Growing up as a Southern señorita, I’ve been surrounded by all things manners from a young age. Between attending etiquette classes, hosting Manner Birthday parties by age 7, always having a napkin in my lap {even at my office desk} to this day, and having a shelf of books surrounding the subject at my casa, it’s safe to say I do know a thing or two on how to act like a lady! Which is why starting today I’m going to start writing about my favorite mannerly tips on Monday’s via my favorite novels. Girls, it’s about time I spread the word through Bonjour + Hola on how to be the chicest most fabulous ladies in the city. And although I was approached to do YouTube video segments on the subject, I think writing about them with visuals is the better route! I mean, you never know when you’ll have a bad bouffant day…sorry readers! First up? That would be in an intro from one of my favorite reads, “A Lady At The Table” – bonjour!
Now listen up hunny…these are some important tips to know in general before “Bon Appetit!” is said at any table!:
A lady does not assume that her fellow diners are “grading” her own behavior.
A lady does not talk with her mouth full.
A lady does not chew with her mouth open, nor does she smack her lips, matter how delicious her food may be.
A lady makes as little noise as possible while eating.
A lady does not chomp on ice.
A lady does not pick her teeth at the table.
A lady keeps her napkin in her lap while she’s eating.
A lady sits up straight, especially at the table.
A lady keeps her elbows off the table when a meal is under way.
If a lady finds that she has bread crumbs on her blouse, she brushes them off.
A lady finds no need to apologize for bread crumbs.
A lady does not play with her food, kneading her bread with her fingers or stirring the last uneaten morsels of her dinner about her plate.
A lady never butters her bread or bites it all at once. Instead, she breaks off a small piece, holds it in her fingers, butters and eats it one bite at a time.
A lady does not lean back in her chair.
If a lady is asked to pass the salt or pepper, she passes them both.
A lady does not leave the table without asking to be excused.
When a lady leaves the table, she need not explain her reason for asking to be excused.
A lady tries her best not to belch or burp at the table.
If a lady must belch or burp at the table, she covers her mouth with her napkin.
A lady knows that belches, burps, and coughs can occur at any time. She keeps her napkin ready to muffle unfortunate sounds.
A lady need not use her handkerchief to stifle a slight sneeze, cough, or burp at the table. Instead, she uses her napkin.
If a lady finds herself in a situation, such as a fit of sneezing, that necessitates the use of her handkerchief, she leaves the table.
A lady never blows her nose at the table.
A lady says please and thank you, especially to servers, in a restaurant or in a private home.
A lady does not wolf down her food.
A lady does not slurp her soup.
A lady does not eat more food than she can comfortably digest.
A lady does not attempt to cool her food by blowing on it. If she fears singeing her taste buds, she lets her food cool gradually and industry bed in its own bowl or on its own plate.
Whether she is an invited guest or the host of a restaurant party, a lady shows up on time.
A lady does not apply makeup at the table.
If a lady is offered a second helping, she may accept if she wishes.
When a lady chews, she chews quietly.
A lady shows up at the time of her reservation at a restaurant.
If she is given the opportunity to serve herself, either at a family-style dinner party or at a buffet, a lady does not overload her plate.
A lady never argues with a server, whether at restaurant or at a private party.
A lady does not overstay her welcome. However, she may linger at the table after dinner, along with the other guests and her host or hostess, knowing that such moments are often the most pleasing and satisfying of the evening.
In any aspect of her life, but especially at the dinner table, a lady does not bite off more than she can chew.
Whether you need to oil up your rusty manners or have a girl in your life that needs to polish theirs, check out B+H early in the week for my favorite tips. And although I’ve taken on the Jackie O. vs the Marilyn Monroe lifestyle from an early age, there’s no harm in spreading a little Mannerly Monday lovin’!
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