Thanksgiving table manners primer offered

Professional gives advice on how to be good guest over holidays

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the holidays upon us, now is a good time to brush up on our table manners.

Debbie Shor, from Shor's School of Etiquette has some tips for us. Some of them may be familiar, while others might surprise you.

"The first thing with the holidays, get your invitations out on time, at least four to six weeks prior, because before you know it, people are getting invitations to other functions," Shor said.

Shor said the first thing you should do at the table is put your napkin on your lap.

When it comes to silverware, you start from the outside and work your way in. The smaller fork on the outside is for salad, the inner fork for the entree, and the fork above the plate is for dessert.

The question she is asked the most is how to eat soup. Shor said to make sure to scoop away from yourself, and never leave your spoon in the bowl or resting directly on the table. It should be on the plate underneath the bowl or on the charger.

When eating your roll, eat it a piece at a time. You do not slather butter all over it and put it in your mouth. You should butter each piece as you eat it, she said.

When you're invited to someone's home make sure you wear the right attire. You should dress properly for the occasion.

Shor also added that you should never arrive early.

"There's nothing worse than calling for a party at eight o'clock and someone arriving at 10 minutes to eight," she said. "It's OK to arrive five or 10 minutes late, but not 10 minutes early."

Don't stay too late, Shor advised. 

"The hostess is tired. She's set the table. She's either cooked or had some catering done. It takes a lot of work to do a party," Shor said.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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