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Teaching Table Manners Activities

Proper table etiquette is an essential skill, whether attending a formal dinner party or simply enjoying a meal with your family.

Not only do manners help the event go smoothly, but they also ensure that all guests – yourself included – have a pleasant experience.

While it is best to start early, it’s never too late to brush up on etiquette essentials. These teaching table manners activities, split into age groups, can help diners of all ages feel more confident during social meals.

Teaching Table Manners Activities for Kids

One of the first lessons we learn as we transition from infant to toddler is to say “Please” and “Thank you.”

Those phrases are an excellent jumping-off point for teaching table manners activities for kids that guide them on maintaining decorum while seated for a meal.

As you’re teaching your child table manners, remember that it’s a marathon rather than a sprint. Start with simple rules, such as chewing with your mouth closed, avoiding crude conversations, and using silverware instead of their fingers.

Over time, you can try more complicated activities, such as place setting and maintaining proper posture.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Children learn by watching what their parents do, so turn their penchant for imitation into a teaching tool.

During Monkey See, Monkey Do, you will demonstrate proper table manners and have your child mimic your behaviors.

How It Works

Choose when to do the activity. You should opt for a low-stress day with time for an extended lunch. Be sure your child is not cranky or sleepy. Otherwise, you risk the activity turning into a battle of wills.
Sit both you and your child down at the table with your meal. Explain that you will play a game where they copy what you do as you eat.
Demonstrate exemplary table manners throughout the meal, going so far as to “overact.” This will help your little one see the nuances and aid in a fruitful discussion.

As your child mimics you, offer praise when you get it right. Be explicit in what they did well at the moment. For example, if they sit up straighter because you sat up straighter, say, “Thank you for maintaining good posture at the table.”
As you go through the activity, ask questions that guide your child towards noticing particular habits. You might ask:
1. What do you see about how I’m chewing?
2. What is the difference between how I’m sitting and how you are sitting?
3. Am I using my fingers or using my silverware?
4. How loud is my voice?

Visual Reminders

Do you have a mini Van Gogh in your household? Ask them to help you make a series of posters to hang around the dining room that acts as table manners visual aids.

Alternatively, you can make and print your own. The key is not how they are made but rather that your child can see them during meals and, hopefully, self-correct poor manners before an adult has to.

Sticker Rewards

Bringing children to restaurants can feel more like a chore than a fun family experience, but you can turn practicing table manners into a game that’s sure to help little ones mind their Ps and Qs.

How It Works

Make a sticker chart with each child’s name and 5-6 table manners you will monitor. Good options would include saying “Please” and “Thank you,” staying in their seat, using their silverware, maintaining an “inside voice,” and chewing with their mouth closed.
Choose a reward the child can earn if they get a sticker in each section of the chart, like picking out a dessert or watching a movie of their choice together once you’ve arrived home.
Before you leave for your meal, review table manner etiquette. As you do so, show your children the sticker chart and explain that you’ll be watching for particular good manners.

During the meal, reward your child with a sticker on their chart when they demonstrate excellent etiquette.
Remember to be patient. Focus on praising good behavior and giving gentle reminders when you see poor behavior.

Teaching Table Manners Activities for Teens

As teens get older, they may confront new table manners challenges, such as cell phone protocol. It is crucial to maintain the same firm boundaries and continue guiding them in the rules of civility as they prepare to take on academic, social, and professional formal events.

Soon, your teen will venture out to more professional and formal social settings where their hosts and other guests will expect them to practice the tenets of good table manners.

Host a Just-for-Fun Dinner Party With Friends

Invite your teen and a few of their friends to an all-out formal dinner party, complete with

a fancy dress code.

During the meal, encourage them to practice having appropriate conversations, passing food around the table, and cell phone etiquette, which means leaving their device in a separate room or keeping it away from sight.

One of the most crucial tenets of good etiquette for this age group is helping the host clean up. As the meal is wrapping up, let the party know that you would appreciate a hand in tidying, and ensure that everyone does their fair share.

Play Manners Charades

This one might elicit a few groans, but this teaching table manners activity is fun if your teen is willing to participate.

Not only is this sure to get the whole family giggling, but the kinesthetic aspect of the activity helps build better brain-body connections, increases engagement, and improves critical thinking skills.

How It Works

Start by making a list of bad manners and good manners on small pieces of paper. Fold the slips up and place them into a basket.
Split your family into two teams.

Each team takes a turn acting out the card. Encourage them to be as dramatic and over-the-top as possible.
When a team can guess their card correctly, they score a point.

Role Reversal

This activity will be a ton of fun, especially for teens who feel like they’re constantly being fussed over and corrected during meals.

Role Reversal is a great way to assess what they see as excellent vs. poor table manners, and it helps make them more aware of what particular examples of poor etiquette look like.

