...all over the web! I'm sure many of you have been visiting the lovely tea parties on all the different sites, I especially enjoyed these tea parties--be sure to scroll down, there are several teas on each blog, including a French Toile tea and a Peter Rabbit Tea.
http://larearose.blogspot.com/
http://allblissbethine.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Polite Table Behaviour
Polite Table Behaviour For Children By The Pleasant Times Resident Etiquette Expert
Etiquette books and columns in magazines abound in good advice for making meals pleasant, and not offending others by your eating habits. It is unnecessary that I should give basic table manners here. However, it has been pointed out to me that there are a few things that little children should be reminded of constantly to help them learn polite behaviour at the table. Therefore, this shall not be a thorough lecture, but just a little one in order to point out these few things.
The Family Meal
Giclee Print
Blommers,...
Buy at AllPosters.com
One of the chief things that I Insist on is that children sit "square on their chair." This I find is not a concept easily remembered. No sliding off the edges, no sitting precariously on one corner, or seated on one side, with a leg here and another there. No sliding around, either, and of course no leaning the chair backwards. Children must sit in such a way as to keep them from falling off, whether by accident or by design.
This goes for adults as well, who will persist leaning their chairs backwards, not only at home but in public places such as church. No, no!
The chair should stay put on the floor, except when you need to slide it in to get in or out of it. And when you do get in or out, slide the chair easily and do not rock it back and forth as if it was wedged in something. If it is too heavy for a child, they should ask for assistance, and not try and squeeze themselves in between a tucked-in chair and the table!
Now, on to the meal. Of course many of us know not to talk with our mouths full, and to chew with our mouths closed, elbows off the table, etc. However, I must make a comment about the trip the food makes from the plate to the fork and then to the mouth. Make sure that no food drops off the fork onto the floor or the table! If you are in the habit of dropping food, you may be trying to take too much at once to transport to your mouth, or eating too quickly. Dropping food is a terrible waste as well as a mess. Care should be taken to eat a bit slower and pay attention to the flight of the fork or spoon.
Comments about the food should follow the rule, "if you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all." One must not say "This is YUCKY!" or "I ate everything on my plate, except this stuff, it smells bad" or "There is a bug in my salad!" Silence is best on any undesirable finds about the meal. Cooks can get hurt feelings by such rude comments, even if said in perfect ignorance and innocence. Gross comments can also make younger fellow diners abandon the meal before it is fairly begun.
Lunch in the Garden
Giclee Print
De Nittis,...
Buy at AllPosters.com
Though most do not notice the difference in the words "finished" and "done," I have heard someone say that they do not like children to say "I'm done!" but rather "I'm finished" with the meal. I suppose a well-cooked meat dish is "done," and to say that you are done would imply that you are fully cooked (?). It does sound a little bit nicer to announce that you are finished with your meal, and "may I please be excused" is of course better than running away unannounced.
Speaking of running away, some smaller children enjoy taking a few bites, getting down and running away, then coming back to start their game over again. Best to nip this in the bud.
Little children can be so excited about a meal, or about the day, or about each other, that they will not always remember these things. One does not want to be saying "chew with your mouth closed" for the thousandth time (falling on deaf ears), or make an upsetting etiquette transgression court case and punishment the mealtime routine. Do not weary! A gentle reminder now and then will not harm anyone, indeed, it is quite necessary. Someday your child will want to learn pleasant eating skills, as they become more self-conscious about the Art of Eating in Polite Society.
Blessing
Art Print
Barber, Charles...
Books on:
Manners for Children
Manners for Boys
Etiquette books and columns in magazines abound in good advice for making meals pleasant, and not offending others by your eating habits. It is unnecessary that I should give basic table manners here. However, it has been pointed out to me that there are a few things that little children should be reminded of constantly to help them learn polite behaviour at the table. Therefore, this shall not be a thorough lecture, but just a little one in order to point out these few things.The Family Meal
Giclee Print
Blommers,...
