Etiquette for Dinner at the White House
Polite manners are always in style. Good behavior and etiquette at the dinner table is a win-win for everyone. Guest blogger Carol Olsen shares her insight in helping grandkids to be their best prepares them for future social situations, even dinner at the White House.
“Always put your napkin in your lap and keep your elbows off the table because someday you might be invited to have dinner at the White House.” This fun and pointed message had been used by a good friend’s grandmother with her grandchildren for years.
Your grandchildren may not be invited to the White House but they will at some time find themselves at a formal function in need of etiquette skills. How much more comfortable will your grandchildren be knowing the purpose of all the items on the table? Home is probably the best place to learn social etiquette skills.
Last summer, one of my granddaughters lived with us for a couple of weeks. We decided to set a formal dinner table. I put out an assortment of dishes including those seldom used except on special occasions as well as a variety of pieces of silverware. I asked my granddaughter to set the table. Now she has been setting the table for years, but all of a sudden there were more pieces of cutlery and dishes. She realized each had a special place according tradition and use. My granddaughter was eager to learn and very inquisitive. Her questions included: What is a soup spoon? Which way does the knife blade go? Where should a salad fork be placed? What about a dessert fork? I did not have finger bowls in my cupboard but found a bowl the right size and shape. Soon we were discussing etiquette and proper behavior. We were learning together!
Later we went online to read couple of blogs and listen to podcasts explaining a great deal more about proper behavior and etiquette. Our two favorite websites are listed below. She learned a lot that day. For example, a man stands for a woman to seat her, cell phones are prohibited at the table, and the correct placement of a napkin when one leaves the table for the powder room. Some of the rules/suggestions were actually funny, but all had the same message, good behavior is always in style.
The story didn’t end when my granddaughter went home. She was able to put her learning to use when she was invited to a special Minnesota State High School League Banquet for soccer players. The day after the event, she called and very excitedly told me knew just how to act and what pieces of silverware to use at the dinner. Now she is ready for the White House!
The Spruce: Proper Etiquette for All Occasions
The Emily Post Institute
Guest blogger and coauthor of Faithful Grandparenting, Carol Olsen, is passionate about grandparents speaking into the lives of their grandchildren. Watch for more ideas from Carol!
If you haven’t purchased a copy of Faithful Grandparenting: Practical Ideas for Connecting the Generations, click HERE to order.
© 2023 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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