How It Works

Tell your teen that you are going to play Role Reversal during dinner. They will be the “parent,” and you will be the child.
Instruct them to gently correct your bad table manners and praise your good table manners throughout the meal.

Intentionally fluctuate between demonstrating poor manners and showcasing excellent etiquette. As you dine, keep a mental checklist of the behaviors your teen didn’t notice or didn’t comment on.
As you clean up the table together, chat about what they saw or didn’t see, how those poor manners might manifest during a more formal setting, and how they can politely gracefully self-correct improper etiquette should they slip into an old habit.

Teaching Table Manners Activities for Adults

Even as an adult, it’s easy to slip up during cocktail parties, business brunches, or even family meals.

If you’re worried about proper etiquette for an upcoming event or simply want to stay on top of best practices, these teaching table manners activities for adults can help you remain cool, calm, and collected.

Refresh Your Knowledge

Most adults have some working knowledge of basic table manners. Still, understanding more complex social or professional meals can be the difference between making a great impression or making other guests uncomfortable.

This is particularly true if you travel for work or pleasure, as other cultures often have different expectations for meal etiquette than we have in the United States.

For example, in France, your host would think you incredibly rude should you offer to split the bill, while Japanese culture encourages slurping your foods.

Start by refreshing your knowledge of good table manners, including how to pass food around, appropriate portion sizes, and the different parts of a place setting.

You may also consider reading a book on etiquette, such as The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners by Jodi R.R. Smith or The Rituals of Dinner: The Origins, Evolution, Eccentricities, and Meaning of Table Manners by Margaret Visser.

Practice with a Table Setting Cheat Sheet

The proper table setting is critical when you’re ready to host your own semi-formal or formal dining event.

There are rules you should keep in mind, depending on the type of gathering, be it a cocktail party or a welcoming meal for new neighbors.

Even choosing the proper cheese knife can be the difference between a natural, easy meal service and an awkward fromage faux pas.

To ensure your dinner goes smoothly, use a table-setting cheat sheet to practice your dish placement and ensure you have all the tableware you need to host effectively.

Once you’ve planned and audited your dining set, lay out the entire spread with serving dishes. Adjust as necessary, putting enough space between diners and tableware so no one feels overcrowded.

When your table is up to par, snap a few photos and refer back to them as you put your table setting skills to good use on the day of the event.

Try Your Hand at Napkin Folding

While not necessary for a successful formal dinner, etiquette enthusiasts may enjoy taking their learning further by learning the art of napkin folding.

YouTube is an excellent learning resource, with tutorials on everything from a simple fan fold to the whimsical bishop’s hat.

If you don’t have linens, you can use paper napkins to practice, with the added benefit of being stiffer and thus easier to handle than fabric.

Once you’ve mastered a few techniques, you can impress your guests with elegant, seasonal napkins that enhance the ambiance of your event.

Final Thoughts

Dinner table etiquette is a crucial skill, particularly if you find yourself attending many social events or hosting holiday meals. By continuing the practice and instilling table manners in your children, you are helping ensure your family’s continued reputation as a paradigm of poise and politeness.

Why Are Table Manners Important?

Mind Your Manners

If you’ve ever been to a formal dinner party, you know that there are certain expected behaviors. Using the correct fork for each course, not speaking with your mouth full, and not reaching across the table are examples of good table manners.

But why are table manners important?

There are many reasons why table manners are essential. From showing respect to others to preventing the spread of germs, good table manners can make a huge difference in your life.

Here are 15 reasons why table manners are important.

Showing Respect for Others

When you use good table manners, you show respect for the people with whom you’re eating. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a business associate, good table manners show that you care about the people you’re with.

Additionally, good table manners show that you’re willing to follow the rules and be considerate of others.

Using the correct utensils, not speaking with your mouth full, and not interrupting others are all examples of ways you can show respect for the people you’re eating your meal with.

Make a Good Impression

Have you ever been to a job interview where the interviewer took you out to lunch? If so, you know how important it is to have good table manners.

When trying to make a good impression, table manners can go a long way. As much as people like to say they don’t judge others, the reality is that first impressions matter.

If you’re trying to make a good first impression, everything you do will be noticed, from how you dress to how you speak. So make sure your table manners are on point.

Avoid Embarrassment

Imagine this scenario. You’re out to dinner with your boss and a few other people from work. The conversation is flowing, and you’re having a good time. But then, you reach for something on the table and accidentally knock over your water glass. As a result, water goes everywhere, including all over your boss.

In this scenario, good table manners could have prevented the embarrassing incident. For example, if you had been using proper table manners, you would have known not to reach across the table.

So, if you don’t want to embarrass yourself or others, make sure you mind your table manners.

Prevent the Spread of Germs

One of the most important reasons to have good table manners is to prevent the spread of germs.

