Dining with children and teens can be stressful, especially when they act like table monsters!  To ensure an enjoyable meal time, remind them of some basic table manners and make a point to practice table manners at home everyday.

Here’s some advice:

1. Do not touch anything on the table – your napkin, the water or bread until the “host” or “head of the table” is sitting and has placed his napkin in his lap.

2.  Use the outside edges of your napkin to dab, not wipe your mouth.  Place your napkin to the left of your plate when the meal is finished

3. Always pass to the right, counter clockwise. Pass an item first and wait until it comes back around before you help yourself.

4. Pace yourself. Take small bites and chew with your mouth closed. Engage in conversation during the meal.

5. When resting, place your utensils all the way on the plate, crossed at the tips in an inverted “V” and rest you wrists on the edge of the table.

7. When you are finished eating, place your utensils diagonally across the plate and wait to be excused.

8. Sit up straight, keep elbows off the table and hold utensils properly. 

Louise, The Etiquette Lady