Have some manners.

A few days ago my mother sent me an email with a link to an article about table manners. I grew up listening to people telling me to keep my elbows off the table or to not make any noise while drinking soup. However, every here and there I notice that a lot of people in this earth do not have manners at all. I see things on the street that would never have been acceptable in my household. So I decided to share with you some basic manners that everyone should incorporate into their daily lives in order to become used to doing the right thing.

Table manners you need to know:

1. If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm’s length—never drink from it. Instead, simply nod your head and graciously say, “Thank you.”
2. Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.
3. Allow your food to cool on its own—never blow on anything.
4. If you wear lipstick, keep it off your plate and napkin by blotting it as soon as you apply it.
5. Your napkin is there for you to dab your mouth only. Do not use it to wipe off lipstick or (God forbid) blow your nose.
6. Keep your elbows off the table at all times.
7. Don’t put your purse, keys, sunglasses, or eyeglasses on the table.
8. Take food out of your mouth the way it went in. If a piece of steak fat went into your mouth with a fork, spit it out onto the fork.
9. Remove an olive pit with your thumb and index finger.
10. Taste everything on your plate before you add salt or pepper.
11. Leave your plate where it is when you are finished with your meal—don’t push it away from you.

 

Six ways to be a good host:

1. Invite clearly: include necessary information in the invitation, such as dress code.
2. Plan well: prepare your guest list carefully and do as much as you can ahead of time.
3. Remain calm: get help if you need and do not huff and puff.
4. Keep your guests feeling welcome: look after each guest as much as you can.
5. Be flexible and gacious: as discourteous as it is for someone to spring a surprise on you, be gracious.
6. Be appreciative: thank people for coming and for gifts.

Six ways to be a good guest:

1. RSVP: do it immediately and even if it was not requested.
2. Be on time: arrive at or shortly after (usually only 15 minutes) the time stated in the invitation.
3. Be a willing participant: be enthusiastic no matter how you really feel.
4. Offer to help when you can: you could offer to help cleanup or work on something during the party.
5. Don't overindulge: keep consumption of food and alcohol on the moderate to low side.
6. Thank the host twice: Thank at the party then thank for the second time either by phone (the day after) or by a written note.

Whatever happens, enjoy!