Teach your kids the art of proper dining etiquette with our expert tips! Explore essential table manners for children, from setting the table to polite conversation. Start building a foundation for a lifetime of gracious dining habits
The importance of gentleman etiquette and manners, also called social grace is overlooked by many gentlemen, and even more so by young men.
Over the past few months I've been asked to teach etiquette to young men and young women 2 different times. This has been a fun experience to reflect and write down what I know and do a little research. I'm thankful my parents and grandparents were strict with good manners when I was young. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but now that I'm older and teaching my children I can see the benefit of learning good manners. Good manners don't happen over night. It takes years of training. YM & YW need to know the basics! Most basics are not taught or enforced at home. Teach and educate them NOW and set them up for a "polite" future. These are my typed up notes of what I went over and demonstrated. We had a 4 course meal at one activity with both YM & YW and a "tea party" at another with just the YW. The 4 course meal included Soup Salad Entree Dessert The Tea Party Cookies Mini Cupcakes Small sandwiches Crackers and dip Hot Chocolate Hot Tang/Juice _________________________________ INTRO - Why do we need good manners? Why do we need good manners? Are we not all children of a King? We are all princes and princesses and are expected to behave as such. We need to act with the utmost decorum for dates, meeting future in-laws, business dinners, dances and more. Presenting yourself properly, and behaving in a dignified manner is what being royal is all about. First impressions last a lifetime whether it's over a meal or in public. Sitting in a chair Sit up straight - DON'T SLOUCH (it's not attractive) (Demonstrate how silly a forward and backward slouch looks) When sitting ESPECIALLY in a dress or skirt, KNEES SHOULD BE TOUCHING! (Your underwear may be cute, but we really don't want to see it!) Table Etiquette - Serving and being served When setting the table, knife blades should always be facing the plate. Present an average table setting or have the youth set their own place and tell them what is right and what is wrong. (2 forks, 2 spoons, 1 knife, napkin, dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, water glass) When going to a fancier restaurant and seeing lots of silverware - just remember WORK YOUR WAY FROM THE OUTSIDE IN. Serve from the LEFT REMOVE from the RIGHT Pass food in a counterclockwise motion or to the RIGHT "It is always the RIGHT way when passing food" DO NOT BEGIN EATING UNTIL EVERYONE IS SERVED! Hold your utensil properly. (Do not act as if you are shoveling the food into your mouth.) When finished with your plate, do not push it away or place your napkin on top. Act as if your plate was the face of a clock, you would place both handles of your utensils on the number 4. If you have to yawn....COVER YOUR MOUTH! Nothing is attractive about a HUGE gaping mouth open wide for all to see! COVER YOUR MOUTH! *Say you're on a first or important date, you may want to keep in mind, some foods are messier to eat than others. What would you rather? A clean face with something you can use utensils? Or something that is messy or you have to eat with your hands? First impressions last a lifetime. Top 10 Basic Table Manners 1. Chew with your mouth closed 2. Avoid slurping, smacking, blowing your nose or other gross noises. (If necessary, excuse yourself to take care of whatever it is you need to take care of.) 3. Hold your utensil properly, don't stab or shovel your food. 4. Don't pick your teeth at the table. 5. Remember to use your napkin at all times. 6. Wait until you're done chewing to sip or swallow a drink. (No floaties allowed!) (The exception is if you're choking - please drink if you're choking) 7. Cut no more than 3 pieces of food at a time. (The most logical answer of why, is so your food doesn't get cold!) 8. Avoid slouching and placing your elbows on the table while eating. (Although it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while conversing between courses) 9. Instead of reaching across the table for something, ask for it to be passed to you. 10. Always say 'excuse me' whenever you leave the table. _________________________ Having good manners in LIFE! BE RESPECTFUL TO EVERYONE We always need to respect the golden rule. "Treat others the way you want to be treated." Young, Old, Male & Female. Rumors and gossip is sadly part of life. But... it is YOUR CHOICE whether you want to participate in the continuous spreading of those rumors. How would you feel if those rumors were about you? Respecting others and seeing those around your with God's eyes will change your perspective and bring you joy. Make sure all of your interactions with those around you reflect positive feedback- not negative. Everyone around you are always watching. You may not realize how much you are under the microscope. Would your parents be pleased with your actions? Would your bad habits and manners affect your future children? Most importantly, how would your Father in Heaven think of your words and actions? "It's never RIGHT to do WRONG" "It's never WRONG to do RIGHT" The perfect example of how you should act and behave was our Savior Jesus Christ. Ask yourself in ANY situation, "What would Jesus do?" Smile and BE HAPPY! Everyone gravitates towards happiness. Be a MAGNET! Shine your smile and have a happy disposition. No one wants to be around others who always find bad in the world. Gratitude is the true base of