may be charged for the damaged linen.

7. Never start eating before a signal from the host or before blessing if being given.

8. Do not use your bread for dipping into soups or mopping up sauces.

9. Refrain from making loud noises- such as slurping or burping. This is very impolite and the number one sin at the dinner table.

10. DO NOT talk with your mouth full of food, it is very unpleasant to watch and very impolite.

11. DO NOT stretch across the table to reach food, condiments or wine. Ask the person sitting close to them to pass them to you.

12. Do not pick your teeth or lick your fingers, it is not attractive.

13. NEVER criticise the choice of food that the host has chosen. If you can not compliment, then it is best to stay silent.



AN INTERESTING NOTE
In American society, it is perfectly acceptable to cut one's food using the knife and fork as usual, and then transfer the fork to the right hand to then "spear" it before eating.
In Continental Europe,
this would however be frowned upon. Here, food is only ever transferred to the mouth with the fork in the left hand with the prongs still facing downwards - a very delicate act indeed if one's host is inconsiderate enough to serve garden peas as a vegetable!


These are just a few reminders of the proper way to act when you go to events.

Always be courteous, after all you are an invited guest!

Have a great time!!