Articles

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
Read More

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
Read More

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.)
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More

Finger foods part two: Now, on to asparagus and assorted fiddly nosh

By Jay Remer, the Etiquette Guy In our first installment of finger foods and appropriate social graces, we discussed how to eat artichokes in an elegant fashion. This time, let’s address eating asparagus in a polished manner. Asparagus is a wonderful vegetable from the lily family, which comes to us from Eurasia and is grown in many parts of the world. This is another food, which, according to proper etiquette,
Read More

Finger foods part one: how to eat artichokes in an elegant fashion

Mien Theme

The Parlour: nostalgic fun and civilised merriment without the modern accoutrements (This is what we're up to so we'll be offline for the most part. Back on March 15th with regular content.)

View previous themes