Holiday etiquette 101
Does the knife go on the left, fork on the right, or is it the other way around? Is that centerpiece too tall? Should I go ahead and put food on table before guests arrive, or do I wait until everyone gets here?
If you can’t answer those questions, don’t feel alone. In today’s eat-on-the-run world, you’re not the only one to flunk holiday etiquette. Here are some tips:
Set the perfect table
• Forks to the left, knives and spoons to the right. Only set out utensils that will be used for various courses. If you’re not sure which utensil to use with each course, start on the outside and work in toward the plate. The bread plate goes on the left of the dinner plate, glasses on the right.
• Wait to pour. Water glasses should be the only glasses filled before your guests arrive. Iced tea, wine and other beverages should be poured once everyone is seated.
• Salad and bread should be the only food on the table when your guests arrive.
Are you the hostess with the mostest?
• Remember, the hostess always sits last.
• Unscented candles are a great part of holiday decor, but should only be lit during the evening.
• Make sure your guests can see over any table adornments.
• Passing isn’t just in football. Always pass food around the table counter clockwise to the right and refrain from serving yourself first. Always pass the salt and pepper as a set, even if you’re only asked for one.
Be a gracious guest
• If you need to excuse yourself temporarily, gently place your napkin in your chair.
• Signify you’re finished with the meal by placing napkin to the left of the dinner plate, and your fork and knife side by side diagonally across your plate with the sharp side of the knife blade facing inward and the fork tines down.
— Courtesy of ARAcontent
