Etiquette Boss: Acing a formal dinner

“Our youth now….have bad manners, contempt for authority….” — Socrates ( approx. 399 B.C.)

The season of proms and other formal dinners and receptions is on the horizon. Today’s etiquette tip is designed to help teenagers attend any formal function with confidence.

Drinks served during the cocktail hour should not be taken to the dining room, even if they are not fully consumed. Once seated, place cards are placed above the plate.

A young man’s position is to his date’s left. This also applies to food being served on a platter. The platter is offered from his left for his selection; it is offered from his right for his date.

When serving oneself from the platter, the rule to remember is to slide the serving spoon under the food, while using the serving fork to steady it. Any cutting should be done with the spoon.

Lift food to plate and do not eat until the entire table is served (10 or fewer). Conversation at a formal dinner is never general; it is always in twos. Your teen should make conversation to the ladies on the left and right, even if one of the two is unknown. Leave the general conversation and speaking across the table for family or informal dinners.

YOUR BEST APPEARANCE: Tips for younger hair

Your hair can make a tremendous difference in adding or removing years from your appearance. Ask your hairdresser to change your haircut or color. You will never know what small changes can do unless you try.

Here are some tips to keep in mind: Try to limit hair washing to once per week with a gentle shampoo, because hair is weakened by too much hot water and harsh shampoos.

Apply a mixture of olive oil and mayonnaise to hair one or two hours before washing. This is a proven remedy for strengthening hair strands.

Thinning hair can be a problem as we grow older. You should drink a good multivitamin and have a thyroid check to ensure you do not have an underactive thyroid, as this condition can result in lackluster, thinning hair.

Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.