When you use proper table manners, you’re less likely to touch your face or put your hands in your mouth. And, when you don’t do those things, you’re less likely to get sick.

So, if you want to stay healthy and keep others healthy, make sure you’re aware of dining etiquette. From not putting your elbows on the table to not talking with your mouth full, there are many ways you can prevent the spread of germs at the dinner table.

Make Mealtime More Enjoyable

Another reason to have good table manners is that it can make mealtime more enjoyable. When everyone at the table knows what’s expected of them, there are fewer awkward incidents, and nobody will be left embarrassed.

Additionally, the people around you will notice that you’re considerate of the way you make other people feel, making it easier to develop stronger relationships.

Doing things like not speaking with your mouth full and not interrupting others can make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Set a Good Example for Others

If you have children, it’s essential to set a good example by using proper table manners. When you use good table manners, you’re teaching your children the importance of being respectful and considerate of others. Additionally, you’re showing them to follow the rules in certain situations when it’s necessary.

Also, by teaching your children table manners, they will be better prepared for social situations. They’ll know how to act, what to do and what not to do to make a good impression. Your kids will also learn when they need to be on their best behavior.

Avoid Offending Others

You might not think much about the way you eat, but the reality is that the way you eat can offend others. For example, if you’re eating with your hands, you might not think anything of it. But, to someone from another culture, eating with your hands could be seen as offensive.

If you’re eating with people from other cultures, be aware of their customs and traditions. Additionally, even if you’re not eating with people from different cultures, be mindful of how you eat. You don’t want to offend someone by accident or make them feel uncomfortable.

Lead to More Success

In today’s society, first impressions are everything. One of the ways you can make an excellent first impression is by using proper table manners. When you use good table manners, you’re sending the message that you’re respectful and well-mannered.

All of these qualities are important in the business world. Business deals often happen over meals, so making a good impression is critical. When you’re representing your company, you want to ensure you’re being polite, and that you’re putting your best foot forward.

Appear More Polished

Another reason to use proper table manners is that it can make you appear more polished. When you use good table manners, you come across as someone refined and well-educated. Additionally, it shows that you’re aware of social etiquette and know how to act in social situations.

Social etiquette is the basis for table manners. By understanding and following social etiquette, you can make a good impression in any social situation.

Be More Confident

While table manners might seem like a minor issue, they can impact your confidence. When you use proper table manners, you’re sending the message to others that you’re confident and sure of yourself. Additionally, it shows that you know how to handle yourself in various social situations.

If you’re not confident in your table manners, it can be a good idea to take some time to learn and practice them. By doing so, you’ll be able to go into any social situation with confidence.

Have Better Manners in General

Finally, using proper table manners can lead to better manners in general. When you use good table manners, you’re teaching yourself to be on your best behavior around other people.

These behaviors lead you to be aware of the people around you, which is important to becoming a well-rounded individual.

How to Learn Table Manners

Now that you know why table manners are essential, you might be wondering how you can learn them. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few resources that can help you.

Attend a Formal Dinner Training Event

One of the best ways to learn table manners is to attend a formal dinner training event. These events teach you everything you need to know about table manners.

During a formal dinner training event, you’ll learn about the different utensils, how to properly set a table, and which fork to use for each course. Additionally, you’ll learn about the different types of wine and how to pour them properly.

These events are a great way to learn about table manners in a fun and interactive environment. They’re also a great way to meet people and make new friends with whom you can practice your table manners.

Take a Table Manners Class

Another option for learning table manners is to take a class. Community colleges and continuing education programs typically offer these classes. In a table manners class, you’ll likely learn about:

The history of table manners
General etiquette
How to make small talk

What to do if you spill something
How to eat messy foods

Table manners classes are an excellent option for learning about table manners in a more formal setting.

Read Books or Online Resources

If you prefer to learn on your own, there are plenty of resources that you can use. For example, many books and online articles can teach you about table manners. These resources are especially good for people that want to learn at their own pace or don’t have access to formal classes.

One thing to remember, though, is that reading about table manners is no substitute for actually practicing them. So be sure to put what you’ve learned into practice to master the proper table manners.

Final Thoughts

Table manners are essential for many reasons. They can help you be more confident, have better manners in general, and make a good impression in any social situation.

There are many different ways that you can learn about table manners. For example, you can attend a formal dinner training event, take a class, or read books or online resources.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to put what you’ve learned into practice to master the proper table manners and show off your good manners in every social situation.

Very Large Serving Platters: The Perfect Way to Serve Your Guests

Set The Table

If you’ve ever been in charge of a party, meal, or anything else that requires serving food to a large group of people, you know it’s tough. For one thing, you have to make sure everyone gets enough to eat—and that means you need to be able to whip out as many plates as possible at once.

