Five-Step Children's Manners Makeover for the Holidays: Step 1 Table Manners
Welcome to Step One!
Holidays typically mean meals, and meals mean table manners. So let’s begin there:
Practice setting a simple table setting: fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right (knife next to the plate), glass on the right above the knife and spoon.
The kids can also help create the table decorations, make holiday place cards, decide on a seating plan, and create a special holiday centerpiece—but not so high you can’t see over it!
Then review the basics and practice, practice, practice:
- Wash up.
- Napkin in lap.
- Wait until all are served or the hostess begins to eat.
- Please and thank you.
- Hold utensils properly.
- Chew with your mouth closed.
- Offer to help clear.
- Say, "thank you!" to the cook!
Next we’ll take a look at the social side of a holiday meal: the table conversation.
