Posted by Elle2021 on February 7, 2004, at 16:38:36
In reply to Re: table manners ... obsession? » Medusa, posted by Poet on February 7, 2004, at 16:08:10
Now, I don't consider myself an obsesser of table manners. In fact, I usually don't notice anyone's table manners until they start to bother me. I don't like it when people drink milk with a meal. I don't know why, but it totally grosses me out. Thats why, I never serve milk. Sodas, juices, water, but no milk.
Guests who chew ice do not bother me, provided they do not spit the excess chunks of ice back into the cup. That is GROSS.If I have a special wood table, that I would be particularly upset if someone spilled something on it, then I don't use it. I find that those cheap card tables work fine and look presentable with a table cloth over them. Of course, if you are having a dinner inside and your only table is the dinner table and thats the one you are particular about, then it is the hostess' job to put a plastic laminate over it to prevent staining. Guests should never feel uneasy, because they were invited after all.
> You may be horrified at this, but I grew up in a house where pets were fed from the table. I will put a plate on the floor for the cats, and let them lick it clean, but not in front of guests unless they have pets and do the same in their house.I do the same thing. The cats get the leftovers, although not to be consumed in front of the guests, lest they become suspicious about the cleanliness of the plates they are eating off of. When I am alone however, I feed the cats from the table. It doesn't bother me.
And yes...napkins should be abundant and easily attainable from any sitting place.
Elle
poster:Elle2021
thread:310432
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040131/msgs/310624.html