How to Navigate the Holiday Table

So much time and effort is put into creating the perfect holiday meal, but when you and your guests are doing the soft-shoe shuffle around the dining table, things can get a little tricky. Do you sit first? Last? Do you wait for the hostess to sit down? Do you sit next to your spouse? Across from Steve-I-Am-Louder-than-Anyone-Here? Miles away from the 18 month-old who is not only teething but practicing his right hook?

The easiest and kindest thing to do as a host is to put together place cards. If you are part of a couple and hosting guests, the host and the hostess should sit at the head of the table. The male guest of honor and/or the eldest male should be seated to the hostess’ right and the female guest of honor and/or eldest female should be seated to the right of the host. The remainder of the guests should then be seated in a male/female alternating fashion.  Separating spouses is best, allowing for more interesting conversation among diners. And think how happy Steve-I-Am-Louder-than-Anyone-Here’s wife will be with this rare opportunity.

If you are a single poodle hosting an event, you should be seated at the head of the table and the female guest of honor should be at the other end. Again, guests should then be seated in a male/female alternating fashion. Female guests should be seated first with the hostess as the last lady to be seated. The men should follow suit with the host as the final guest to take his seat.

This holiday season, be thankful for true friends, a strong family, divine food and the comfort and joy that comes with good manners.

Cordially yours,

Parker Presley