Etiquette School of Ohio

A Tutorial For Eating Superbowl Party Snacks and Foods

Superbowl Sunday is second when it comes to Americans consuming the greatest amount of food in a day during the year.  Thanksgiving Day is first.

As we all know, Superbowl Sunday foods are much more casual and fun than those typically served on Thanksgiving Day, but we still need to observe etiquette rules when dining casually.

1)  No double dipping. This means you cannot take a bite of your chip and dip it back into the dip for round two.  Why?  It spreads the germs from your mouth into the dip where other guests will eat them.

2)  Do not reach into the food bowl with your hands. Hosts should provide a separate utensil for scooping with each bowl of food.  Why?  The germs from your hands will end up in the bowl for other guests to eat.  Don’t worry if you don’t have fancy utensils for this party.  A simple paper cup or another small bowl will do in a pinch.

3)  No finger licking. I don’t care how good those chicken wings are, use a napkin.  Why?  Do you know what’s on your fingers?  Besides, no one wants to give a high five to a hand with licked fingers.  Would you?

4)  Use a napkin or plate to hold your food. Think of the food as an airplane.  A plane must land on a runway before passengers exit.   Food must land on a plate before being consumed.  Don’t walk around the room with a hand full of Doritos.  You never know when you’ll have to use that hand for a high five.

5)  If foods drip or crumble, have a plate or napkin under them when eating to catch drips and crumbs. Why?  Your host will appreciate saving money on carpet cleaning.

6)  Use a coaster or a napkin to set your beverage on. Why?  It saves the surface of the furniture from water rings and absorbs moisture so you don’t end up with water drips on you.

7)  If you drop or spill something, pick it up immediately and tell the host if there is a spot to be cleaned. Why?  A spot cleans up much easier if it’s not ground into the carpet or found 2 months later when the chair you placed over it is finally moved.

8)  If you are the type of person who is easily animated, set your food down during crucial plays. Why?  The other guests may not appreciate a shower of flying food.

9)  Don’t drink too much, stay too late, or be a bad sport. You want to be invited back to another party.

10)  Be appreciate. Do thank the host before you leave.  Hopefully, you did not arrive empty handed and a thank you note or phone call to remind the host of the good time had the next day would be a nice gesture.

Printed Thank You Cards/Notes

Printed thank you notes or cards alone are not an acceptable way to show your appreciation or gratitude.  If you send a printed card, be sure to include a handwritten message in the card saying exactly what it is you are grateful for.

Professional Image - Pens and Pencils

If you would like to improve your professional image, invest in the finest writing instrument your budget will allow. Fine pens and pencils are noticed and remembered by others.  Remove all giveaway pens from your office and briefcase and leave them at home.

Fine writing instruments are an excellent gift idea for the recent college graduate as well as the seasoned professional.

Telephone Etiquette Tip - Smile When You Speak

A voice reflects the emotions of a person.  When speaking on the phone, it is important to make sure your voice is reflecting the correct emotion for the conversation.  The person on the other end of the phone can sense if you’re frowning, bored, excited, interested, friendly, or happy.

Friendly is always  a positive attribute to have when trying to form or nurture business relationships.  So, no matter how badly your day is going, always smile when you pick up the phone to say, “Hello.” A smile can always be heard and as the saying goes, “A smile is worth a million words.”

A Wine Glass Tip For Casual Entertaining

A recently married client told me she would like to host a dinner party, but had to wait until she could afford to purchase the appropriate crystal to serve wine in.

It is true there a specific shaped glasses for types of wine.  Big, bold red wines should be served in a glass with a larger bowl so the wine can breathe and the bouquet can be appreciated.  White wines are typically served in a narrower glass while champagne might be served in a tall fluted glass.

Riedel glassware is very specific with the shape of the glass claiming the shape allows the wine to spill on to the appropriate taste buds of the tongue to enjoy the wine to its fullest potential.

If you are planning a very formal dinner, you should have the appropriate crystal for each course being served.  However, if you just want to have friends over for a lovely evening of dining, you may want to consider purchasing a good quality all-purpose wine glass.

It’s much better to enjoy the company of friends than not because you don’t have the appropriate crystal.

Bon-appetite!

Wedding Etiquette - The Groom’s Attire

When planning a wedding, you should decide on the formality of the wedding before making any plans.  The type of wedding will determine many aspects of the wedding such as time of day, number of guests, size of the wedding party, type of meal,  and location of the ceremony and reception.

The type of wedding also determines the style of attire the groom will wear.

1) Formal: Tailcoat, cutaway coat, bow tie, ascot, wing collared shirt

2) Semi formal: Tuxedo, dress shirt, bow tie, straight tie, vest, or cummerbund

3) Informal: Dark Suit, dress shirt,  straight tie

Being Seated For Lunch or Dinner

As I watched the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama, I was very surprised to see the difficulty the banquet managers had getting the guests to take their seats at the Inaugural Luncheon.  While millions of Americans watched, political officials, high ranking dignitaries, and even former presidents continued to stand and talk while announcements to take their seats were repeatedly made.  Uniformed personnel were ignored as they walked through the crowd asking guests to please take their seats so the luncheon could begin.

What message did this behavior send to the many young children watching?

When attending a luncheon or dinner, the host or hostess will announce lunch or dinner is ready to be served.  At this time, you should move to the dining room to be seated as soon as possible.  Politely end any conversation you may be having and do not stop to have an in depth conversation with another guest.  Find your table.  Introduce yourself to anyone you don’t know at your table and be seated.

Addressing The President of the United States in Conversation

If you are fortunate to have a conversation with The President of the United States, address him as Mr. President. If you are having a lengthy conversation with The President, you may also address him as Sir to mix it up a bit.

If you find yourself in a position where you need to introduce him, address him as The President or The President of the United States.

Addressing The President of the United States in Writing

If you are writing a letter to the President of the United States, the following forms of address should be used.

Letter Greeting:

Dear Mr. President

Envelope Address:

The President - followed by the White House Address

or

The President and Mrs. Obama - followed by the White House Address

Addressing a Former President in Writing

If you should have to correspond with a past president in writing, the following forms of address should be used:

Addressing an envelope:

The Honorable George W. Bush

or

The Honorable George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush

A letter greeting:

Dear Mr. Clinton