Children at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota recently were baffled by having a fork and a spoon for their molten chocolate cake dessert. One of the children asked, "Why does a place setting sometimes have both a fork and a spoon presented?"

Adults often ask the same question. The two utensils can be used to assist with eating the dessert and should be selected based upon the "softness" of the dessert. For example, the fork for eating and the spoon as a "pusher" or vice versa.

The proper way to set the table for desserts it to either place them horizontally above the dinner plate (the spoon at the top with its handle to the right and the fork below with its handle to the left) or they may be placed beside the plate. If they’re beside the plate, the fork goes on the left hand side, closest to the plate and the spoon goes on the right hand side to the left of the soupspoon (if there is a soupspoon!) With formal place settings that have more than more courses, the dessert utensils will be presented just before the dessert is served. (Rule:  no more than three of any implement is ever placed on the table, except when an oyster fork is used–and then there are four forks!)  Be sure to use your spoon and fork properly and enjoy your dessert!  As you can see, Tegan is enjoying his dessert!

   "Season" in Sarasota isn’t just for the social set at big fundraising events around town. Children have their own set of birthday parties, social gatherings and family events that call for good manners.  The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is offering a one-night class to help the young socialites improve their manners. Mimi’s Manners class will be offered at The Ritz-Carlton on March 12.

The two-hour class includes introductions, handshakes, and proper dining conversation all during a three-course meal. Children, ages 6 – 12, also learn about respect, consideration and how to write (or draw) a thank-you note. Children receive a workbook, a manners’ reminder card, and a certificate of completion. The next class will be held March 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The cost is $45. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 941-309-3008.

Photo caption:  Instructor Suzanne Willis shows children how to properly use a soup spoon.

Children at LaPlaya Beach Resort learned the importance of good manners, handshakes and afternoon tea during a recent Saturday afternoon class.

Everyone agreed that having friends is important–and no one wants to be friends with someone who is mean, rude and has no manners. Shaking hands (web-to-web style) was taught and practiced–along with looking each other in the eye and smiling while shaking hands. 

While they dined on tea sandwiches (grilled cheese, cucumber and peanut butter & jelly) and scones, the children were reminded to take small bites and chew with their mouths closed. They also learned that it’s important to try something even if you don’t think you’ll like it–some discovered they actually liked it!  They also learned how to sip tea quietly and never blow on it to try to cool it. Other manners and fun conversation continued throughout the class and new friendships were formed while good manners were learned and practiced. 

A story in the New York Times (January 12, 2009) discusses the importance of manners and how it is the responsibility of parents to instill good manners in their children.

The author of the article, PERRI KLASS, M.D. enlisted the expertise from Judith Martin and her book: “Miss Manners’ Guide to Rearing Perfect Children,”

Ms. Martin is quoted as saying:  “Every infant is born adorable but selfish and the center of the universe. It’s a parent’s job to teach that “there are other people, and other people have feelings.”

Ms. Martin has a great point. People do have feelings. Manners help guide us through life and teach us how to behave in the best way so we don’t hurt others feelings. During "Mimi’s Manners" classes, I help instill good manners in children through discussions, examples and real-life situations. Children agree that it’s not right to hurt other people’s feelings and during the class we discuss ways to "treat people the way we want to be treated."

The article takes a medical approach to children’s behavior. I found it very interesting.

To view the complete article, please click here.

Students at Mimi & Mina’s Etiquette class would have made Mr. Edison proud. As they learned good dining skills during the three-course meal,they learned about former US Presidents who had visited and dined at the Edison Estate. They all agreed that good manners are important if they’re ever going to visit the White House. All students graduated (certificates picture above) and agreed that they’d like to attend future classes (and dine at the White House someday!)

Just in time for the holiday season, children of the members of The Ritz-Carlton Members Club participated in manners classes. They learned a lot about dining etiquette which will come in handy during their many meals at the various dining opportunities they have as members of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton.

Alex, a 10-year-old participant, was most appreciative of the lessons she learned and couldn’t wait to share her new skills with her family at their upcoming Thanksgiving celebration.

All the students graduated from the class (the parents were very proud) and all students received a certificate of completion.

