A Matter of Manners

Rules to Dine By

by Brian Welsh

I think most people will have encountered an experience such as I am about to describe, some of which go on to be urban legends.

Have you ever sat down at a table of eight to 10 other like-minded people for a charitable event or maybe a wedding? The moment you sit down the lovely gent to your right drinks out of your water glass and the woman on your left takes up the glass on your left and proceeds to have a drink and leaves an imprint of lipstick? Oh dear. What will you do?

For starters, tell the gent that he has just used your glass and would he mind exchanging his for yours. I always try to incorporate the ever useful "We" so as not to throw all blame onto the scoundrel. If, and I mean it now, you feel totally uncomfortable telling a stranger with whom you are dining that he/she has made a mistake, let the server know. They deal with this every event and every day.

I know that clues don't always offer the best solution to the dilemma since most people forget the clues anyway. but I'm going to give you one. Try taking the "r" from the word drink to remember that the drink is on the right and Bob's your uncle! Take the "l" from plate and now you have what is rightfully yours.

You already know that forks are on your left and knives, blade pointing inward or to the left are on your right-hand side.

If you have any questions, all you have to do is ask ... I look forward to it.

ENJoy Brian

You can e-mail questions to brian.welsh@Fairmont.com

Featured on Tuesday, June 25, 2002

Matter of Manners Archive