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Teaching Table Manners to Preschoolers

Mind Your Manners

Children are not born with manners; you provide lessons and guidance to help them learn how to show respect to others. When your kid learns to eat, it’s your role to ensure excellent behavior is displayed at the table. Teaching table manners to preschoolers is not difficult, but it does call for patience!

The manners you teach your young ones at the table will benefit them in other sectors of life too, such as social interactions and job opportunities. For example, some employers and business partners consider basic table etiquette a test of character. So don’t let your child lag in such a crucial developmental stage.

Even if you understand the basic table manners to pass to your preschooler, the way you teach will determine how well these lessons stick. You’ll have to go an extra step to repeat some lessons for most kids.

This article explores the top table manners to teach your preschooler and how to do so effectively.

Top Tables Manners To Teach Preschoolers

Children learn different manners at various stages of life, so you shouldn’t expect your kid to learn everything at once. Below are behaviors to teach your preschooler before, during, and after meals.

Wash Your Hands Before Every Meal

Hygiene is essential to keep your mini-me safe from bacteria and infections. Clean hands should always be a priority, even if you use a fork and knife for the meal.

Use a step or raised surface to ease accessibility if your child is too small to reach. You could also wash your hands alongside your child to ensure they follow the correct procedure.

Close Your Mouth When You Chew

Your preschooler shouldn’t expose chewed food at family dinners, school functions, or restaurants. So, teach your child that an open mouth could spew food to other people, which is disrespectful.

If your kid cannot master the art, you could cut the food into smaller pieces or teach your child to take smaller bites.

Help With Manageable Duties

Little hands still do a few tasks effectively! Your preschooler can clear a plate or carry the fruits to the table. For instance, don’t allow your child to eat and leave leftovers on the table.

Instead, teach your child when and where to clear plates after the meal. Starting your child off young with a few small chores develops a sense of diligence and responsibility.

Observe Napkin Skills

Don’t let your child use shirts or other clothes to wipe their hands or mouths. Instead, teach the proper use of napkins, including how they should place the napkin on their lap.

Don’t allow dirty napkins on the table since no one wants to look at a dirty napkin during meals. Then, have a designated place to keep the used napkin so your child won’t place dirty linen with the utensils.

Be Polite

The three magic words to teach preschoolers are please, thank you, and no thank you. Let your child know when to ask for items or turn down a request with the three magic words.

Also, appreciate everyone who has prepared and served the food. A simple “thank you for the meal” or “the food was good” are important acts of politeness that will go a long way in your child’s future endeavors!

Keep Screens Away

Don’t allow your kids to carry mobile phones, video games, tablets, etc., to the dining table. Most people view meal time as a space to chat and interact with family members and guests, and screens are a distraction (not to mention dirty!).

Switch off the TV and focus on the meal and the people at the table. Watching TV during meals also makes you eat more and enjoy less.

Don’t Leave the Table Unless Excused

Leave the table after everyone has eaten unless circumstances call for an earlier departure. For example, if your meal times are longer or you want to have conversations after the meal, teach your young one to request to leave early.

You shouldn’t have preschoolers stay at the table long, but you can let your child stay for a few minutes after the meal and then leave.

Don’t Criticize the Food

Picky eaters will likely voice their thoughts above foods they don’t like. Negative comments don’t always sit well with the cook and other people who love the food in question. If there are other kids at the table, they may develop a perception of the meal before trying it, or say they don’t like it too in order to fit in.

So, discourage negative comments and encourage your child to decline what they don’t like politely.

Don’t Stretch Your Hands Over Food

Your kid may want salt, ketchup, or other items across the table. Let your child know how to ask for help or pass objects to other people. Otherwise, you’ll get accidents when hot things spill over, or you may end up with some messy sleeves in the food.

Don’t Talk With Food in Your Mouth

Meaningful family conversations during meals are essential, but should only happen with appropriate table manners. Don’t allow your child to talk with food in the mouth, no matter how small the bite is.

Other than the disrespect and possibility to spew the food, there is an added choking risk.

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Tips To Teach Table Manners to Preschoolers

Now that you know the top table manners to teach, here are some tips to keep your lessons simple and effective.

Explain the Reason Behind the Rules

Tell your young one what you expect, especially when some table rules seem contradictory.

For instance, kids should always use utensils to eat and not bare hands. Nevertheless, you don’t expect to use a fork and knife on meals like pizza, raw carrots, and burgers.

So, let your preschooler understand what to eat and what not to eat with bare hands– and why! An explanation goes a long way.

Be Calm and Composed

Your kid won’t grasp every concept the first time, so give them room for mistakes. Gently remind your young one of something you taught before, but don’t scold your kid because of a one-time mistake.

For example, your child may forget to close their mouth when they chew, a behavior you can correct with a gentle reminder.

