Are Table Manners becoming Fables?

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

Once upon a time families would gather around a table and enjoy their time together by sharing food and facts of each other’s days. Today our family mealtime is turning into everyone tuning into his or her favorite Media toy. Mother, May I would like to promote the importance of sharing a meal and doing so with appropriate Table Manners. We put together the top inquiries on proper table manners. Please read and share your knowledge as you dine with others this holiday season.

May I lick my fingers if the food being eaten is a finger food? No, you may not. Licking fingers was never all right, even before the invention of knives and forks.

May I drink gin and whiskey during a meal rather than beer or wine? No, you may not. The higher the alcohol content of a beverage the more forbidden it is to drink with the meal.

May I ask for a second helping at a formal dinner? No, you may not. It might upset the host if there has not been enough food. Remember, you are invited to dinner for the pleasure of your company, not because you are hungry.

May I allow my fingers to touch the goblet when drinking white wine? No, you may not.

May I ask an equal number of both men and women to a dinner party?  Yes, you may. It is good manners to keep the guest even in gender.

May I not attend a dinner invitation to someone’s house, because of a better invitation? No, you may not. The only valid reason for not going is serious illness or a death.

May I blow on my food to cool it off? No, you may not.

May I use my fingers to remove fish bones from my mouth? Yes, you may.

Obviously, MMI has many many more manners on how we can improve our Table Manners. Please email MMI at mmipgh@gmail.com with any inquires. MMI is offering to host Holiday Parties for friends and family. What a great gift—sharing a meal and improving the table manners of those you dine with..Please call 412-531-2050 for details and discussion on this gift that keeps on giving.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”