happiness. PUNCTUALITY! Being punctual or "on time" is polite. Tardiness or always running late is rude. It shows your lack of preparation. Plan and prepare ahead of time. How long is the drive to the destination? How long does it take to get ready? (Always take into consideration that it takes at least 2-3 minutes to put on your shoes and get in the car before you actually start to drive.) Girls, be ready for your date when they have specified. It is extremely akward for a date to wait over 5 minutes for you. Boys, always be on time. There is nothing worse than waiting on your date to arrive. (I would know- my date showed up 1 hour late for HOMECOMING! I WAS TICKED! Not a good way to start the evening) PHONES Cell phones are an amazing tool. They keep us connected to those around us. But phones are a HUGE distraction. You may physically be in an area, but when scrolling through facebook or pinterest keeps you mentally from the conversation and the space you are literally in. Phone usage needs to be practically eliminated during dates, dinners and family activities. You can't gain the experiences everyone posts on facebook if you're always on the phone and never out making them. APPAREL You may not realize that you appearance can come across as polite or rude. Be confident and comfortable in your apparel but, don't wear things that are too tight, baggy, or show too much skin. There is a proper way to dress. And showing off your body or not even getting ready are not polite. Wearing pajamas, yoga pants, sweat pants, basketball shorts etc. are a sign of laziness and lack of preparation. Wake up 1 minute earlier and throw on some JEANS for goodness sakes! Don't be looked upon as lazy or unkept. Manners at the table and manners in life will keep you polite and positive. Remember- Practice makes Perfect _______________________________________ This was a VERY fun activity and I think a good reminder to youth and adults to always have good manners in life and at the table. When practiced and used regularly, good etiquette lasts a lifetime.
You will receive two sheets to include using polite words and having students cite examples and writing complete sentences. Each word does already have an example of a sentence included one may ask. Words include: please, thank you, excuse me, I'm sorry, no thank you, and may I?
Many, many people have asked when we were going to post part 7 in the “Proper Southern Manners Series”, well here it is. When you read this, think about some of the things that we hear or see these days from our young men. I know times change, but sometimes not always for the better. We would really appreciate your comments and additions to what you read in this entire series. Discussion is the first step in making a change. Make it a great day, you deserve it! Tracey and Aileen P. S. Part 8 in the “Proper Southern Manners Series” is on Being A Lady (You didn’t think we would forget the girls did you?) On Being a Gentleman There are a number of things that go into being a Gentleman. Some of those things are addressed in other parts of this book, but it all must come together to be effective in reaching the status of “Gentleman.” The term “Gentleman” is thrown around too casually these days. A Gentleman combines the skills of manners, conversation, conduct and personal integrity all rolled into a seamless package. Gentlemen will open doors for ladies, offer their seat to them, stand when a woman enters the room and offer their arm when going up or down steps. A Gentleman will never use foul language in front of women and children, or discuss improper topics in front of them. It is sad to say this, but it is necessary today to explain what some of those topics might be. Examples of areas to NOT discuss in front of women and children include: -Sexually suggestive issues or jokes -Personal hygiene issues of a nature that are definitely private (talking about brushing your teeth is one thing, but bodily functions such as flatulence and other bowel movements are off limits). -Gossip in general should be avoided as it is never good to spread this kind of information and it sets a poor example for children. Avoiding these areas is a good start to conducting yourself in a manner that befits a Gentleman. Always present a positive attitude and be willing to offer assistance to others. In offering assistance, be sure it is for ethical, honorable activities. Robert E. Lee Probably the finest example of manhood we have is Robert E. Lee. Lee’s description of what a gentleman should be was Lee’s description of what a leader should be. He summarized the goal when he wrote: “The forbearing use of power does not only form the touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is the test of a true gentleman.” The power which the strong have over the weak, the magistrate over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly – the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or the total absence of it when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in plain light. The gentleman does not needlessly or unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can not only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be the past. A true gentleman of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
Teach your kids the art of proper dining etiquette with our expert tips! Explore essential table manners for children, from setting the table to polite conversation. Start building a foundation for a lifetime of gracious dining habits
Teaching kids manners isn't as hard as it it seems, and we're sharing 6 tips, 7 activities, and 5 books you can use to raise thoughtful, polite children at home and in the classroom.
