Bread Etiquette

January 22, 2015 By Tiffany Nielsen

It’s not fancy, it’s just etiquette.

Bread Etiquette: Pass it to the Right or Left?

Not only will you guarantee that anyone seated at your table will have their share of bread, but your Passing Bread Etiquette you will make your proud for knowing an important social etiquette skill that will serve you well socially and professionally.

Serve Others First

If you are the first person to reach for a bread basket or plate, remember to serve yourself last! Yes, I said last. It’s far more courteous to pass the bread to your neighbor than it is for you to indulge first. Why? When we gather around a table to share a meal with others, it’s just that- a sharing process. By taking a piece for yourself without thinking if others might like a piece too, can come across as self-serving.

Passing Bread to the Right or to the Left?

The first step is to reach in for the bread and happily pass it to the person on your right. If there’s not a person to your right, common sense will tell you to look across your table or to your left. Obviously, if you are dining alone then by all means serve yourself.

What about Butter?

If individual butter dishes aren’t provided, pass the shared butter dish to the guest seated to your right side. If there’s not a person to your right, then pass it to the person to your left or perhaps across the table.

If you are looking for more dining etiquette tips, then I’m positive you will want to read, Which Fork Do I Use?

Tiffany’s Etiquette Tip: Pass the bread first. Serve yourself last.

Thank You Note Etiquette

December 31, 2014 By Tiffany Nielsen

Thank You Note Etiquette Tips

Is it important to mail handwritten thank you notes for holiday presents?

I think so. Some don’t, but if you do, here’s a few tips you will find useful to keep you in touch with your own etiquette preferences.

Company Etiquette: If you were a house guest this past holiday season, I’m confident you will make time to send a thoughtful thank you note to your gracious host. Clean sheets, good food and warm hospitality were gifts given to you by very thoughtful people.

Social Etiquette: A holiday party hosted by your employer, a client or service provider also calls for thank you notes. Send one to the President, organizer and anyone else who gave you red-carpet treatment.

Mailed Packages: The etiquette for when you receive presents in the mail is simple: Call, email or text a message to senders. Not everyone uses text messaging- F.Y.I. Of course, remember to send handwritten thank you notes once the mailed gifts have been open. A phone call goes a long way too.

I realize phone calls and writing notes may not be an option for some of you. Do what you can, but remember that it’s extremely important to thank anyone who gives you a gift.

Do you write thank you notes? Do you need inspiration to start writing today? Let’s talk about it! If you leave a message in the comment section below, that would be terrific.

Happy New Year!

Your Favorite Etiquette Lady,

Tiffany

Be an Adult with Manners

December 22, 2014 By Tiffany Nielsen

Don’t give up on good manners!

Teaching kids manners takes patience and a strong will. Some listen, learn and adapt quickly while others will mock you until you give up. Don’t give up! As an adult, it is your responsibility to lead by example in order for kids to trust good manners are fashionable- not a form of punishment.

Here are a few of my timeless holiday guidelines for adults:

Lazy bums– Holiday Sloths are people who are too lazy to get up off the couch as house guests arrive with presents and food for all to enjoy. Don’t be a sloth! Get up and greet people and show your good manners.

Can’t ever say too many thanks! – After your kids say their thanks for presents (words, hugs, kisses, smiles, etc… all which work well), it’s the parents turn to also give thanks for the gifts given to their children. Teach and show your kids the art of gratitude and good manners.

Cell Phones – Texting, snapping and scrolling as presents are being passed out is extremely rude. Break up with your cell phone! Be present and show good manners.

Remember that the Inn Keeper wasn’t too lazy or behaving in a self-consumed manner when a special family came knocking at his door. He accommodated, greeted and provided the best hospitality he could give to his guests. Be the Inn Keeper.

Table Settings for Informal and Formal Meals

December 15, 2014 By Tiffany Nielsen

Let your imagination and creativy lead you as you align your table settings.

Laguiole Flatware, 5-Piece Place Setting in Red from Williams Sonoma.

One plate, one fork, one knife, and a spoon are typical pieces included in everyday table settings.

A drinking glass or cup for water, milk, etc… sits at the upper right side of your plate.

You will most likely encounter informal table settings at home, in restaurants and at informal parties and receptions.

To set formal table settings, start with an informal table setting then build from there, adding chargers or placemats, additional silverware for a multi-course meal, pretty glassware, your best dishes and a bread plate and butter spreader.

The most important tip I can give you doesn’t come from a store; it comes from your heart, and your own desire to preserve the traditions of dining together. If it’s only one night a year you are able to gather people at your table, let it be a special night. Be as formal or informal as you prefer without losing sight of how blessed you are to have people dining at your table.

We have more table setting tips at www.tiffanynielsen.com/blog. Enjoy and thank you for sharing our mission to preserve the traditions of etiquette and manners.