Teach One Lesson at a Time

You shouldn’t burden your kid with too many etiquette lessons at a time. Otherwise, your child will resent the classes or forget most lessons.

For the best outcome, have a list of lessons and teach one at a time as you advance. Since table manners start even before you sit at the table, teach your young one the best manners before, during, and after meals.

Deploy the Power of Repetition

Concepts stick more in your child’s mind when you repeat them from time to time. Unlike grown-ups who grasp basic concepts once, kids need reminders.

Try asking your child to remind you what you have taught after every few days. You can also come up with exciting schemes like watching a dinner session in a movie and letting your kid point out the good and bad behaviors.

Be a Role Model

You are your child’s first teacher, so let your baby see that you practice what you preach.

For instance, follow the correct procedure to wash hands with your kid. If you ask your child to scrub for twenty seconds, do the same. Since your kid might not know to estimate twenty seconds, you can ask that they sing a twenty-second song and then rinse their hands.

Practice the Rules

The more you practice with your kid, the more they understand non-ethical behavior.

First, have your child write down the rules or draw pictures to make the lessons more interesting. Then, recite the rules together once in a while before a meal or an eat-out. If you notice a slip, give a polite cue on what should change.

Discipline Bad Behavior

Whereas you shouldn’t expect a preschooler to master every bit of table manners, you should handle deliberate departures from proper behavior with appropriate discipline. Some practices take time, for example, eating with the mouth closed.

Give your child enough time to learn and practice, but devise a discipline strategy if your child always throws utensils around after meals.

Encourage and Appreciate Good Behavior

Acknowledgment and encouragement motivate your young one to stay on track. A simple clap and “you did great” shows your child you appreciate what they’ve done.

You might want to reward your child after a series of good table behaviors, too– whether it’s with a special dinner-date out, a small toy, or the option to pick the movie for the night.

Have Family Meals More Often

Many families no longer have a regular meal time, so young children don’t get enough opportunities to witness good table manners. Your kid learns better when the whole family is involved in the process.

Even if you can’t get the entire family to eat a meal together daily, a couple of meals every week will do!.

Conclusion

What you teach your child at a young age impacts their future social interactions and behaviors. Table manners don’t just end at home and events, but are also a part of some interviews.

Keep at it, and you’ll set your child up for a successful future.

How to Handle Plates Like a Pro When Serving Food

Set The Table

Take your dinner party or restaurant service to the next level by learning to handle a plate like a pro when delivering meals to your guests.

How you properly handle plates depends on the style in which you are serving the meal overall.

While this article will detail the more common types of service, there are also styles such as the Russian Style, French Cart Style, and French Buffet style, each of which comes with other manners of serving and handling plates.

Still, many of the strategies for properly handling plates while serving foods align, despite the cultural methodology.

Using these simple tips that professional servers swear by, you’ll be sure to handle a plate properly and avoid any slip-ups that might land your meticulously arranged cheese platter on your guest’s lap.

Safety First

While serving guests, it’s essential to consider both your safety and the safety of the person receiving the meal.

For the server, standing straight, avoiding twisting while lifting trays, and using napkins or other instruments to keep from touching hot plates is essential to protect yourself and the guest while you’re serving food.

It can be easy to push yourself too hard when you’re in a rush, working with a more difficult guest, or thinking about the four other tables you have waiting.

When you’re still in the early stages of learning, it’s common to make mistakes when rushing. But making multiple trips to the kitchen is better than one colossal disaster.

So, take a breath. Remember that practice makes perfect. You’ve got this.

Food Safety

Consider food safety as well.

Avoid placing your thumb on the top of the plate as much as possible. While a small amount of contact is inevitable, keeping your thumb as close to the side of the dish as possible is ideal.

This ensures you don’t touch your guest’s food and creates a more sophisticated look and feel while serving. Practicing carrying plates in the palm of your hand is one way to improve your serving style while optimizing the satisfaction of your guests.

As with any plate-handling method, it remains crucial to consider the guest’s comfort above all else.

Avoid reaching arms around the guests to deliver or retrieve plates or touching the guest while delivering their food.

When serving food, the best service is quiet and unobtrusive, whether you’re engaging in formal dining fit for royalty or delivering a home-cooked meal to close friends in an intimate setting.

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The English (Formal) Method

Back when feasts were held in grand halls and not in modest dining rooms, servers would often deliver the main portions of the meal on platters.

A server would, for example, carry a tray of mutton and deliver individual portions onto the plates of guests, and it came to be known as the English method.

Because most guests are right-handed, delivering dishes from the left side made transferring meals using the right hand easier for servers and guests alike. Drinks were then served from the right.

While many restaurants have altered their style to match a more contemporary, fast-paced dining structure, many fine dining establishments still stick to the English style as a nod to tradition and elegance during formal dining events.