But not just any plate will do! You need something that can hold all those different foods and keep them organized. And that’s where these large serving platters come in handy! Read on for facts and details about large serving platters.

What Makes a Good Serving Platter?

When it comes to serving food, there’s no denying that a good platter can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for something to serve your family dinner or a new platter that will wow your friends at your next social gathering.

There are a few things you should know before you shop around. Here are some things to consider.

Size/Shape

A good large serving platter should be big enough to hold a lot of food but small enough that it doesn’t take up too much real estate on your table.

The same goes for shapes: circles are better for small portions of food like desserts, while squares are better for larger quantities of side dishes or entrees. In general, choose a serving platter that fits the type of food you’ll be putting on it!

Material

The best serving platter will be made from thick, high-quality material that can hold up to the weight of whatever it’s carrying. The last thing you want is a flimsy dish that will buckle under pressure and dump your carefully prepared meal onto the floor!

Look for heavy-duty materials like glass and ceramic—they’ll stand up to the test of time better than plastic or paper.

Weight/Durability

When choosing a serving platter, think about how much weight it can hold and how long it’s likely to last. If you plan on using your serving platter daily, look for something durable and strong enough to stand up against frequent use.

Price

How much are you willing to spend on a new serving platter? Does this fit within your budget? As with most things in life, there’s a wide range of prices out there when it comes to serving platters.

You don’t have to break the bank on your first purchase, but if you’re looking for something that will last more than just a few uses, consider investing in something pricier (but still affordable). Then, you can use it repeatedly without having to buy another one anytime soon.

Color

When choosing between multiple options, color can be an essential consideration. For example, a dark-colored serving platter can help add contrast against lighter foods like cheese or fresh fruit, while a white or light-colored tray will allow foods with vibrant colors like tomatoes or strawberries to pop!

What Are the Different Types of Platters?

Here’s a rundown of some of the most common types of platters:

Glass Serving Platter

Glass serving platters are great for displaying food at a buffet or with a casserole dish. They are durable and easy to clean as long as you don’t drop them on the floor. Glass platters are made of tempered or untempered glass.

Knowing which kind you have before putting anything hot or wet on them is essential because they may shatter under certain conditions.

Ceramic Serving Platter

Ceramic serving platters are another popular choice because of their durability and versatility. You can also use them to serve both hot and cold foods alike—make sure it’s oven-safe before putting anything in there!

Ceramic platters often come in bright colors and neutral tones, so they’ll fit into most kitchens seamlessly.

Wood Serving Platters

Wood is one of the most popular materials for serving platters, but it’s not as easy to clean as other options. Wood is porous, meaning any liquid that spills on it will soak into the surface and leave stains behind.

However, you’ll find that wood serving platters come in many different styles and designs—some even have handles so you can carry them easily.

Stainless Steel Platters

Stainless steel is an excellent choice for large serving platters because it’s easy to clean and won’t warp or crack if you expose it to high heat during cooking or storage.

It also won’t retain odors from previous use, making it an ideal surface for serving foods like cheese or crudités where aroma matters. However, stainless steel is often more expensive than some other materials.

Plastic Platters

Plastic platters are an excellent option for those planning to serve a large group of people. They are easy to clean and inexpensive.

Also, plastic serving platters are lightweight, making them easier to move around. The main drawback to plastic serving platters is that you cannot use them in the oven or microwave. In addition, they may break if dropped onto a hard surface.

Top 5 Large Serving Platters

The following are our choices for the five best large serving platters that will work well for your events, parties, or other serving needs.

DOWAN Large Serving Platter

This option is the perfect serving platter for your next dinner party. It’s made of porcelain, so it’s durable and will last a long time. In addition, it has a leak-proof design that keeps your food fresh and delicious, and it’s also safe to use in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven!

This large serving platter has a silky touching feeling that makes it feel like you’re holding a piece of art in your hands—not just a platter. Its stylish oval shape makes it easy to serve on any table or countertop.

Pros

It’s easy to clean
It’s heat resistant
It’s durable

Cons

Easy to shatter if exposed to a lot of heat

i BKGOO Foodservice White Plastic Platter

Whether you’re looking for a new serving tray or want to add some variety to your kitchen, this white plastic tray from i BKGOO will do the trick. It has a lightweight design and is stackable for easy storage.

It is also durable, stain and scratch-resistant, and features an elegant white color that will pair well with any decor. The melamine construction makes it a safe bet for even the most finicky of eaters – no worries about dropping or scratching these beauties.

Pros

Melamine is lightweight and easy to carry around

It’s easy to clean
Great for outdoor activities serving

Cons

It’s not microwave-safe

Large Serving Platter Set – DELLING

Anyone who wants to create a beautiful culinary masterpiece will appreciate the DELLING Large Serving Platters (Set of 3).

