UPDATE: Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many hosts face a familiar dilemma: how to keep guests out of the kitchen while food is being prepared. With the rise of open floor plans, this issue has become more pressing than ever.
New insights from etiquette expert Miss Manners provide urgent guidance on navigating these common holiday challenges. Many hosts report frustration as guests meander through the kitchen, disrupting the cooking process. This situation can escalate, particularly when relatives, such as an overzealous aunt, hover and sample dishes before they’re ready.
Miss Manners suggests practical solutions to maintain kitchen sanctity. One effective approach is to set up well-placed screens to cordon off kitchen entrances, ensuring guests respect the cooking space. Additionally, assigning a guest the task of engaging the aunt with conversation or a food preparation role can keep her occupied and out of the kitchen.
Moreover, another pressing concern is the etiquette surrounding when to start eating at a sit-down meal. Miss Manners emphasizes the importance of waiting for all guests to be served. However, many hosts encounter well-meaning friends who urge them to begin before everyone is ready.
To address this, Miss Manners recommends a simple but firm response: “Thank you; I will in just a moment.” This maintains politeness while reinforcing the importance of dining etiquette.
Interestingly, hosts often face questions about their meal preparation, such as “Did you make this roast?” While some find this inquiry rude, Miss Manners believes these questions may be intended as compliments. She advises responding with confidence, stating, “I did,” followed by an offer for seconds to keep the conversation flowing positively.
With Thanksgiving approaching on November 23, 2023, it’s crucial for hosts to adopt these strategies to create a harmonious dining experience. The holiday, a time for gratitude and gathering, should not be marred by kitchen chaos or dining etiquette faux pas.
As the holiday nears, hosts are encouraged to implement these strategies to ensure their gatherings are enjoyable for everyone involved. Miss Manners’ timeless advice serves as a reminder that good etiquette not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Get ready for Thanksgiving with these essential tips, and share this article to help others navigate their holiday gatherings gracefully!
