Manners

Recently, we were having lunch at some friends home. This was our first time to visit their home, and the children of this family were obviously thrilled to have "Pastor Ted" over to see their rooms and their toys. The family graciously showed around their home and just delighted in preparing an enormous lunch-bigger than we would be able to eat. Of course, preparing a large lunch and showing us through their home takes time; I understood this, my husband understood this; but little stomachs did not.

To my horror, in the middle of a pleasant conversation with the adults, one of my children (the one who "should have known better ;)")blurted out in her loudest voice, "I'm starving! I've NEVER waited this long to eat before!"
I knew then and there, that manners and the practice of it must come into effect in our home. I am going to make the study and practice of manners a priority this year so my children would learn how to be gracious instead of rude.

I typed up this rough guideline in which we will take one rule a day and either practice it by role-playing, or just put it into effect daily.

Manners

At table:
1. When we have company, please serve the guests by asking "Pardon me (or excuse me), would you like to have...?"
2. When we are guests, do not make a comment about how food looks, smells ore tastes. Just eat it, say "No thank you.", or leave it on your plate.
3. When we are guests, do not make a comment on the hour in which we are eating by saying, "It sure is late!", or "Why are we eating so early?" or "I'm hungry! When are we going to eat?"
4. When we have an older guest over, hold the seat for them and then allow them to sit, and then scoot the chair in for them.
5. Place your napkin on your lap, sit up straight, and keep your elbows in or by your side.
6. Ask for something across the table by saying, "Would you please pass the..." (respectfully if to adults, never interrupt or ask loudly), never reach across the table for it.
7. Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
8. Wait for hostess/host, Mom or Dad to begin eating before you eat.
9. Begin using the utensils on the outside first.
10. No-no's : Double dipping, slurping, burping, licking fingers, or dragging your finger across something to taste it!
11.Sit up straight (not hunched).
12. Bring your food to your mouth. Don't take your face to the plate.
13. Butter only a small piece of bread and chew slowly. Don't butter the whole piece.
14. Wipe your mouth gently with a napkin and place it on your chair when getting up.
15. Chew slowly, don't gobble down the food, don't put too much food in your mouth, or chew with your mouth open. Talk after or in between swallowing.
16. Use utensil (always, when at weddings or nice dinners).
17. Always thank the cook. Find at least 2 things you did like and compliment that.
18. Stay seated at the table, or wait until you are excused.


Setting a table:


1. Place the folded napkin in the center of the diners table.
2. Place the large fork to the left of the napkin (and a salad fork to the left of the large fork)
3. Place the salad plate to the left of the forks (dinner plates should not be on the table) (company)
4. Place knife to the left of the plate with the cutting edge toward the plate
5. place dessert and soup spoons to the right of the knife.
6. place a bread plate two inches above the forks (company)
7. Place a water glass 2 inches above the knife.
8. place the coffee saucer and cup to the right of the setting (company)

Conversation Manners:
1. Look at the person in the eye who is speaking to you (especially adults).
2.Introduce yourself and ask their name
3. Use Mr. and Mrs.______ while speaking to them.
4. Ask questions when you don't understand something
5. Stick to the subject
6. Say nice things about people and praise those who deserve it
7. Don't fidget or wander off when you are being spoken to
8. Don't listen to conversations you are not a part of
9. Don't interrupt when someone else is talking
10.Don't whisper in front of another person
11.Don't whine, tattletale, brag, or say mean things about others
12.Don't ask personal questions such as how much things cost or why someone looks or dresses the way they do
13.Don't point or stare Don't argue about things that aren't important
14. Remember the magic words: "Thank You" ,"Please" ,"May I ... " ,"Excuse Me" ,"I'm Sorry"

Telephone Manners:
1. Pick up by saying, "Hello, this is the Thevaos home." or "Hello, this is _____ speaking."
2. After hearing who they need say, "One moment please."