This set includes 3 round platters in different sizes: 16-inches, 14-inches, and 12-inches. They are made of high-fire ceramic, which ensures long-lasting durability.

Other features include a sturdy, non-slip base and raised sides for safe transportation. They are also dishwasher and microwave safe, so you can clean them easily after use. These platters are also perfect for serving pasta, sliced meats, seafood dishes like sushi or pancakes, and sandwiches and pizzas.

Pros

It’s versatile- you can use it as a serving dish, platter, or tray.

Aesthetically pleasing

Cons

May easily break from high heat exposure

Le Creuset Stoneware Oval Serving Platter

When serving food on such a large scale, presentation is everything. Le Creuset’s Stoneware Oval Serving Platter is stylish, sturdy, and reliable. The Serving Platter is made from hard-wearing stoneware, which is a great material as it is both heat and shock-resistant.

This platter is safe to put in the oven, freezer, or microwave, so you can heat them without worrying about cracking or melting. In addition, the consistent tones add great design detail to any kitchen setting.

Pros

They are safe to use in the dishwasher
It Has handles, so it is easy to carry around

Cons

A bit pricey

LAUCHUH Extra Large Porcelain Serving Platter Perfect for Display

The LAUCHUH Serving Tray with Handle Extra Large Porcelain Serving Platter is a must-have for those looking to upgrade their serving platters.

This gorgeous piece will solve all your problems with large servings. It has a generous platter size, raised edges, and an extended handle for easy carrying.

This tray is made from high-quality porcelain, making it oven safe and dishwasher safe. It is also perfect for outdoor or indoor entertaining and everyday use. Plus, its simple yet eye-catching design won’t disrupt the decor of your dining area.

Pros

It is easy to clean

It is versatile
It’s very convenient since it has handles
Large

Cons

The curved edges may reduce the space on the tray
A bit heavy

Wrapping Up

Large Serving Platters are a necessity for any dinner party. They also work well for your meal prep needs to feed your family or a large crowd.

With such fantastic variety in shapes and sizes, you can use these plates to serve anything from appetizers and side items to main courses and desserts.

They also add an elegant touch to the party. There are many platters to choose from, such as oval-shaped, square-shaped, rectangle-shaped, etc.

If you are going for a budget, check out the types from different shops, the quality and price, and the material. It is important to have all the factors in mind.

Slate and Wood Serving Board With Bowls

Set The Table

Serving boards give you space to prepare a delicious snack layout for parties, dinners, or picnics. While the boards might look like basic wood cutting boards, you need to consider what you’re serving to find the right board for your needs. Slate and wood serving boards have plenty of space to showcase a variety of cheese, meat, crackers, nuts, fruit, and more.

If you want to serve items like olives or cherry tomatoes without worrying that they’ll roll away or moisten the other food, you can put them in a bowl. Using serving boards with bowls also helps facilitate passing around the goods so everyone can snag what they want.

Top 6 Slate and Wood Serving Boards With Bowls Reviewed

These six slate and wood serving boards with bowls offer something for everyone. You’ll find different sizes and styles so you can have space for all your favorite snacks.

1. Picnic at Ascot Bamboo Charcuterie Platter

This wood serving board with bowls is beautiful in its simplicity. You get a solid bamboo board with a golden-stain finish. The board itself is 13 inches wide by 13 inches long. It stands about two inches above the table thanks to rubber feet that stabilize it.

The three ceramic serving bowls are perfect for olives, pickles, nuts, jams, or other condiments. There’s no limit to what you can serve in these bowls because they include bamboo spoons. Your guests will have no problem scooping out just enough of the snack.

Pros

Bowls are inset to stay in place while serving

Board looks upscale for fancy dinners
It’s light enough to transport for picnics
The set includes matching bamboo spoons

Cons

Board isn’t durable enough to double as a cutting board
Spoons are shallower than typical teaspoons

2. Large Slate Cheese Board and Knife Set with Bowls

Sometimes it’s more impressive to let your snacks speak for themselves. Your food assortment is sure to pop on this dark serving board. The slate slab is thick and sturdy and can double as a cutting board. Bumper feet prevent the stone from scratching your table or countertops.

The board is 16 inches long and 12 inches wide, so you have plenty of room for cheese, meat, crackers, and fruit. Three square ceramic bowls can hold nuts, round snacks, dips, and condiments.

This set is ideal for starting out with charcuterie because it includes four stainless steel serving utensils. You get a thin knife, a chisel knife, a heart knife, and a serving fork. It also comes with stone chalk so you can label each item.

