Holiday Ettiquette 101 Good manners are good sense!

 

 

It's never too early or too late to learn the basics of "company manners." Like any skill, table manners are learned over time and with repetition. And just like adults, kids respond better to praise than to shame. Here are eight basics for kids (and adults) to practice every day, but they'll come in particularly handy this Thanksgiving:

 

 

 

• Wait for the cue to sit down. Unfold your napkin and place it over your lap but don't pick up your fork just yet.
• Watch and wait. When a parent or the host picks up a fork, that's your green light to do the same.
• Pass food from left to right. Take only as much as you will finish, then pass the dish to the person on your right.
• Sit up straight and bring the food to your mouth instead of hunching down over your plate.
• Speaking of bringing food to your mouth, use your utensils unless everyone is eating finger food. Note: you can eat pizza and still use good manners.
• Chew with your mouth closed; talk with your mouth empty.
• If you want to lick your lips, dab them with your napkin instead.
• Are you finished? Place your knife and fork side by side on your plate with the handles pointing right. Straighten your napkin and leave it on the table, near the left side of your plate. Some parents might let you leave the table early, but you should ask permission first. Clear your place while you're at it.