What Would Emily Post Do? - Advice For Children Quiz

Answer: Cleanliness

One way of showing respect for yourself and others is to always be clean when you are eating. This includes washing your face, hands and finger nails thoroughly, wearing clean clothes and removing your outerwear - jackets, hats and overshoes, etc. - before you come to the table to eat.

Answer: Check the table setting

A table should be set in advance of the guests' arrival with utensils, plates, glassware and napkins that each diner will need for the meal. When you have learned to recognize each piece and how/when you should use it, you will have some idea of what will be served just by noticing your place setting.

Answer: The dinner plate

Even in the least formal table settings the plate is in the middle of each place setting. Often, it is the first thing to be placed on the table because the other necessary "tools" are placed around it.

Answer: Take your seat at that place setting

A host and/or hostess may spend a lot of time considering who will enjoy sitting next to whom; and, thus benefit the entire dinner party. It is NEVER acceptable to switch or move place cards. To quote from one of Emily Post's books ("Table Manners for Kids"): "One switcheroo could wreck the whole plan."

Answer: Bacon that has been crispy fried

In most situations it would be acceptable to eat crispy fried bacon without using a utensil. But if the bacon is not crisp or if it is very thick, greasy or has already been broken into bite sized pieces, you should use a fork. As with other elements of what is considered "good manners" different situations may dictate that you act differently.

For example, some cultures may eat a majority of their food using only their hands to feed themselves, while other cultures consider it very wrong to handle ANY food with an "unclean" hand.

These are situations that you would need to learn as you become more exposed to various cultures and thus more sophisticated.

Answer: Ask what ingredients were used to prepare the food

If you do have allergies or concerns about reactions to certain foods or food additives, it is permissible to inquire (quietly and discreetly) about what was used to prepare the food. Ideally, you would have informed your host and/or hostess of any concerns prior to being seated/served at the meal. If you do think you have eaten something to which you will have a negative reaction you should tell your host or one of the meal's servers as soon as possible.

Answer: Take a small taste of it

As a guest it is your responsibility to make your host feel appreciated. Enjoying all the food they have made available for you is one sure way to do that. But if you just cannot enjoy a particular food do not force yourself to eat it - you may become sick. That would not be good. Do not move it around on the plate or make negative comments about it, either. If possible, do try a bite - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Answer: Talking on your cell phone at the table

When you are eating at a restaurant or any public place one of the easiest ways to be polite is to keep in mind that OTHERS are there to enjoy their meal, too. It may seem that it would be fun to talk loudly, move about wildly, have a cell phone conversation, play with electronic devices and/or speak rudely to other people but none of these are acceptable - anywhere - when you are dining.

Answer: Talking while you have your mouth full of food

Although you can participate in polite conversation, you are at the table to eat your meal, so, you should enjoy EATING. Make sure you chew AND swallow each bite BEFORE you talk. With an empty mouth you can speak clearly. And, it is always a great idea to have something POSITIVE to say about the food, the table decorations, the group of people, etc. to assure your host that you are enjoying yourself.

Answer: Ensuring that all your guests enjoy themselves

Of course, as the host or hostess it is your responsibility to ensure that every one has a good time. The basic way to do this is just to be considerate of each guest's needs and personalities. If you are hosting a meal or a party, be sure to invite a good mix of people, serve foods and drinks that you know will be appreciated and circulate among your guests. Do your best to make EVERYone feel welcome and glad that they gave YOU their time.