Pros

Slate board has bumper feet to prevent scratches

Includes four stainless steel serving utensils
Three small bowls hold round items and dips
Includes stone chalk to label each snack

Cons

Bowls aren’t inset, so they can slide off the tray
It’s not microwavable or dishwasher safe

3. Shanik Acacia Wood Serving Board With Bowls

The dark acacia wood of the Shanik serving board elevates your charcuterie from a snack assortment to an elegant dining experience. The board itself is 15 inches long and 13 inches wide. It’s made of stained wood, with inset spaces for three bowls and a slate cutting surface.

The slate portion easily lifts out of the acacia wood to store three serving utensils in the board itself. The ceramic bowls are rectangular and fit in cutouts at the top of the board. There are also inset sections for crackers or bread. The board’s design makes it easy to carry from the kitchen to the table without losing any snacks.

Pros

Inset areas keep bowls and crackers from sliding around
Serving utensils store neatly inside the board

The slate section lifts out for easy cleaning
Comes with a velvet bag to store it safely

Cons

Wood section scuffs and scratches easily

The slate portion doesn’t fit snugly and might wobble

4. SMIRLY Bamboo Cheese Board Set

The SMIRLY serving board with bowls includes everything you’d need to serve your guests a delicious assortment of foods. Instead of overfilling one panel, there’s an additional round fruit tray with five spacious sections.

Two ceramic bowls fit into the larger tray’s corners. The tray is 17 inches long and 13 inches wide. The top of the board has three square insets to keep items like nuts, grapes, or olives from rolling away.

The set also includes four serving knives that fit into a magnetic holder. If you cut everything ahead of time, you can leave off the holder to have more space on the board. But if you want to include knives for convenience, they stand up perfectly along the edge of the tray.

Pros

Includes insets for nuts and bowls for liquid and dips
Comes with a matching fruit tray

The magnetic holder keeps serving utensils in place
Includes four serving knives and six sampler forks

Cons

Bowls and insets aren’t very deep

Utensils aren’t strong enough for hard meats and cheeses

5. Shanik Square Acacia Charcuterie Set

The previous Shanik offering on this list is an excellent option for beginners, but if you want to include countless snacks, dips, and condiments, you need to upgrade to their square charcuterie set. This board has hidden drawers that expand to offer more space, utensils, and ceramic dishes.

The board is 14 by 14 inches square at its most compact size. Two hidden drawers pull out to store cutting utensils and extra ceramic plates. Four corner-shaped ceramic bowls sit on the board’s edges. The entire border of the board is inset, so nothing will roll away during transport.

Pros

Two hidden drawers include more dishes and utensils
Remove the drawers to have three serving boards in one
Unique shaped ceramic bowls make this board look fancy

Have the option to keep it compact or spread everything out

Cons

Board loses durability over time
Wood warps with washing, making it hard to remove drawers

6. ChefSofi Round Charcuterie Board Set

For people wanting something a little different, this round charcuterie board set stands out. It’s 13 inches in diameter, giving you plenty of room for a snack assortment. There are two layers to the board, so you can store four serving utensils underneath the cutting section.

Four ceramic bowls sit around the board’s edge to maximize the space. There’s also an inset along the other side of the board to prevent nuts, crackers, and other small items from rolling away. The center section is sturdy enough to use as a cutting board.

Pros

The compact cutting board has room for utensil storage

The round design is unique and attractive
Four bowls provide plenty of space for liquids, dips, and condiments
Comes with four serving knives and forks

Cons

Knives might warp when used with hard cheese or cured meat
Not much larger than a dinner plate, so best for small gatherings

Things To Consider Before Buying Serving Boards With Bowls

After seeing six great options for charcuterie sets, you might be unsure what’s best for you. Consider these major factors before you buy a slate or wood serving board with bowls.

Size

The size of the serving board depends on what you plan to serve. If you’re having a small gathering, you don’t need a large, bulky board. But you don’t want to buy a compact board and end up piling your snacks on top of each other. Some of the best options on this list are those with hidden drawers and removable sections so you can spread out your food offerings.

Material

Plastic cutting boards were once more popular than wood, but you can’t beat the look of a wooden serving board. When there’s a slate inset included, you elevate a charcuterie board into a work of art. It’s also nice to use stone chalk to label items on a slate board.

Ceramic bowls are the most common accessory you’ll see with slate or wood serving boards. They’re durable, simple, and fit in with their neutral color. You can pop them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup after your party.

Care Instructions

People often think wood isn’t as hygienic as ceramic or glass, but it’s fine as long as you clean it properly. Don’t soak it in water, as that makes the wood split. You can hand wash it with hot soapy water and dry it immediately.

Slate has a textured surface that can harbor bacteria. Many slate cutting boards come with a food-safe sealant already applied. As with wooden items, hand wash slate with warm soapy water and dry it with a kitchen towel. Slate boards with no backing or rubber feet are usually dishwasher safe but double-check with the manufacturer first.

