Teens Gobble Etiquette Lessons

            “Can you please pass the butter?” “May I have more water please?” “Which fork do I use?” “Where do I put my napkin?”

            These are just some of the things you would have heard at the last Teen Night at the Calhoun County Library during our table manners and dining etiquette that featured a Thanksgiving feast.

            We all get a little anxious when we sit down at a table set with multiple forks and several glasses. It’s confusing! On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, local teenagers were greeted by a maitre d’ with piano music playing in the background. They were preparing to enjoy a three-course meal. Before their meal, they learned the details of the table setting including which fork was the salad fork, which fork was the dinner fork, and where the dessert utensils were placed. They learned a few guidelines like how to properly cut meat, where to put your napkin, what the bread plate is for, and why you have two glasses. Along with that information, they learned not to put their elbows on the table, not to chew with their mouth open, and how to politely ask someone to pass items on the table. During the meal, the teens learned how to have appropriate conversations, such as what they would like to do after completing school and what their hobbies include, as if they were preparing to speak to a date’s parents.

            Join us next week on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 5 PM for another Teen Night for Christmas Games We will be opening presents wrapped in cling wrap using oven mitts, passing around a bucket of confetti using just our feet, and making Christmas ornaments. Any teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 are welcome to join us and have fun!