This method is a great way to bring sophistication to your party or dinner service. 

The American (Plated) Method

Today, servers often approach their guests from whichever side is convenient, but those following the American (plated) style deliver individual plates on the guest’s right side.

The staff often plate these dishes in the kitchen, allowing servers to carry more than one plate at once with greater ease. This style is commonly seen at weddings and events, both large and small.

When delivering the plate to the seated guest, gently lower the plate in front of them.

Avoid holding the plate over their head or passing one guest’s plate directly in front of someone else at the table.

Again, this promotes the safety of all involved and creates a more elegant ambiance when serving food.

Clearing Plates

When the meal has been served, and your guests are happy and full, it might feel like your job is done. But clearing plates properly is just as important as handling hot dishes.

Using the English Method, it is improper to stack dishes before leaving the table, as this creates noise that will disrupt the conversation between guests and draw unnecessary attention to the service.

Instead, once the guest has finished their meal, the plates are moved individually or passed to other servers to discreetly clear them away.

Ideally, servers would avoid leaving guests with empty spaces in front of them.

The American Method makes clearing plates easier, as servers can use trays to clear away empty plates for the guests.

In either method, avoid scraping any remaining food into the trash in front of guests or stacking plates to overwhelming heights before leaving the table.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Whether you’re serving a formal meal or a more casual one, properly serving food takes practice.

Plated service allows those carrying plates to their guests to manage up to three (or more!) plates at a time, allowing for a faster pace.

There are many techniques professional servers use to balance plates properly when serving food, but it’s always important to limit direct contact with the guest’s food as much as possible.

Carrying one plate might be manageable for even the most inexperienced server, but holding two or more plates with one hand is readily attainable through practice.

When carrying two plates, place the first plate on your palm, using your thumb and index finger to keep it steady. It’s important to limit as much contact with the plate as possible.

To add the second plate, carefully slide it under the first (this will keep it more secure) while using three fingers to balance it.

Feeling confident enough to add a third? Place the third plate on your forearm, using the lips of the other two plates to secure it. With enough practice, you’ll soon be juggling four plates, five plates. Hey–why not ten?

OK, maybe not ten.

How To Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party Game

Pass The Salt

Few things are as exciting and entertaining as a murder mystery dinner party. Funny, customizable, and completely Instagramable, these themed get-togethers have become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s no wonder since they’re the perfect dinner table games for any birthday party, anniversary, or Saturday night bash.

If you’re interested in hosting one, a little research is all it takes to become a champion of house parties among your family and friends. Follow this guide, and everyone in town will be clamoring for their next invite.

Here’s how to host a murder mystery dinner party game.

Organizing the Essentials

Organization is the driving force behind any well-planned shindig. Simple steps such as creating lists and delegating tasks can help your event go off without a hitch.

Start by deciding who you wish to invite, themes you may want to use, and any supplies you might need. If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Here are a few tips for getting started.

Creating a Guest List

Sometimes the most straightforward place to start is the guest list. By knowing who you want to invite, you can make informed decisions concerning time and space.

You’ll want to consider who will have a good time at a dinner party of this nature. Murder mystery dinner parties are highly theatrical and involved. Of course, feel free to invite anyone your heart desires, but remember that introverts and timid people may not enjoy such an occasion. Try to find people who will play along.

Knowing who’s on the list will also make it easier to get a headcount and deal with potential dropouts. Last-minute cancellations aren’t usually a big deal, but some games will require you to know exactly how many players are left.

Selecting a Theme

Next, you’ll want to pick a theme. Choosing a suitable theme will be influenced by several factors. Is it a formal get-together? Casual? Will you be celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday?

One of the great things about murder mystery Is that it is easily customizable to any event. From characters to the color scheme, there is no shortage of options.

It’s also essential to bear your budget in mind. Going with a simple theme or game can help keep your funds tight if you have a small budget. Something as simple as snacks and a game of Clue will suffice if you want to host a party on the fly.

Time is also a crucial element in planning your party. If you intend to drag out the event over the evening and into the night, consider a variety of dinner table games and activities. Otherwise, select one game or activity, and wrap things up as soon as the murderer gets caught.

Picking Out Decor

Decorating your party shouldn’t be a headache. Sometimes, though, selecting the right decor to establish an atmosphere can be mind-boggling.

A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple. If designing an elaborate theme based on everyone’s favorite crime series sounds like more work than it’s worth, it probably is.

Instead, choose a standard color scheme. Play around with the tones of the box your game comes in. You can also do some research and see if you can find out what your character’s favorite colors might be. Think Colonel Mustard.

Most importantly, you will want to ensure you have all the right props. Some games require characters or rooms to have specific items that represent clues. Make a list of these things because they will be some of the essential elements of the game. Function over fashion every time.