Conclusion

Having the right slate or wood serving boards with bowls can elevate any gathering. You have space to provide a snack assortment to your guests. The bowls keep liquids from the dry items and prevent round food from rolling away. The boards also add an element of style to your party. Buy one today to keep all your snacks within arm’s reach.

How To Organize Serving Platters

Set The Table

Organizing the kitchen is never an easy task, especially serving platters. Think about the serving dishes you usually pull out when friends and family are around. How about the pans and pots you use to prepare food? Add these to the muffin tins, baking sheets, and cutting boards you frequently use.

All these kitchen utensils can create a messy environment if they are not organized. Worry not; this critique will guide you on organizing serving platters. You can use the ideas you gain here to store other utensils, too!

Buy the Right Platters for Serving Food

Before you even think about organizing platters for serving food, you should buy suitable platters from the stores. While buying single platters might seem to be a great way to cut costs, buying platters in sets is always recommended.

A set of platters come in specific shapes and sizes. Typically, the platters are placed inside each other. It can help you save on space in the kitchen. The set of platters can also give your kitchen a nice facial uplift. Serving food using these plates creates the right mood to enjoy tasty meals prepared in your kitchen.

Be Creative With Vertical Spaces

Traditionally, most people are used to organizing platters by stacking them. This isn’t a bad way of arranging plates for serving food, but it’s not the best option. It’s time to bring some creativity into your kitchen by making good use of the vertical spaces.

Find some pieces of plywood and use them to make vertical dividers in your kitchen cupboards. You can then use the spaces created to organize your platters. You will notice that you will be using less space to store the platters. Plus, you will find it easy to store the platters or put them away.

Organize With Tension Rods

Using the vertical spaces in your kitchen cupboards also comes in handy here. You can organize platters using tension rods. Using these rods can even help to safely remove some of the serving dishes you haven’t used in a while.

Typically, stacking platters makes it difficult to reach serving dishes at the bottom of the pile. Vertical storage using tension rods helps to eliminate this.

Use Racks

Racks are a must-have in your kitchen. They simplify the whole process of organizing your dishes. Plus, they help a lot in drying hand-washed utensils. You only need to use a water-absorbing placement below the rack, and you’re good to go.

Racks also give your kitchen a beautiful aesthetic, especially if you choose specific designs that match the look of your kitchen and utensils.

Heavy Stuff to the Bottom Cabinet

It’s always a struggle to reach for the heavy platters stored on top shelves. This is especially true for ceramic platters. It takes a lot of effort to get them out and use them for serving food. Most people end up using other dishes to avoid all the hassle.

To avoid this, organize heavy platters at the bottom cabinets. You don’t have to struggle to get them when visitors are around. What’s more, you avoid the potential breakage of these platters.

Hang the Platters

Ever thought of hanging your platters? Designer platters usually come with specific handles– use these to hang them! You can use these handles to hang them vertically and make good use of your spaces. The trick here is to use a curtain rod with hooks.

Position the curtain rod somewhere next to the sink for easy washing and hanging. The rod also should be within your reach when serving food. It makes it easy to grab and use. So, remember to shop for designer utensils that have these hooks when you’re looking!

Take Advantage of Hooks

If your kitchen has enough shelves, you might find extra storage space using hooks. You can hook these storage hooks anywhere on your kitchen shelves. They provide an innovative way of storing your platters for easy retrieval.

Protect Your Platters From Scratches

The last thing you need in your expensive dinnerware is to have them scratched just because of improper storage. If you are stacking your plates, consider giving some extra padding. Use disposable paper plates or sheet foam to provide an extra layer when organizing your platters.

This helps to prevent the platters from coming into contact with each other. Any form of layering works here; you don’t have to go for anything expensive.

Organize and Decorate

Organizing serving platters isn’t just about putting things where they need to be. It’s more than just decluttering. You need to be creative here and keep things organized while at the same time decorating your kitchen.

For instance, instead of using the usual baskets to store platters, you can use well-designed cane baskets. You will enjoy spending more time preparing hearty meals in a well-organized environment. So, it’s worth leveraging your creativity here.

Install Pegboards

Pegboards are the in-thing these days. You can always use the empty kitchen wall spaces to store platters. Ensure you install the peg boards around places where you can easily access them. For instance, install them next to the sink or close to the dining table, if you have one in your kitchen area.

Declutter and Stay Organized

An integral aspect of being organized requires decluttering some of your serving platters. Tidying up your kitchen environment helps to de-stress. Preparing meals in a disorderly space can easily make you feel overwhelmed!

Therefore, you need to get rid of some of the platters you no longer use. Over time, there is a good chance that you’ve collected tons of kitchenware. Get rid of some, as this helps create space for new things you might require.

Organizing serving platters doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Once you establish a specific storage system, the rest is simply maintenance. Keeping your kitchen organized creates a welcoming environment where you can cook and share conversations with your friends and family.

