This time of year brings lots of gatherings, usually around a dinner table. And while manners are a big deal in our home, formalities at the table don’t get as much attention. We are casual people, but I still want my kids to know the basics of a table setting…if anything, so they feel comfortable when in that position.
And in order to make it fun and easy to remember, we employ two methods for remembering the key things at the table. First, is the B & D for remembering which side has your bread plate and which has your drink. I know this has helped me at really formal tables where I’m worried about accidentally eating my neighbor’s roll.
The second trick is great when teaching your kids how to help set the table. The fork and knife always seem to end up on the wrong side, but not when using the FORK method. Simply picture the word ‘fork,’ and use that as your placement guide. The F is first, and stands for fork, followed by O, which is the shape of the plate, and K, representing the knife.
Okay, so there’s no R, but FOK doesn’t sound as nice. And ‘FORK’ is easy to remember. Update: A reader suggested making it FORKS and putting the spoon in!
For the really young crowd, this printable place mat is a fun learning tool.
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You can find all the rules and etiquette online, but I find this one particularly helpful.
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Do you have any fun and easy tips? Feel free to share in the comments.