Buy at AllPosters.com
One of the chief things that I Insist on is that children sit "square on their chair." This I find is not a concept easily remembered. No sliding off the edges, no sitting precariously on one corner, or seated on one side, with a leg here and another there. No sliding around, either, and of course no leaning the chair backwards. Children must sit in such a way as to keep them from falling off, whether by accident or by design.
This goes for adults as well, who will persist leaning their chairs backwards, not only at home but in public places such as church. No, no!
The chair should stay put on the floor, except when you need to slide it in to get in or out of it. And when you do get in or out, slide the chair easily and do not rock it back and forth as if it was wedged in something. If it is too heavy for a child, they should ask for assistance, and not try and squeeze themselves in between a tucked-in chair and the table!
Now, on to the meal. Of course many of us know not to talk with our mouths full, and to chew with our mouths closed, elbows off the table, etc. However, I must make a comment about the trip the food makes from the plate to the fork and then to the mouth. Make sure that no food drops off the fork onto the floor or the table! If you are in the habit of dropping food, you may be trying to take too much at once to transport to your mouth, or eating too quickly. Dropping food is a terrible waste as well as a mess. Care should be taken to eat a bit slower and pay attention to the flight of the fork or spoon.
Comments about the food should follow the rule, "if you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all." One must not say "This is YUCKY!" or "I ate everything on my plate, except this stuff, it smells bad" or "There is a bug in my salad!" Silence is best on any undesirable finds about the meal. Cooks can get hurt feelings by such rude comments, even if said in perfect ignorance and innocence. Gross comments can also make younger fellow diners abandon the meal before it is fairly begun.
Lunch in the Garden
Giclee Print
De Nittis,...
Buy at AllPosters.com
Though most do not notice the difference in the words "finished" and "done," I have heard someone say that they do not like children to say "I'm done!" but rather "I'm finished" with the meal. I suppose a well-cooked meat dish is "done," and to say that you are done would imply that you are fully cooked (?). It does sound a little bit nicer to announce that you are finished with your meal, and "may I please be excused" is of course better than running away unannounced.
Speaking of running away, some smaller children enjoy taking a few bites, getting down and running away, then coming back to start their game over again. Best to nip this in the bud.
Little children can be so excited about a meal, or about the day, or about each other, that they will not always remember these things. One does not want to be saying "chew with your mouth closed" for the thousandth time (falling on deaf ears), or make an upsetting etiquette transgression court case and punishment the mealtime routine. Do not weary! A gentle reminder now and then will not harm anyone, indeed, it is quite necessary. Someday your child will want to learn pleasant eating skills, as they become more self-conscious about the Art of Eating in Polite Society.
Blessing
Art Print
Barber, Charles...
Books on:
Manners for Children
Manners for Boys
Saturday, September 8, 2007
"They"
I have just had a brilliant idea, for someone out there (perhaps someone rich!): "Someone" needs to start a business where inventors work on and produce all the things we have been needing, and fix the things that need improving. The business should be called "They." Then the next time I say, "they need to invent baby clothes for wiggly babies that don't require all these snaps" or "they need to make a teapot that does not drip," I will know who "they" are! And "they" should have a telephone number so we can call them and tell them what "they" should do.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Award
Mrs. Pea has so kindly nominated me for this award, though she hasn't had a real paper letter from me in years! The lovely lady forgave but didn't forget me!
"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass on to seven others whom you feel are deserving of this award”
I would like to nominate first of all Lady Lydia, who has always been nice to me, and whose blog certainly has been a positive influence!
Rebecca, a dear and faithful friend.
Amy, always sweet and gentle (and who just started her own blog).
Micah, who is also one of the sweet and gentle ladies I am privileged to know.
Merideth at Like Merchants Ships was the first to send folks over to my blog, it was such an encouragement to me as I was new to blogging.
I would like to nominate Mel over at homeschool blogger, but Melanie, I have not been able to get anyone's blog from homeschool blogger to come up for me for months! So just know I am thinking of you, but can't get a link to work!
Thank you Mrs. Pea!
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