By Debra Kirkham Have you ever wondered why we have a spoon and a fork above the dessert plate? Have you ever pondered why we have dessert at the end of the meal and where it came from other than the kitchen? Well, we have a story for you. The colonists came up with the name dessert as every one deserted the table after the main course. … [Read more...] about The Proper Way to Eat Dessert
How To Hold a Glass Properly
by Debra Kirkham There is the proper way to hold a glass and much of this revolves around the temperature of the drink, which effects the aroma and flavor. Enjoy the following tips of etiquette for your selections: Champagne - Hold by the stem of the flute as champagne is served chilled Red Wine - Hold by the stem or the base of the … [Read more...] about How To Hold a Glass Properly
How to Hold the Knife and Fork
Learning to hold the utensils is something that may seem a little difficult, especially if you were taught another way. This way shown is the easy for cutting food and for both Continental and American style forms of dining. (And please remember to keep your elbows by your side.) Step 1: Open your hands and have your palms facing up. Place … [Read more...] about How to Hold the Knife and Fork
The Proper Way to Eat Bread: One Bite at a Time
by Debra Kirkham Once upon a time the centerpiece of a table was a large loaf of bread. The beauty was in the strong and perfect reason why everyone at the table was to break off small bite-size pieces. The purpose for this was not to waste a single crumb, for when one would take a small piece from the loaf to one’s plate none was wasted from … [Read more...] about The Proper Way to Eat Bread: One Bite at a Time
The Tablecloth
by Debra Kirkham The whitest and brightest were the most fashionable, and expressively etiquette driven describes the tablecloths during the Medieval days, and still prevails to this day. The brilliant white tablecloth as enjoyed today is used for formal dining and in some restaurants and homes used for every meal. The tablecloth brings … [Read more...] about The Tablecloth
The History and Etiquette of Napkins
Written by Debra Kirkham How did the napkin originate and how does one of our most needed dining tools play its most role in etiquette today? How did it become so creatively folded, and beautifully embroidered? The napkin has a variety of contributions from different cultures. The word originates from Middle English, and nappe from French … [Read more...] about The History and Etiquette of Napkins
Setting a Formal Table
By Debra Kirkham Family time and life together is very different from one home to the next; and infinitely dear to those who live by tradition in sharing the evening meal together from one generation to the next. This particular daily experience is all so elegant, where dining and enjoying high tea is a life-style where everyone wears their … [Read more...] about Setting a Formal Table
Table Manners Never Go Out of Style
by Debra Kirkham It’s sad to see that many of the traditions that inspired strong family relationships have disappeared from a majority of families within several decades. Fortunately there are some that still remain. Today, many families may enjoy dinner from noon to midnight. Our meal times together are flexible and changeable as much as … [Read more...] about Table Manners Never Go Out of Style
Too Embarassed to Take Your Child to Dinner?
Recently a friend told me that she'd love to take her family to The Ritz-Carlton for Thanksgiving Brunch but she's too worried about her 7-year-old's table manners to attend. She said that no matter what she does, he continues to burp at the dinner table, and she's concerned that her three-year-old will soon follow in his footsteps. I can … [Read more...] about Too Embarassed to Take Your Child to Dinner?
Dessert Spoon and Fork??!
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 … [Read more...] about Dessert Spoon and Fork??!
