How to Eat Bread With Butter

Dear Polite One,

How does one eat bread and rolls during dinner? May it be eaten with fingers or a fork? Do I need to finish a piece of bread during a meal? Could I have the unused butter left in the bread plate when the dinner is finished?

Bread and Butter Rules

Dear Bread and Butter Rules,

Put the amount of butter you feel you will use throughout the meal on your bread plate. If you are right-handed, take the bread in your left-hand break off a small amount of bread over the plate – about two bite's worth – with your right hand, transfer the bite to your left hand and butter that piece with a knife. Place your knife on the edge of your bread plate (or your dinner plate if there is no bread plate) with the sharp edge of the knife facing toward you.

You don't use your fork to eat the bread and don't have to finish the bread or butter.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More by The Polite One

Mix or eat all of one item on a plate?

How do I eat toast during breakfast?

How to get food onto a fork?

Comments

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

Do I remove the gloves when eating?

Dear Polite One, I'm attending a very formal ball and dinner is included. I will be wearing long gloves with my long formal gown. Do I remove the gloves when eating? Glove Etiquette Dear Glove Etiquette, It is proper glove etiquette to remove gloves before the meal begins and lay them across your lap. Fold your napkin in half and lay it on top of your gloves. After leaving the table, and before the dance, put them back on. Before dancing, remove them again. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball? What to wear for a formal ball in New York? Appropriate Dinner and Dancing Charity Event Attire?

How to address an envelope to a married woman who kept her maiden name?

Dear Polite One, With so many females keeping their maiden names after marrying, how I address correspondences to them? Confused Dear Confused, Many times, women keep their maiden names to retain career identity. This is her name no matter what her marital status is. So, if the correspondence is primarily to her, list it like the following. Ms. Jane Brown Mr. John Smith If listed on the same line, add an "and." Ms. Jane Brown and Mr. John Smith If you don't know her husband's name, you could use this example. Ms. Jane Brown and family. If the correspondence is primarily to her husband , list his name first. Mr. John Smith Ms. Jane Brown However, if this is a social correspondence and one is a doctor or holds a title (officer or similar), this person would be listed first. General John Smith and Ms/Mrs. Jane Brown. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Correspondence: Dr and Hubby, Grieving Brother-In-...

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog