Meal Manners

Continuing with our G.R.I.T.S. series:

A crucial sub-division of a Southern girl's manners are table manners. This makes perfect sense. What's the point of making a lovely dinner for your loved ones if you only eat it like you're in a barn? Table manners seem like a daunting thing to master, but I guarantee you it's worth it. Imagine how much more you'll be at ease during a lunch meeting with your bosses or when meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time. You'll be sure to impress. 

One of the first subjects to cover is the often abused table napkin. It is a little known fact that a table linen should never be soiled, this includes the napkin. However, there are two exceptions: when eating barbeque and watermelon, it never for dabbing your lipstick (or any makeup for that matter). You should treat your table linens with respect and delicately. If napkins could talk, they would thank you (and send you a note if they were from the South).

Here are some things to remember when the dinner bell rings.

G.R.I.T.S. Table Manner Do's:

• Fold your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.
• Wait for your host to start eating before digging in.
• Pick up your napkin if you drop it.
• Pass serving plates to the right. 
• Try a little bit of everything.
• Take your time- no gobbling.
• Keep the area around your plate as clean as possible.
• Say 'Excuse me' if you need to leave the table.
• Say 'Please' and 'Thank You.' (of course)
• Tip graciously- at least 17 percent.

Remember, good table manners are the ultimate symbol

of who you are and how you were raised.

Until next time,

kCa