The Lost Art of Dining

So many people eat on the run, at their desks and in their cars. Many people are too rushed or have forgotten to take the time to enjoy a meal together as a family. Family meals seem to happen only at the big holiday times of the year - Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter.

Give some thought to setting a lovely table with your best china dishes with a tablecloth and silverware. Slow down, enjoy the food and the conversation. Relax and have fun!

Conversations at the table should include most or all of the people dining. Topics of conversation can include the activities and highlights of the week, upcoming vacations, exciting news and family events.

Topics to avoid are money, politics, religion, illness, death and all other unpleasant topics.

Put the cell phone away or on vibrate and let all calls go to voice mail. The people in front of you should always be your highest priority.

Here are a few video clips on Dinner Etiquette.

Conversation Tips http://youtu.be/a3rqHViujVU

Additional Topics of Conversation http://youtu.be/9MRalgXSsIY

Always show your thanks to the person who prepared the meal. At a family meal please do help with setting and clearing the table. When everyone helps the work load is less for the person doing most of the preparation and gives pleasure to all.

Join Gloria Starr for the Modern Day Charm and Finishing School and discover ways to dine like a diplomat, show appreciation to the hostess and enjoy the finer things in life. Upcoming weekend training events and locations at www.gloriastarr.com/programs/modern-day-finishing-school