A Bigger View Article: Mind Your Table Manners

Demonstrating proper etiquette is really about being courteous to those around you. As we enter another holiday season, most of us will find ourselves in more formal dining situations. So, this is a good time to brush up on our etiquette, as we all want to be considerate of our dinner party hosts and fellow guests. Let's get A Bigger View of proper table manners and what we learned in this episode of A Big Life with Sissy Biggers from our expert, Jodi Smith.

Remember, as Jodi points out, that your host is Simon in our etiquette game of Simon Says. That means that the person who invited you to dinner or to their home will be the leader that you will want to follow.

One of the first chances you'll have to follow the Simon comes once you are seated at the dinner table. Most likely, your napkin will be folded and ready for you at your place setting. But, remember the game and don't remove your napkin from your place setting until your Simon does. Also, resist the urge to tuck your napkin under chin; it belongs on your lap.

It can be confusing remembering which utensil to use when and which bread plate is meant for you. Remember B-M-W:

B = Bread plate. The bread plate will be off to your left
M = Meal plate. Your meal plate will be the larger plate in the middle.
W = Water glass. Your water glass will be the glass to your right.

Your forks will be on your left. The fork that you will need to use first will be the farthest from your meal plate. Your knives will be on your right. The knife that you need first will also be the farthest from your meal plate. Remember, face knives in toward the plate because seriated edges are a sign of open hostility to your neighbor. If soup is being served, your soup spoon will be placed to the right of your knives.

If there are a fork and spoon set up at the top of your meal plate, they are to be used for dessert.

A few final points: Participate in our Simon game throughout the entire night and follow your host's lead. Your plate may be full of food, smell delicious and your mouth may be watering but do not start to eat until your host does or indicates that you may begin.

If you need to step away from the table, regardless of the reason, say, "excuse me", stand up, remember to put your napkin on your chair and push in your seat.

Finally, don't forget to say thank you. Your host took the time to invite you, provide a nice meal and a wonderful atmosphere. They will appreciate you recognizing their efforts as much as you appreciated being included in their event. Send your thank you note as soon as you can after the dinner.

We would like to thank Jodi Smith for all of her great tips and guidance. You can learn more by visiting her website: www.mannersmith.com. Her books, From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Woman and From Clueless to Class Act: Manners for the Modern Man were excellent resources for our show and the sources for our content.

Send us your etiquette do's, don't and stories. Email us. Read Sissy's Tips for more advice on the proper etiquette.

Don't forget to read Sissy's Big Blog.

MSN shopping suggestions:
Books on Dining Etiquette
Decorative Napkins
Place settings