Table Manners

Last week on the Real Housewives of New York City, I hosted a luncheon at the Hampton Classic in honor of my daughter Victoria. She was leaving for boarding school at the end of summer and I felt that a bit of dining etiquette would help her as she ventured off to tables unknown.

Even the children of a Count and Countess need to learn table manners by instruction and example. It is my job as their mother to prepare them to live independently and to function in polite society. When I was growing up, I thought I knew everything as most teenagers do. Once I ventured out in the world, I realized very quickly how much I didn’t know about table manners and I was unprepared for the level of sophistication found in New York and Europe. I want to ensure that Victoria and Noel are prepared for adulthood and I believe that giving them a good foundation in etiquette and manners will smooth the way for them throughout their lives. Does this mean that my children never chew with their mouths open or use the wrong utensil? Absolutely not my darlings! Even a Countess makes a faux pas once in a while…don’t we all?

Tip: If you expect your children to be polite and consistently reinforce polite behavior, they will grow up to be well-mannered adults capable of functioning at every level of society. Parents must set an example of polite behavior. The best place to start is by using proper dining etiquette at home while eating dinner with your children on a regular basis. Remember children learn by example!