Bad table manners are no laughing matter. On the contrary, poor etiquette can be heartbreaking. It can create roadblocks for those who want to date, meet a special someone's family, or land a dream job. The Body Parts Menu of Good Table Manners helps along people curious about the origins of our dining habits, people eager to fit into Western dining traditions, and people ready to acquire a more polished deportment. Easy-to-follow text and illustrations teach how to best arrange hands, feet, head, back, and arms. "The Mortal Sins of Dining" appear throughout the book. Look for the international sign for "no" - a circle with a diagonal line - to avoid the absolutely worst blunders. Far from being rigid, table manners have evolved over centuries and are still changing. They will continue to change as we learn about the foods and habits of other cultures and incorporate them in our own. One simple motif runs through the ages, though: it has to look pretty to our Western world... and The Body Parts Menu of Good Table Manners reveals how to accomplish that graciously in modern times.

Friendly and inviting -- bound to be a classic -- What's Cooking America, with clarity, organization and thoroughness, offers more than 800 family-tried-and-tasted recipes. accompanied by a wealth of information. This book will move into America's kitchens to stay. Here's the information you'll have at your fingertips: -- A treasure trove of unique. easy-to-follow recipes from all over America readily transforms every "cook" into a "chef". -- An eye-pleasing page layout -- enhanced by lively illustrations -- that defies confusion and presents pertinent information with clarity and orderliness. -- Well-organized, standardized listings of ingredients for no-mistake food preparation. -- Accurate, time-tested mixing and cooking tips, hints and historical tidbits. -- Informative, instructive and entertaining sidebars for easy perusal.

Teaches children the importance of having proper table manners.

Do unto others as you would others should do to you. You can never be rude if you bear the rule always in mind, for what lady likes to be treated rudely? True Christian politeness will always be the result of an unselfish regard for the feelings of others, and though you may err in the ceremonious points of etiquette, you will never be im polite. Politeness, founded upon such a rule, becomes the expression, in graceful manner, of social virtues. The spirit of politeness consists in a certain attention to forms and ceremonies, which are meant both to please others and ourselves, and to make others pleased with us ;a still clearer definition may be given by saying that politeness is goodness of heart put into daily practice; the.re can be no true, politeness without kindness, purity, singleness of heart, and sensibility. Many believe that politeness is but a mask worn in the world to conceal bad passions and impulses, and to make a show of possessing virtues not really existing in the heart; thus, that politeness is merely hypocrisy and dissimulation. Do not believe this; be certain that those who profess such a doctrine are practising themselves the deceit they condemn so much.

"Is your bread plate the one on the left or the right?" "Are your children automatically invited when you are?" "Is smoking at table a punishable offense?" "These may not be earth-shattering questions, but the answers can go a long way in making one of our favorite pastimes - dining - more of a pleasure. Renowned author, chef, and true gentleman Craig Claiborne has assembled this sensible, sophisticated guide to table manners for all of us who want to feel more confident and graceful at any meal, whether as host or guest, at home or in a restaurant, with family, friends, and even strangers. Drawing on his personal and professional experience, and nurtured by his innate sense of politeness and fairness, Mr. Claiborne shares his expert opinion on everything from good dinner conversation (your recent surgery doesn't qualify) to gracious gift-giving (you can overdo it). Here is advice on the proper way to hold cutlery, dispose of a garnish, prepare tea, order wine. Leaving a tip in a restaurant will no longer be a nightmare. Hosting a dinner party at home will be a joy. Elements of Etiquette will provide you with just the right amount of insight, honesty, and gentle humor to make you feel comfortable and relaxed at anyone's table."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved