27: Manners Make the Meal (But Do They Need an Update?)

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Evolving Etiquette: Manners Make the Meal

Table manners – those ingrained customs that guide our behavior at mealtimes. But in a world that’s constantly evolving, do the time-tested etiquette rules still hold water? In this episode of Passing the Plate, we challenge the status quo and take a close look at the world of modern dining etiquette.

Join us as we explore:

• Grandma’s Pearls of Wisdom: We’ll revisit the classic etiquette lessons passed down through generations, courtesy of etiquette icons like Emily Post. But do these pearls of wisdom still translate to the fast-paced, informal dining culture of today?
• Dissecting Outdated Rules: From deciphering the mysteries of a bygone era’s place setting to the ever-confusing “hand bread” dilemma, we’ll explore some outdated etiquette rules and explore more relaxed, modern alternatives.
• Etiquette for the Modern Family: Family mealtimes are a cornerstone of our lives, but the dynamics have shifted. We’ll discuss navigating etiquette in the context of today’s family meals, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings.

This episode is an invitation to embrace a fresh perspective on table manners. So, grab your fork (and maybe a napkin, just in case!), and get ready to explore the ever-evolving world of etiquette for the modern diner!

Resources

Enjoy the resources and links mentioned in this episode of Passing the Plate.

• The Post Institute
• Dear Abby
• Emily Post’s Etiquette, The Centennial Edition
• Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette
• Etiquette School of America
• Kent State – Dining Etiquette
• Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids
• Toxic and nontoxic plants for pets
• Menus: A Book for Your Meals and Memories by Jacques Pépin
• Mind Your Manners Game  

We show you how to document family recipes for future generations in our webinar Passing the Plate: Documenting Family Recipes for Future Generations. Plus, we’ll help you capture and preserve your family’s culinary heritage with our ebook Passing the Plate: Recipes That Tell Our Family Story.