Party Favor Etiquette

Updated: March 15, 2013

I recently went to a party where they had a variety of appetizers and different foods such as asparagus, olives, quesadilla’s, strawberries, dips and chips and cheeses. I wasn’t sure how to eat some foods, so I just stayed away from them. Can you give me some hints and tips for next time?

Sure, remember the standard etiquette rule: if in doubt, use your good common sense or follow someone else’s lead. Here’s some help for those few trouble spots:

Asparagus: Finger food unless dripping in sauce, then use knife and fork.

Olives: Fingers. Remove pit discreetly with cupped fingers.

Quesadilla: Knife and fork for entree. Fingers for appetizer.

Strawberries: Hold by stem. If cut or in cream, use spoon.

Chips: One at a time. No double dipping or loud crunching.
Dips: Dip only once into a community bowl.

Cheese: Spread cheese on a cracker with the accompanying knife. Don’t weigh the cracker down. If a wedge, hold with cheese fork and cut off a portion.

Crudities: Celery, radishes, olives, pickles, and other veggies are finger foods if used as a garnish or on a relish tray. Do not eat directly from serving tray; put on plate. Pour a little salt or dip on your plate next to the crudités, and dip into it.

Cantaloupe: Use spoon or fork for balls. Knife and fork for wedge.

Barbecued ribs: Definitely finger food.

Beverage: Do not use water glass as a finger bowl. Never dunk anything into your coffee, tea, or water. Don’t blow on a hot drink to cool it. Fruits, olives, or onions in a drink may be eaten with fingers.

Serving food: At banquets or in banquet-style serving, platters of food are served to you on the left. Use the serving fork and spoon provided when serving and return to serving platter the same way it was presented to you (spoon with bowl up and fork with tines down).

Removing plates: Plates are removed from the table from your right. If at a restaurant, do not push your plate away when finished or help the wait staff by stacking up your plates.

Don’t let your etiquette insecurities keep you from accepting an invitation or having a good time. If your were invited, your host or hostess probably just wants your company. Enjoy!

Irma Wolcott

Irma Wolcott is the owner of Fun With Etiquette. Call her at 956-492-4762 for more information. Website: www.funwithetiquette.com e-Mail her at: [email protected]

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