Use the ideas discussed herein to simplify the process for you. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel – do what the experts do!

Are Table Manners Really Important

Mind Your Manners

Holidays, weddings, and weekdays at 6 PM are all times you might gather with others for a meal at the table. During these special moments of community and fellowship, there is usually a standard of etiquette or table manners you will want to follow. But how does a person learn good etiquette and how to employ it?

Are table manners really important in this modern age of frozen TV dinners and couch trays? Read on to find out why table manners are as crucial now as they were a century ago and how you can start using them daily.

Where Do Table Manners Come From

Societies and cultures worldwide have been using table manners since we started gathering together for meals. In Europe, dining customs date back as far as the 15th century. Places like Greece and Rome adopted some courtesies even earlier.

Usually, the upper class sets the standards and then passes them down through society. Along the way, different rituals are kept and discarded based on importance and practicality. The rules also change from one dining experience to the next, depending on class, religion, region, and meal. Your family may even have traditions of their own.

A Standard of Respect

Sharing a meal with others is a joyous experience. There is so much we can learn from one another across the table. Good manners show other people that you respect them and appreciate their company. There are many ways to prove you respect others when dining together. Here are a few examples.

Cleanliness

Showing up to a meal neat and groomed suggests to other guests that you respect them and yourself. It lets them know you took the time to bathe, dress, and put your best foot forward when spending time with others.

Politeness

Knowing good table manners can help you come across as a polite individual. Others will be more open to engagement if they know they will be received politely. There is room for discussion on important topics while laying boundaries and keeping the space safe for everyone involved.

Awareness

Awareness goes hand-in-hand with politeness. Table manners allow us to stop worrying about how we should react and instead listen to what others are communicating. You will know how to respond appropriately before you even sit down.

Table Manners Can Help You Avoid Embarrassment

Getting caught with your elbows on the table or telling a crass joke can spoil an otherwise fun evening. Knowing proper table manners can help you avoid looking foolish among other guests.

We’ve all run into the invitee that drinks too much during the reception. Although modern customs insist that it’s all in good fun, who isn’t made uncomfortable by this person? A little education goes a long way, and by observing basic courtesy, it’s easier to navigate delicate situations such as these.

Table Manners Support Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

Table manners are not just anecdotal. They serve a practical purpose as well. Using them can help improve your quality of life.

Deeper Connections

Bridging the gap between ourselves and others often starts over a good meal. By engaging in table manners that help put others in the spotlight of our awareness, we can develop deeper connections with our peers. Remember, table manners are an expression of respect, which is at the core of trust.

Establishing Gratitude

By taking the time to appreciate a meal as a sacred part of many rituals and routines, we can establish gratitude for whatever occasion we celebrate.

It’s easy to get lost in the attention-grabbing, flashy merchandise of any holiday or even our daily lives. But manners based on tradition and value help bring us back to the center of our community.

Comfort and Personal Safety

Everything we do in life comes with risks, including eating. Even though eating is something we must do to live, we cannot do it carelessly. That’s why chewing slowly, using good posture, and paying attention to where you stick your knife can help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.

A Few Tips

Table manners can vary based on several factors. This ambiguity can make it difficult to know how to behave at a table if you are unfamiliar with the people or territory. Fortunately, there are a few basic rules you can follow no matter where you are to help you get the hang of things.

Arrive on time
Say please and thank you even if you don’t know the language

Use good body posture
Remember that nothing belongs on the table but food and the tools to eat it
Chew slowly

Listen
Be gracious and show gratitude

If you know before the meal what type of customs you should research, it’s always best to do so. By arriving with a basic understanding of the culture you have been invited into, you demonstrate a genuine interest in getting to know your hosts.

What is even better, if you have the opportunity to address a guest familiar with the table manners practiced by the hosts, they can be a valuable resource. Individuals raised in certain customs and traditions will be the best teachers. They will know the nuances of adjusting from family to family.

Learning Table Manners

So, are table manners really important? Obviously, they play a massive role in our societies as a whole and individual families. Learning them is essential for understanding the core values of other cultures worldwide. And grandma will be so grateful you did.

The best thing to do is start early and teach table manners to your children. If you don’t know what they are, do some research, or come up with your own. Even a few rules such as no phones at the table or asking to be excused can help teach your children about the importance of mealtimes and proper etiquette.

If you want to take an in-depth look at table manners in your culture, there are plenty of online courses and teachers to learn from. There are even some schools that teach etiquette, and these cover all aspects of daily life.

Final Thoughts

It’s always best to show, not tell. The next time you wonder, “are table manners really important?” observe the people around you. Who would you prefer to sit down with for a meal? Common courtesy can help set you apart as an exemplary host or dinner guest.