Table manners

[Morning Glory]

Ok, I know a lot of people don't eat at the table any more (very sad but true), but this is really about all round manners and etiquette when eating.

Were you taught table manner rules by your parents? If you have children are there rules you insisted they followed? Do you think about 'manners' when eating with others?

What are your main 'rules'?

 

[Barriehie]

We always ate at a table, or TV trays depending on the work situation, and it was properly set.

• No elbows on the table, nobody
• Chew with your mouth closed
• Napkin in your lap
• No talking with food in your mouth
• Please and thank you when asking to pass serving dishes
• Clean the plate, no excuses
• Don't feed the dog
• Don't slurp your drink
• Ask to be excused before leaving

Violations were rewarded with your knuckles being rapped with a knife handle and immediately being sent to bed.

I think that's mostly it.

 

[TastyReuben]

Just the very basics - while meal times were usually a big affair, as in lots of food and a good number of people, it also usually something to get through quickly, because it was between chores, so not a lot of time to give over to “Please pass the mashed potatoes.”

No talking with your mouth full (and as little talking as possible, period).
Chew with your mouth closed.
Don’t eat like an animal. Quick doesn’t mean messy.
No burping or slurping.
Don’t leave anything on your plate.

Violations spotted by Mom usually got a withering comment. Violations spotted by Dad usually got a hard smack.

 

[Barriehie]

We didn't eat until the chores were done so there was time for please and thank you. Had to earn the meal, complete the job(s).