I'd Like to Make a Toast

With holiday family dinners and cocktail parties, comes the urge to share gratitude and sentiment to all. While it's wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the evening, there are a few guidelines for toasts to keep in mind:

• A toast should be polished, brief, and heartfelt
• Stand when speaking
• The host or hostess should be the one to give the first toast
• Be witty and whimsical. If public speaking is not a strong point, practice a few lines beforehand
• Avoid notes and notecards, this isn't a speech
• Don't forget your exit: I've heard too many toasts that end with an awkward "So, um, that's all I have to say..." it's anticlimactic and leaves guests hanging. The easiest and most classic exit is to simply raise your glass a tad higher (this will alert the party you are wrapping things up) and give a "Cheers!"
• Above all, be yourself

More Table Manners, from Emily

The great thing about table manners, is that unlike other traditional etiquette which can sometimes feel very stuffy and outdated, the rules of dining still remain the same today.

As an additional visual aid, I came across an old video from the Emily Post Institute, narrated by Mrs. Post herself, on the subject of proper table etiquette.

The audio is a bit muffled, but the overall message still resounds.

Bon Appetit

Did the formality of last Thursday's Thanksgiving dinner make you want to jump out of your seat and run away? Not to fear, here is a quick review to help us all navigate our way around the china and crystal placed in front of us. It will come in handy for all the holiday festivities lined up in the next few weeks.


The Informal Table Setting


Formal Table Setting

Some other tips for stellar table manners:

• Your drinking glasses will always be to the right of your plate, and your bread plate to your left. Remember this by putting the tips of your index fingers to the top of your thumbs, while extending your index fingers straight. Look at the two letters this forms. Your left will show a “b” for bread, while your right a “d” for drink.
• I have read conflicting suggestions of placing your napkin on your lap as soon as food or drink first appears (water, wine, bread and butter), or waiting until the hostess places her napkin on her lap. I believe the former is best, as this protects your lap from any potential spills. Commencing the meal, however, should wait until after the entire table is served and the hostess has taken the first bite.
• If salad is served with the main course, it is acceptable to use the same fork for both plates.
• Cut food into bite sizes as you progress through your course, not all at once in the beginning.
• The proper way to eat asparagus is to cut the ends off with a fork and eat the stalk with your fingers.
• When you are finished with a course, always place the knife and fork parallel together across the center of the plate. If you are taking a "rest" but are not quite done, criss cross your knife and fork, with the knife blade pointing to the left.
• The same placements are used for the spoon and fork during the dessert course.
• Your napkin should be placed to the left of your plate when you are done eating. Not on your plate and not in your seat. Try to lay it down as neatly as possible, instead of releasing a crumpled pile of cloth or paper.
• Don't get up from the table until your host or hostess rises
  
  Most importantly, enjoy the meal, the company, and the evening!