Ok, the next installment of our manners posts is short and sweet.
Some things you may like to have for setting a pretty table to begin:
- Pretty plates
- Placemats
- Silverware
- Water glasses
- Fabric napkins
- Fabric tablecloth
- Candle sticks
- Table centerpiece
Table manners.
I had a woman that I knew once that made a point to remove all of the food from her plate that she disliked and literally tossed it across the table. We would dine out, and across the table would go the tomato slices followed by the lettuce and the pickles, and anything else she didn’t like as she disgustedly announced how much she hated these food items. I was shocked, this was a grown woman! And well, I was embarrassed.
Related Post: Cottage Charm 9 – How To Treat Other’s Homes –
If we are in a situation where we don’t like what is served to us just let it sit to the side on your plate. If you are ordering a meal it is fine to ask for no lettuce or tomatoes, etc. If the meal is burned, too salty or cold that you ordered it is ok to tell someone politely. But. If you are at someone else’s home it is not ok to tell them the food is bad. And please! Do not throw your food on the table! Act your age, not your shoe size (wink).
Ladies, do not put your purse on the table. It can go on the next chair, hang on your chair or on the floor by your feet but keep it out of the way of the waiter or waitress.
Please, no elbows on the table and no electronics.
Enjoy your dinner and your family and be present in the moment. Unless it is a life and death emergency, keep your electronics stowed away.
When you are finished eating put your silverware across your plate diagonally telling the waitstaff that you are finished with your meal.
There you are! I told you it would be short! Can you think of any other items that show good table manners?
Tell us below!
Before you go, check out the other articles in this series:
- RSVP ; Cottage Charm Part 1
- Cottage Charm Part 2 Please And Thank You
- Cottage Charm Part 3; Excuse Me
- Cottage Charm Part 4 Manners In Public Places
- How To Introduce Yourself Cottage Charm Part 5
- Cottage Charm Part 6 ; Playtime Manners
- Cottage Charm Part 7 Taking A Compliment
- Cottage Charm Part 8 ; Table Manners <– You are here!
- House Guests Etiquette Cottage Charm 9