Etiquette School of Ohio

How To Eat Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob should only be served at casual dining settings. Corn served at a formal setting should always be cut off the cob in the kitchen before serving.

To eat corn on the cob:

1. Butter and season only a few rows of corn at a time. Do not butter the entire ear before eating.

2. Hold the corn firmly by the ends with two hands.   Corn skewers may be used.

3. Eat a few rows from left to right at a time. Do not eat a circle or ring around the corn.

4. Eat as neatly as you can without making loud gnawing or gnashing sounds.

5. Remember to wipe your mouth with your napkin after setting the cob of corn down.

Driving Etiquette - Signaling With Headlights Gives OK To Pull In

If a semi truck or a vehicle pulling a trailer signals to pull in front of you, it is courteous to flash your lights to let the driver know there is a safe distance to pull in.  This is especially useful on highways and expressways to help increase the safety of drivers and their passengers.

Chopsticks

The Chinese dine with chopsticks rather than forks and knives. if you are planning a trip to China, you should practice your chopstick skills before traveling. This is especially important for anyone who is traveling on business and will be dining with Chinese business associates.

The small ends of the chopsticks are used to pick up food on your plate. If you are taking food from a community bowl to place on your plate, use the large ends of the chopsticks if a serving utensil is not provided. Just as the fork, once it has touched your mouth, it should never be placed in a community bowl.

Chinese Introductions

The world’s eyes are on China during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, so I thought it would be interesting to offer some Chinese etiquette tips during the next two weeks in case your travels may take you there.

When you are introduced in China, do not respond with any body contact such as hugging, touching, shaking hands or kissing. These gestures are not used in the Chinese business culture. Instead, simply bow your head slightly to acknowledge the introduction.

Using the Title of “Jr.” Properly

The title of “Jr.” is used when a father and son share the same full name.

This title also indicates the father is living. Upon the passing of the father, the title of “Jr.” should no longer be used to refer to the son.

For example; if the son was referred to as John Phillip Smith Jr., he should be addressed as John Phillip Smith after his father’s death.

Golf Etiquette - When and Where To Tally Your Score

Do not tally your golf score while standing on the green.  Doing so delays the play of those on the holes behind you.

It is best to tally your score on the next tee while other players in your group prepare to tee off.

How To Eat Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are eaten with the fingers unless they are being served in a salad or are included in the preparation of a dish.

1. Select a cherry tomato small enough to fit in your mouth in one bite.

2. Close your mouth before chewing so the tomato does not squirt out of your mouth. This will help prevent the tomato from squirting.

3. If the tomato is too big to eat in one bite, make a small break in the skin with your front teeth before biting the tomato in half.

4. When the tomato is served in a salad or as part of another dish, cut the cherry tomato with your knife and fork. You may want to make a small cut before cutting completely through the tomato so it does not squirt across the table. You may then eat the tomato with your fork.

When the Main Course Arrives Too Early

When dining at a casual restaurant, the main course will occasionally arrive before you and other diners have completed the soup or salad course.

Rather than shifting plates around to find room on the table for both courses, simply ask the server to keep the meals warm in the kitchen for a few more minutes while you finish your salads.

Replying To An E-mail

When replying to an e-mail, include the original message along with any additional correspondence so the person receiving it can easily reference past communication on that particular topic.

If you are changing the topic of the e-mail, then start a new e-mail with a new subject title.

Toothpicks

Toothpicks were invented to aid in the removal of food stuck in between your teeth.

Toothpicks should be used in private and should never be used at the dinner table. If you have food stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself and go to the restroom to remove it.

Once you have used the toothpick, discard it.  Do not walk or drive around town with a toothpick dangling from your mouth.  This is especially important to remember when you are on a date so you don’t stab the person you’re saying goodnight to with a kiss.