Table manners in the mid-fifteenth century England were dissimilar to that of 2017. Men wore hats at the table to keep their long hair out of food. Guests (both sexes) brought their own knives, and food was eaten with their fingers. Forks were used for cooking and sometimes for serving, but never for eating food. It wasn't until about the year 1465 that forks began the transition to an eating utensil.
There were no napkins, and guests were warned not to clean their teeth on the tablecloth. Handkerchiefs were unknown. Men were requested to use their knife hand to blow their nose, and not the hand whose fingers were used for food.
These times would not have been easy for a vegetarian. Meat was the national food, and vegetables were scarce and despised. Water was not a beverage of choice. One national beverage in England was beer. An allowance of one gallon of beer a day (even for nuns) was common. Drunkenness was very seldom punished.
Table manners over the centuries have evolved. Whether you're eating at a restaurant, or at home with friends and families, good table manners make for a more pleasant meal. Here are some basic easy-to-follow table manners that should always be remembered:
Do…
1. Ask for
food to be passed to you (instead of reaching across the table for it).
2.
Chew with your
mouth closed.
3. Cut only
one piece of food at a time with your knife and fork.
4.
Avoid slouching. Sit straight in your chair. Don’t place your elbows on the
table while eating (though it is okay to prop your elbows on the table while
conversing between courses).
5.
Hum (or sing) at
the table.
6. Keep your
cell phone off the table, and set to silent (or vibrate).
7.
Not ask for food
seconds until others have had firsts. (Don’t take more than your fair share of
food.)
8.
Not gobble up
your food (slow down).
9. Not overload your fork or plate. (Don’t use
your utensils like a shovel or stab your food.)
10.Not pick
your teeth at the table.
11.
Remember to
place your napkin on your lap (and use it when needed).
12. Say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry"
if you burp.
13. Say "may I please be excused" before
leaving the table.
14. Say "no thank you" if you don't want a
certain dish (or are full).
15. Take part
in the dinner conversation.
16.Talk
about pleasant things. Avoid the gross topics
17. Not tip your
chair (to avoid having an accident).
18.Wait to
check calls and texts once you are finished with the meal (and away from the
table).
19.Wait
until everyone is seated before starting to eat.
20.
Wait until you’re done chewing to swallow a drink.
(Choking is clearly an exception.) Don't
talk with your mouth full.[i]
“In our fast-forward culture, we have lost the
art of eating well. Food is often little more than fuel to pour down the hatch
while doing other stuff (surfing the Web, driving, walking along the street).
Dining al desko is now the norm in many workplaces. All of this speed takes a
toll. Obesity, eating disorders and poor nutrition are rife.” (Carl Honore)
[i] Sources used:
· “Top Ten Table Manners” by The Emily Post Institute
· “Manners:
Table Manners” (http://www.mtstcil.org/skills/manners-1.html)
· “Table
Manners & Trivia Facts”
(http://www.foodreference.com/html/f-table-manners.html)
This topic was suggested
by my wife, Bobbi.
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