Also, remember that your guests can help create the right ambiance. Make sure to include in your invites that the party is themed, and your guests should dress accordingly. Coordinating with everyone beforehand to come costumed as certain characters is a lot of fun and make excellent photo ops.

Choosing a Meal

Lastly, you will want to plan the meal. Although the food doesn’t have to be the star of the show, you certainly don’t want it to be lacking either.

Having a headcount and knowing your budget will influence food choices as much as game and decor selection. If you don’t have much room left for a multi-course meal, don’t worry. A light dinner and some ice cream are usually enough to please your guests. Even a grazing-style snack table can serve as your entrée.

If you have the time and room in your budget, you can consider making your meal on the theme. Select dishes that are favorites of your characters. Or, pick out popular recipes based on your party’s time frame or location. If you’re going for a 50s motif, try serving diner-style burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

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Popular Murder Mystery Games

If you are unsure what murder mystery dinner table games you want to play with your guests, check out a few of these popular selections.

Clue

Many of us have played clue around the dinner table with our families since we were young. Six suspects and one murderer must use their ingenuity and wit to reveal the truth.

High Noon at Dead Man Saloon

This murder mystery kit is perfect for large groups. You and your fellow Cowboys will get a kick from wrangling the murderer terrorizing the Wild West.

Masquerade Murder

If you want to go all out with your themes, costumes, and decorations, pick up the masquerade murder mystery kit. Who doesn’t love dressing up for the ball and a night of scandal?

Avoiding Disasters

During your party, there will surely be hiccups, but likely nothing serious. If you want to do everything in your power to mitigate such occurrences, there are a few steps you can take.

Avoiding messy foods like spaghetti with red sauce or crumbly cake can help keep your space neat. Manageable plates can be exceptionally helpful if you intend to move around a lot. If your crowd plans to drink, this may be even more important.

And, of course, if you plan to serve alcohol, don’t overserve anyone.

Staying within your budget and time limit and making sure your guests do the same will also take a lot of pressure off of hosting. If you have kids or pets, don’t be shy about letting them play along, but make sure they are put away or sent to bed within a reasonable timeframe.

Remember that everyone is there to have fun, and if things don’t go exactly as planned, it usually doesn’t matter. Family, friends, and food. What more could you need?

Other Themed Activities

You might be interested in incorporating other murder mystery elements during your dinner party. While you want your main focus to be on solving the murder, it can be really fun to include side entertainment and challenges for your guests to complete.

Have everyone compete to find the most pieces of evidence during the game. You can hide them around your home and the one that gathers the most wins a small prize. Or hold a challenge for the first one to alert the media by posting a selfie on Facebook.

It might also be fun to create a themed photo wall. Just decorate an open expanse of wall in your home for your visitors to pose in front of. Add props like a most-wanted poster or sheriff’s badge.

Party Tips

Now that you know how to host a murder mystery dinner party game, you’re almost ready to send out the invites. Before you do, here are a few last-minute tips for managing the evening:

  • Keep things light-hearted and fun
  • Stay within your budget
  • Ask your guests about any potential food restrictions
  • Respect everyone’s time, including your own
  • When in doubt, just make things up as you go along

Your friends and family will likely have fun spending time with you no matter what, so try not to stress too much about making your party perfect. Chances are, no one but you knows how the game will end, so improvise if you have to.

Wrapping Up

As your party comes to a close, you may wonder how to wrap things up. Do you make an announcement? Do you take a final bow, skip town and never see your friends again?

Fortunately, there are some rules of etiquette you can follow for dismissing guests. This is where the setting of start and end times can come in handy. No one wants to spend hours trying to scoot stragglers out the door.

When the murderer gets caught, this is your chance to start winding down the evening. You can start by giving the murderer a round of applause. If your character can, have a speech ready, or ask the person that caught them to share a few words. You might even offer them a prize.

Next, you can thank everyone for coming. Doing so clarifies that you are ready to turn in and start cleaning up after the party. After that, make yourself busy. By declining to hang around and chat, you free yourself from the responsibility of being the host. Most people will take the hint and move on.

Offer your guests goody bags on the way out the door If you want to go the extra mile.

Conclusion

Figuring out how to host a murder mystery dinner party game is a lot of work. Fortunately, the fun you’ll have will make up for it.

Borrow inspiration from places like Pinterest and Instagram. You’re sure to find that there is no end to the themes and niches you can come up with. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dinner party today.

Best Biodegradable Flatware: Top Reviews & Buying Guide (2022)

Set The Table

Whether you want to keep your house party or picnic more environmentally conscious you’re looking for a convenient and more durable alternative to plastic flatware, biodegradable flatware is your way to go!