Table manners are important for teens and by middle school, they should move beyond the basics. These 20 skills will help tweens become excellent dinner companions. Free checklist to download.
The Ultimate Guide to Proper Table Manners; learn basic dining etiquette step by step with DO's & DON'Ts, plus our thorough video guide!
Teach your kids the art of proper dining etiquette with our expert tips! Explore essential table manners for children, from setting the table to polite conversation. Start building a foundation for a lifetime of gracious dining habits
Fully revised and updated for the 21st century 365 Manners Kids Should Know tackles one manner a day. It suggests many games, exercises, and activities that parents, teachers, and grandparents can use to teach children and teens essential etiquette and at what age to present them.Some of the manners covered are: When and where to text How to handle an online bully How to write a thank-you note Proper behavior and dress for special events such as weddings, birthday parties, and religious services
Proper Southern Manners Part 3 - Good Manners At Arm's Length. This is the third installment of the Proper Southern Manners Series.
An easy-to-follow guide about proper manners and respectful practices at Japanese temples and shrines. As with any sacred place in the world, it is essential to understand and respect local etiquette when visiting these places of worship.
Use these FREE good manners worksheets, printables, and resources to teach your kids manners. Great for preschool, kindergarten and elementary students!
Interested in teaching manners to your kids? Here's a super detailed guide on all the manners they need to know.
The ultimate modern-manners rule book (no outdated, useless rules, here!)
Learning social etiquette is not just something you do for your "public face". Social etiquette rules can help you to thrive in your social life!
Interested in teaching manners to your kids? Here's a super detailed guide on all the manners they need to know.
Teaching kids manners isn't as hard as it it seems, and we're sharing 6 tips, 7 activities, and 5 books you can use to raise thoughtful, polite children at home and in the classroom.
Japan is a country with a unique culture, heritage and customs. Manners are essential to the Japanese. The country’s uniqueness is one of the reasons millions of people travel to Japan every year. If you are travelling to Japan for the first time, there are some unspoken rules you will need to know and adhere
Table manners are important for teens and by middle school, they should move beyond the basics. These 20 skills will help tweens become excellent dinner companions. Free checklist to download.
An easy-to-follow guide about proper manners and respectful practices at Japanese temples and shrines. As with any sacred place in the world, it is essential to understand and respect local etiquette when visiting these places of worship.
Have you ever felt that you don’t know how to conduct yourself properly in the office? This office etiquette article is just for you.
Teach your kids proper table manners with this fun and interactive family date night!! Table Manners Matter will become a family favorite in no time!
From putting a napkin in their lap to clearing their plate off the table, here are the table manners your kids should know and use.
Covering your sneezes and coughs helps prevent the spread of colds and flu, so we can all spend our sick days having fun.
Use these FREE good manners worksheets, printables, and resources to teach your kids manners. Great for preschool, kindergarten and elementary students!
Have you ever felt that you don’t know how to hold a conversation and to interact properly? This speaking manners article is just for you.
With kids more connected than ever, cell phone etiquette is essential! Here's the first rule of cell phone etiquette and how to teach it!
U.S. Flag, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem etiquette is easy to learn and follow. As a citizen, here's what you need to know to show your pride.
Manners Begin at Breakfast by Marie-Chantal addresses rules of etiquette, including basic table manners, social media, fashion dos and don’ts, and party conversation. Covering children from infants to teens, Manners Begin at Breakfast is an essential guide for all parents concerned about raising self-assured, well-adjusted children who are equipped to thrive in society...
Interested in teaching manners to your kids? Here's a super detailed guide on all the manners they need to know.
By Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., author of How Rude!® The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out Did you know that July is “Cell Phone Courtesy Month”? I sure didn’t. At …
Fine dining establishments offer a sophisticated and elegant dining experience that demands a certain level of etiquette from their patrons. For gentlemen who wish to leave a lasting impression, understanding and adhering to proper dining etiquette is essential. By following these nine fine dining etiquette rules, gentlemen can navigate any high-class restaurant with confidence and grace.