Allison’s birthday tea party included a lesson in manners. Allison and the girls had a good time sipping their tea with their bears, babies, and bunnies. plus they learned a few things about the importance of manners from Allison’s mom,  Dawn. 

Afterwards while they were eating cake, one of the girls said "I don’t like this cake."   Dawn had just talked to them about not complaining about the food on their plate. Dawn gave each of the girls one of Mimi’s Manners "pocket reminder cards" which teaches them the importance of being nice to one another, and to try the food–even if they think they won’t like it.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is expanding its education program for children to include a unique workshop which combines history and some of the Edison family traditions at their Winter Estate in Fort Myers.  Etiquette at the Estates include a series of one day (two hour) lessons in timeless etiquette and social skills.

Etiquette runs steep in tradition and one of the first “torchbearers” of etiquette in southwest Florida was Mina Edison, wife of the legendary inventor, Thomas Edison. Historical records in the Edison Archives show that Mina Edison was a gracious hostess and was very interested in the well being of children and the community. She was frequently joined in her community activities by Clara Ford, wife of the equally legendary businessman and inventor, Henry Ford.

 Mimi’s & Mina’s Manners at the Estates (ages 6-12)

Saturdays: October 11;  November 8; December 6;  January 10; February 7; April 4

11AM – 1 PM

Children will gather at the Edison Caretaker’s house for a two-hour lesson in good manners. This class teaches children proper introductions, handshakes, and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. Each student will receive a workbook and certificate of completion. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Teen Scene at the Estates (Ages 13 – 19)

March 7; 11 AM – 1 PM

Teens will have the opportunity to practice their dining skills while learning proper etiquette of modern “inventions” including email, cell phones and text messaging. Students will also learn the importance of handshakes and good job, dating and other important social skills. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Generational Tea at the Estates

Saturday, May 9; 2 PM – 4 PM

All generations are cordially invited to savor a quiet moment of tea and accompaniments at the Estates. Participants will learn more about the history of tea, proper etiquette for

preparing, serving and enjoying tea. Hats are encouraged and a prize will be awarded for the best hat representing Mina Edison’s generation. Cost: $40 Estates Members, $50 Non Members.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

Instructor

The classes will be taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation. Ms. Willis is a graduate of the Protocol School of Palm Beach, is a Fort Myers native and former Queen of the Edison pageant of Light. Ms. Willis created her etiquette classes in honor of her grandmother, Florence “Mimi” Black, a resident of Fort Myers for more than 70 years and charismatic member and officer of the early Edison Home Advisory Board. Ms. Willis remembers her grandmother telling her about meeting Mina Edison at the Estates when she was a teenager. Ms. Willis now teaches the classes in her grandmother’s memory.

Registration is required. For more information, or to make your reservation, call 239-334-7419.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is a National Register Historical Site, a Florida Historic Landmark and an Official Project of Save America’s Treasures of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Estates is open daily, year round, 9 AM – 5:30 PM. All participants of “Etiquette at the Estates” will tour of the Estates the day of the class. For more information, please visit www.efwefla.org.

The recent graduates of Mimi’s Manners at The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Orlando had a great time learning manners–and they always enjoy the cuisine created by the talented chefs at The Ritz. The Chef created a delicious tomato soup, a lemon sorbet intermezzo, an entree of glazed chicken with truffle mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables ending with a warm chocolate cake with coffee ice cream laced with chocolate syrup. YUMMY!

The children especially enjoyed their "intermezzo."  They all agreed that it tasted like an ice cream sorbet! The intermezzo is perfect for "cleansing the palate" prior to their entree.  

School may be out for the summer, but class was definitely in session at The Field Club. 

Two manners classes were held at the private club for students ages six through 12 this summer.  The two-hour classes were held in the private dining room where students learned proper handshakes, dining etiquette, writing thank you notes and other important skills that will be beneficial in their personal, social and future professional endeavors.

Pictured below, the students demonstrate handshakes, the "finished position," the proper way to hold utensils, and the all-popular "b" and "d" technique for remembering where your drink glass and bread plate should be placed. 

What a lovely group of well-mannered young ladies and gentlemen!