In today’s article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about compostable and biodegradable cutlery sets. Let’s hop in!

Biodegradable Flatware: Our Top Picks

  1. Greenware Disposable Wooden Flatware Set – Best Overall Flatware Set
  2. Eco-Daddy Disposable CPLA Compostable Set – Best non-wooden flatware Set
  3. WoodAble Disposable Wooden Flatware Set – Great value for money
  4. Ecovita Disposable Compostable Flatware Set –  Premium Pick
  5. FirstChoice Wooden Biodegradable Flatware Set – Best budget option

Top 5 Biodegradable Flatware Available on the Market

1. Greenware Disposable Wooden Flatware Set

Kicking off the list with one of the most versatile and good quality flatware sets on the market. The Greenware set is made of white birch wood, which makes it highly durable and reliable for eating while staying compostable.

The set contains 300 pieces, divided into 80 spoons, 80 forks, 40 knives, as well as 100 coffee stirring sticks, so you save the spoons for eating.

The handles are 6.3 inches, which helps it to fit both children and adult hands, which makes the set great for home use as well as party use.

Pros

  • Comes with a complimentary bottle opener
  • Saves spoons with 100 stirring sticks
  • Excellent balance between comfort and performance

Cons

  • The spoons aren’t deep enough for soups

2. Eco-Daddy Disposable CPLA Compostable Set

If you’re looking for a flatware set that gives you an absolutely authentic feel and performance while staying 100% compostable and biodegradable, you should keep this one in mind.

The Eco-Daddy is made of corn polylactic acid, which is an even greener solution that won’t chop down wood for manufacturing.

The corn-based material completely composts in 180 days, leaving no toxic wastes or chemicals.

What’s great about this set is that all the 360 pieces come with a long handle to make them much easier to use.

Pros

  • Comes with a serving tray
  • Excellent design and quality
  • Doesn’t have a wooden taste

Cons

  • Low heat tolerance
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3. WoodAble Disposable Wooden Flatware Set

WoodAble is another excellent option to consider if you want the maximum number of highly durable forks and spoons without spending too much money.

The package has 300 pieces split into 120 forks, 120 spoons, and 80 knives. All of them are made of 100% biodegradable Chilean pine and poplar wood, which are known for their durability.

The manufacturer pledges to plant 4 trees for every 3 they harvest. They’re also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council!

Despite being a great product, the only room for improvement for the WoodAble flatware set is that it needs to be a bit smoother on the tongue.

Pros

  • Excellent quality wood
  • Has a large number of forks and spoons
  • The manufacturer has an environmental pledge

Cons

  • Has a dry and rough wood texture

4. Ecovita Disposable Compostable Flatware Set

If you don’t mind splurging a bit extra for an unmatched level of durability, comfort, and style, you might want to keep this one in mind.

The Ecovita flatware set contains 380 pieces, divided in 120 spoons, 140 forks, and 120 knives. They’re made of corn polylactic acid, so they’re even greener and more guilt-free than wooden ones.

What’s great about this flatware set is that it has a very high heat tolerance, which allows it to withstand up to 212 °F (100 °C).

This means that you can stir boiling hot beverages with their utensils without worrying about them releasing any dangerous by-products.

Moreover, the set is one of the few options on the market that come in a matte black and ivory white finish, which adds a touch of elegance to the set.

Pros

  • Available in white and black matte finishes
  • Ergonomic design with long handles
  • Very high heat resistance

Cons

  • Premium price tag

5. FirstChoice Wooden Biodegradable Flatware Set

Last but not least, if you’re on a strict budget, but you still need to feed a large crowd without feeling guilty, this one will get the job done!

The FirstChoice Wooden flatware set is made of a quality variant of birch wood, which makes it 100% biodegradable and compostable.

It’s also much more durable than the average flimsy plastic option without costing a whole lot more.

So in a way, it can also be more cost-effective if you count in all the broken plastic ones you’ll need to replace!

The set has 300 pieces, divided into 100 counts of each cutlery utensil. However, there are also sets with over 400 pieces for larger parties!

Pros

  • Ideal for buyers on a strict budget
  • Certified by the Forest Stewardship council
  • Durable and convenient

Cons

  • Comes in plastic packaging

Things to Look For While Shopping for Biodegradable Flatware

While shopping for a good set of biodegradable flatware, there are some aspects and specific features that you might want to take into considerations. Let’s have a brief overview of these points:

Materials and Quality

Most biodegradable flatware on the market is made of either wood or plant-based corn’s polylactic acid (CPLA).

The two materials are 100% biodegradable and can be composted entirely, so the choice between them is a matter of personal preference.

In addition to the type of material, you have to also ensure the quality of the material by checking if the product meets quality standards. A good point here is to opt for the ones certified by authoritative organizations.

