Proper Table Manners Novels & Stories

“Nothing that concerns you, young man. Why don’t you tell me about your day at school yesterday while we eat?” Alfie frowns. “Mommy, it’s bad table manners to talk while eating, Dad says that all the time.” “It’s bad table manners when you do it where you’re not supposed to, but you’re with family, meaning the rules can be bent a little.” For emphasis, I cut into my pancakes, chew slowly, swallow, and say, “You don’t have to speak with your mouth full; we can have a conversation as we eat, only that it won’t be as easy flowing as having a normal conversation.”

"Is your problem with the 'dead people' or the place setting?" "Both," came the prompt reply. "I refuse to remove the portraits. They are our ancestors. But I can get you help to navigate the glasses and cutlery. It’s very easy. The simple rule is that you start at the outside and work your way in. Don’t put your elbows on the table and—" he frowned at her "—don’t bite your nails." Shravan stared at his grandfather in astonishment. His grandfather was giving Drishti lessons on etiquette.

she tried to read a specific word on the file. “Etiquette. It’s called, etiquette.” Cristopher corrected, he shook his head as his eyes gazed from the woman, then towards the file he is currently holding within his grip. “Etiquette is the proper behavior in which you NEED to possess if you want to be called as a ‘Noble Young Missy’ like you should.” he continued after, explaining the terms which he needed to make her understand the important things she needs to keep in mind.

How to walk into a room (head high, steps measured and deliberate, never rushing even if you're terrified). How to greet various pack members (Alphas get a slight nod, Betas get eye contact and a smile, lower ranks you acknowledge with warmth but maintain subtle superiority). How to sit at formal dinners (back straight, never slouch, hands in lap when not eating). How to eat at formal dinners (start from the outside fork and work in, wait for the Alpha to begin before you touch your food, small bites, dab your mouth with the napkin never wipe). How to hold a wine glass (by the stem, never the bowl).

Clothing. Posture. Even her smile appeared professionally organized. The woman clasped her hands. "Mrs. Sterling, it is a pleasure." Valeria already hated this. Three hours later, she hated it even more. Apparently there were correct ways to sit. Correct ways to stand. Correct ways to greet people. Correct ways to enter rooms. Correct ways to leave rooms. Correct ways to hold wine glasses. Correct ways to navigate formal dinners. Correct ways to speak during interviews. Correct ways to smile for photographs.

As if sensing this he puts down his utensils and looks at me. “Do you consider it respectful to eat before everyone is seated around the table?” He steeples his fingers in front of him while leaning his elbows on the table. I glare back into his emotionless eyes. I know that would be considered disrespectful and bad table manners, but I would have been done before they even arrived. “I would have been done before you even arrived so you never would have noticed.” “Even more rude. The time for your meals and your commensals have been decided prior. To disregard those premises is rude and disrespectful. If you choose to be here twenty minutes early you will wait, as I waited when you were late

They were about to snatch food from the bowls when Garaine stopped them, making them feel down in their mouths. "You should maintain your table manners," Garaine said, taking a big spoon to serve the stew. Serving the food, she took her seat beside one of the kids. "No matter how excited you are or how mouthwatering the food looks, you shouldn't forget your table manner, alright?" "Yes, sister Garaine…" The kids responded together is a gloomy voice, pouting. Garaine pressed her lips together, trying to hold on her laughter. She glanced at the other two adults before her lips curved up into a gentle smile.

“Let’s begin with the basics.” For the next hour, Caleb guides Miles and me through proper table manners—Miles, curious, asked to join, and Caleb graciously included him in the lesson. We go over which fork to use for what course. How to hold a knife. The correct way to sip soup from a spoon. How to dab, not wipe, your mouth with a napkin. Miles, surprisingly, takes to it like a fish to water. He sits up straight, chin lifted, carefully mimicking every movement Caleb demonstrates. I’ve never seen him so focused on anything before.

“Good morning, I hope that you slept well?” Ethan raised his head, searching his eyes around before pointing to himself. “Are you talking to me?” He fixed his gaze directly on me. Such pettiness! I bobbed my head. “You are the only one here” Ethan cleared his throat. “Morning but in case you don't know, I take table manners seriously. You shouldn't talk while eating” I shrugged. “Well, I am not eating right now” He exhaled sharply. “I am eating right now, Miss Junia Kensington! It would be great if you would respect that”

She made them pray for minutes before they started eating, Alfred and Jonah wanted to talk but Grandma stopped them. “ Table manners” She said Without raising up her head from the plate. She mumbled and complained for each Spoon of food that went in to her mouth. “ These girls know nothing. Is this what they have been feeding you in this house? No wonder you are so skinny” She Nagged. “ But there’s Nothing wrong with the food” Jonah said and Alfred nodded his head. “ Yes, The food is Yummy” He said and Grandma Chuckled. “ They’ve fed you with this that is why you can’t differentiate Good food from not So Good food. And you” She turned to Jonah