Articles

Please, be seated: dinner party seating

by Jay Remer Enjoying the camaraderie of one’s friends and family around a dinner table is often considered one of life’s greatest pleasures. Whether entertaining at home or hosting a dinner party at a restaurant, the question invariably arises: “Where shall we sit?”
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Tea, glorious tea! (moving picture)

Tea in the morning. Tea in the afternoon. Tea in the evening. We adore tea anytime of the day. This is MIEN Magazine's humble little moving picture homage to the glorious and almighty cuppa. How do you take yours?
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Table manners by Emily Post (moving picture)

by Dana Gornitzki What does a correctly set place look like? How much silver should we lay out? (oh, just the thought makes the heart flutter) What is the proper way to eat soup? And is it correct to cut your salad with a knife? Of course, do not dare to lick your knife (EVER) and make sure to eat as quietly as possible - these are basic and proper manners.
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A dinner party dedication to picky eaters

By Elizabeth Renzetti “Oh, I forgot to mention – I’m allergic to dairy.” How many of us have heard those terrifying words after inviting someone over for dinner? Well, I’ve got news for you, Ms. Butterfat-Gives-Me-Buboes: You can tell you’re actually allergic to something if you need to carry an EpiPen with you wherever you go. If, upon ingesting a substance, your throat swells up and you die, then you have an allergy. I grant that sudden, violent death is a bummer at most dinner parties (though I’ve been to some where it would have been a welcome early conclusion to the evening.)
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How to appreciate a fine single malt

By Irvine M. Kingman As with most of life’s great pleasures, taking one’s time and learning correct techniques are fundamental to success and satisfaction. Appreciation of a fine single malt whisky is no different.
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Table settings: back to basics

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy A reader stopped me in a local coffee shop and asked me to consider writing a sort of 'back to basics' column on simple table settings. I began thinking about this request and thought this could be a real
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Holiday traditions and table settings

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy One of the great traditions, which we have at this time of year, is a festive holiday meal. For most of us, it is part of our Christmas celebration. There is the meal itself- , which from one family to the next can differ - but usually within a family, certain traditions exist. Some always have turkey, some have ham, and some have roast beef. But no matter what we have, there is always a table to set as beautifully as possible. It is the one time of
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Happy American Thanksgiving! A few traditions and etiquette reminders

Happy Thanksgiving to Americans celebrating it. No doubt, there will be much feasting, spending time with family, and enjoying all sorts of traditions. The first Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when the Wampanoag Indians and Plymouth Colonists shared a harvest feast together. Although it's been said that pilgrims used their hands to eat (not forks and knives, oh my!), many of the traditions have remained the same: namely eating copious amounts of delicious food and being thankful.
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Proper posture: for sitting and dining

By Dana Gornitzki Now stop slouching and watch part two of our posture film, where we show you the significance of sitting up straight - both for body and mind (not to mention the impression you're making). This is a follow-up installment to the first part of MIEN Magazine's moving picture that focuses on proper posture for walking and standing.
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Potluck etiquette: some tips from the Etiquette Guy

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy Last time, we discussed elegant handling and social graces of fiddly nosh. With the cold weather settling in nicely, many of us look forward to hearty winter dinners with close friends. Unlike the traditional dinner party, potluck meals are especially popular across the pond in the Americas, and let the menu and food preparation become a shared effort.
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Diary Dates

What? A country house party packed with fun and frolic to spoil your inner child. Think musical chairs, apple bobbing and special magic acts.

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Mien Theme

The Parlour is now closed. Thanks for making it such a huge success! Thank you to all of our lovely visitors, generous sponsors, supporters and collaborators. In case you missed the inaugural Parlour, take a peek at a few images from our photo album:

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