Finish

There’s no point in getting a flatware set that won’t do its job. The utensil should feel smooth when you hold it. Nobody likes getting a wood splinter while they’re enjoying their meal.

The better quality sets will usually go through a multiple-hour long process of sanding and smoothing out to give you that durable yet comfortable feel.

Some biodegradable flatware will also have a unique finish, such as a matte one, to give the set a more appealing and aesthetically pleasing look.

Besides looking elegant, the reliable set should be professionally designed. The spoons should be concave enough to scoop the food easily, forks should have real ridges that will cut the food. And the ends of the forks should be pointed yet not dangerously sharp.

Heat Resistance

Of course, the design finish and how the utensils feel and perform is extremely important. But you should also include the ability to resist high temperature on your checklist.

Some materials aren’t designed to be used on hot items and may produce toxic by-products upon contact with heat, something you never want to happen with an item you put in your mouth.

A quality biodegradable flatware set should be tolerant to heat and is able to withstand up to 176 °F (80 °C) or more.

Zero Waste Packaging

There’s no point in going green for a biodegradable set if they’ll end up being packaged in a plastic box that wastes a lot of energy in production and won’t decompose for hundreds of thousands of years!

If you want an utterly guilt-free set, you should make sure that they also come in presentable yet biodegradable packaging, such as biodegradable cardboard or wooden boxes.

After Smell and Taste

Another point a lot of people realize after using biodegradable flatware is that some of them might have a strong wooden taste or smell that might interfere with whatever they’re enjoying.

Ideally, there are various wooden flatware sets on the market that have a naturally low wooden smell or have been safely treated to remove the smell as much as possible.

If you have a sensitive nose, or you don’t like any wooden smell whatsoever, consider going for a corn polylactic acid.

In addition to being a more eco-friendly option that doesn’t require cutting down trees, they also have no smell or taste, wooden or other!

Storage Tray

While having a storage tray isn’t a must for biodegradable flatware to be beneficial, it’s always one of the nicest things to have and adds value to the package!

Storage trays help in keeping the set organized and easily stored. They also make the set highly portable, which saves the time and hassle of sorting the utensils properly.

The Number and Variety of Utensils Available in the Package

In addition to the quality of the set, you should also keep an eye on quantity as well. As a rule of thumb, larger sets would cost you more per package but will save you a few cents on each disposable spoon, knife, and fork you use.

Since you’re into this for the long haul, those numbers add up nicely, making larger packs the wisest financial choice for heavy consumption.

You should also check the variation in the set. While flatware is supposed to mean spoons and forks, they usually include knives as well.

Make sure that the set contains the ideal amount of each of these tools, so you can the maximum value for your investment.

Wrap Up

As you can see, there are plenty of options on the market. If you’re looking for a more excellent wooden biodegradable flatware, you should consider the Greenware Disposable Wooden Flatware Set.

However, if you don’t mind spending a little extra for a dash of luxury all the while saving more trees, you should pick the Ecovita Disposable Compostable Flatware Set.

The 5 Best Japanese Chopsticks for Every Asian Food Lover

Set The Table

Including chopsticks in your cutlery set is a must, even if you’re not exactly an expert at using them. These little Japanese utensils are affordable, versatile, and pretty easy to master if you practice often.

Are you ready to find out more about the five best Japanese chopsticks on the market?

In this article, we’ll review each set of chopsticks and help you choose the right product for you.

A Summary of the Top 5 Japanese Chopsticks

Here’s a summary of our favorites if you’re in a rush.

  1. Antner Handmade Japanese Chopsticks
  2. HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set
  3. Rbenxia Stainless Steel Spiral Chopsticks
  4. AOOSY Japanese Chopsticks
  5. Iuhan Handmade Japanese Natural Chestnut Wood Chopsticks Set

Now, let’s discuss the features of each product in-depth.

Reviewing the Best Japanese Chopsticks in 2021

After going through the following list, we’re pretty sure you’ll find the perfect match for your needs!

1.   Antner Handmade Japanese Chopsticks

There’s no wonder why this chopsticks set has made it to the top of our list. With hand-carved patterns and natural wood, it’s captured the attention of many users.

Not only are the colorful designs at the top of the chopsticks beautiful, but they’re also non-slip. This way, they can allow you a better grip, which can be helpful if you’re a beginner.

Plus, each pair of chopsticks is nine inches long to be suitable for most people to use.

Because they’re made of natural wood and free of plastics, the Antner chopsticks are eco-friendly. So, you can reuse them over and over without harming the environment.

Pros

  • The hand-carved designs are pretty and non-slip
  • Made of natural wood to enhance durability
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates

Cons

  • Some people thought that the finish along the chopsticks’ length was a bit slippery
  • A tad heavier than disposables
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2.   HuaLan Japanese Natural Wood Chopstick Set

Another high-quality chopsticks you’ll likely adore is this HuaLan set. We like its raw, wooden appearance, and, being made of dark jujube wood, it’s durable enough to last for years.

Yet, the best thing about these chopsticks is that their grips are textured in a rough pattern to prevent slippage. Not only does this make using them easier, but it adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the utensils.

Lastly, we admire that they’re varnished with lacquer, which is stain-resistant and safe to eat with.

Pros

  • Lightweight and non-slip to suit the use of beginners
  • Made of long-lasting, natural jujube wood
  • Eco-friendly lacquer finish
  • A great gift choice

Cons

  • A few users preferred heavier chopsticks

3.   Rbenxia Stainless Steel Spiral Chopsticks

If you wish to take a break from wooden chopsticks, you may want to consider going for stainless steel ones instead. In this case, a great candidate would be this Rbenxia set.

The spiral design on the tip makes these chopsticks a breeze to hold. Plus, because they’re made of stainless steel, they can withstand a lot of wear-and-tear. Better yet, they’re convenient to clean up in the dishwasher.

We also like how the ends are tapered to make picking the food easier.

Pros

  • Made of durable and lightweight stainless steel
  • The upper part is textured to help you hold them easily
  • The chopsticks come with tapered ends for simple food pickup
  • Easy to clean in the dishwasher

Cons

  • The food-grabbing ends may be a bit sharp on the lips

4.   AOOSY Japanese Chopsticks

These elegant Japanese chopsticks can transform your Asian meals with their black coloring and slim design. Made of high-quality natural wood, there’s no wonder why this set is a favorite of many people.

The first thing that most users agreed on is that these chopsticks are easy to hold. Their upper parts come with non-slip designs.

Plus, with their lacquered finish, they’re resistant to stains when being in contact with food.

When you’re done eating with them, all you’ll have to do is put them in the dishwasher for them to shine again.

Pros

  • Made of durable wood to last you years
  • Textured tips for a firmer grip
  • Food-grade lacquered finish is stain-resistant
  • Easy to clean in the dishwasher

Cons

  • The food-picking ends may be too slippery for beginners

5.   Iuhan Handmade Japanese Natural Chestnut Wood Chopsticks Set

Our final candidate for the best Japanese chopsticks is this Iuhan handmade set. It’s a two-pair set, which makes it great as an anniversary gift if you like to keep things simple and practical.

What we also admire about them is that they’re made of natural chestnut wood. Therefore, they’re sturdy enough to keep you company for years, not to mention that they have a beautiful appearance.

The only downside is that their upper sides are wrapped in cloth. This may be inconvenient when trying to clean the chopsticks because the fabric tends to come loose.

Pros

  • Handmade of high-quality chestnut wood
  • %100 natural and free of plastics
  • A valuable gift choice

Cons

  • The wrapped twine tends to come off after the first wash

How to Choose the Right Chopstick Set for Your Needs

Making up your mind about the perfect chopstick set may take a while. So, we’ve decided to include the following list to help you think things through.

  • Your preferred material (wood, stainless steel, plastic, bamboo, etc.)
  • The design and color of the chopsticks
  • If they have patterns to prevent slippage
  • Finish type
  • Whether they’re dishwasher-safe

Japanese Chopsticks Etiquette You Should Follow

Knowing Japanese chopsticks etiquette is essential if you’re about to join your Asian friends for dinner.

Here are a few rules to follow.

  • Make sure you hold your chopsticks correctly
  • Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your rice
  • Never leave them crossed in your bowl or plate
  • Try not to use unmatched chopsticks
  • Steer clear of using one chopstick at a time
  • Never pick food from a communal plate with your own chopsticks
  • Don’t stir food in your plate using your chopsticks

Wrapping Up

After reviewing the best Japanese chopsticks on the market, we’d be glad to tell which one is our favorite. We love the Antner Handmade Japanese Chopsticks for being affordable, pretty in appearance, and easy to hold.

Yet, if you want to try your luck with a more durable set, we suggest that you give Rbenxia Stainless Steel Spiral Chopsticks a try. They’re resistant to food stains, lightweight, and come in a spiraling design for a better grip.

Best Adaptive Cups for Kids: Top 2022 Picks

Set The Table

5 Best Adaptive Cups for Kids

Adaptive cups often feature drinking aids to help kids pick up and drink from a cup without accidental spills or too much effort. If you’re in the market for an adaptive cup for your child, then you’ve come to the right place.

Below are reviews of the top 5 adaptive cups for kids to help you find the right one for your little one’s needs. So let’s not waste any time and get started!

ProductTypeSpill-proofPrice
Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer CupRimlessYes$$$
Tommee Tippee Easiflow 360 Spill-Proof Toddler CupRimlessYes$$$
Nuby 3 Piece No-Spill Cup with Flex StrawWith StrawYes$$
Nuk Learner Sippy CupSippyYes$$$$
The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups  SippyYes$

Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup

Kicking off our list with a super popular product among tens of thousands of parents, the Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup has a rimless spill-proof design that’s suitable for kids older than 6 months.

Available as a set of 2, you can get these cups either in green/blue or pink/purple color commons. Each cup holds about 7 ounces capacity, so it isn’t too much for younger children to handle.

Equipped with a dentist-recommended spoutless design, this adaptive cup allows drinking from anywhere around the rim like a regular cup to support normal muscle development. Not to mention, the 360-degree drinking edge helps eliminate spills.

The Munchkin Miracle Trainer Cup automatically seals when your kid is done drinking to further reduce the risk of spilling. The featured handles make it easy for little hands to grasp.

Made out of BPA-free plastic, this cup is safe for drinking. It’s also easy to clean since there are no extra parts or valves involved.

Pros

  • Made of BPA-free plastic
  • Easy to hold
  • Reliable sealing

Cons

  • No cover for traveling

Tommee Tippee Easiflow 360 Spill-Proof Toddler Cup

From the established brand Tommee Tippee, we have another excellent option for a rimless spill-proof adaptive cup. Their Easiflow Spill-Proof Cup is one of the simplest 360-degree cups your kid can use.

It’s spill-proof and leak-free, which means you don’t have to worry about cleaning drips and keeping your floors, cars, and handbags spotless. It even comes with a convenient travel lid for a mess-free ride.

Additionally, the Easiflow is a breeze when it comes to cleaning thanks to its one-piece design, the limited parts, and the easy-clean valve. Not to mention, you can safely throw it in your dishwasher.

Your kids will be able to easily drink as their instinct to press on the lid is encouraged. The 360-degree edge will then release the liquid with a simple touch of a lip.

Dentist-recommended, BPA-free, and dust-resistant, this adaptive cup is suitable for kids 1-year-old and up. It comes as a set of 2 with either an elephant/bear pattern or a whale/crocodile pattern.

Pros

  • Comes with a travel lid
  • Resists dust build-up
  • The lid is easy to clean

Cons

  • A few drops may leak

Nuby 3 Piece No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw

If you’re in the market for a reliable straw adaptive cup, then the Nuby No-Spill Cup with Flex Straw may be just what you need.

When your kid goes for a drink, the Touch Flo straw valve will allow the liquid to flow only if they do a squeeze and suck action. This way,  the valve supports its no-spill feature.

The straw is made out of soft silicone straw, so it’s gentle on tender gums and emerging teeth. Additionally, the silicone straw is clear with hassle-free cleaning.

The Nuby No-Spill Cup with Flex straw has a contoured base of cup to enable little hands a secure grip. It’s available as a set of 3 with neutral, boy, and girl color combos.

Pros

  • Contoured design
  • Soft straw
  • The set contains 3 cups

Cons

  • Thicker drinks can be a bit hard to suck

Nuk Learner Sippy Cup

If you’re looking for an adaptive cup to help your kid transition smoothly from bottle to cup, then you may want to consider the Nuk Learner Sippy Cup. 

This spill-proof design features a soft spout that’s very gentle on children’s’ gums. This is important for easier teaching how to drink from a spout.

It also features an air vent to help minimize the amount of air that gets swallowed. To provide a secure, strain-free grip, the cup is equipped with anti-slip handles that you can remove once your baby doesn’t need them.

Made out of BPA-free plastic, this cup is ideal for kids over 6 months old.

Pros

  • Great for transitioning from bottle to cup
  • Features air vents to reduce air swallowing
  • The handles are removable

Cons

  • A bit too pricey

The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups

Last but not least, The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Sippy Cups are an excellent choice for parents in need of budget-friendly adaptive cups for kids.

Available sets of 4,6, and 20 pieces, these cups are affordable enough that you can use them as disposable cups. But don’t worry, they’re also durable enough to serve as reusable cups.

You’ll probably appreciate how easy to clean these cups are, featuring a snap-on, valve-free lid. The lids of all the cups are interchangeable and spill-proof, which translates into more convenience.

Made out of plastic-free of BPA, PVC, and Phthalates, the Take & Toss sippy cups come with a bonus travel cap for outdoor adventures. Available in rainbow colors, these adaptive cups are dishwasher-safe.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Can be considered single-use or reusable
  • The lids are interchangeable

Cons

  • The lid pops off when thrown

Wrap Up

Choosing the best adaptive cups for kids can be confusing, this is why we included only the top-performing products on the market to make sure you land a great deal.

That being said, we recommend the Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup for kids learning how to drink using cups thanks to its reliable sealing and ease of use.