URGENT UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, many hosts are grappling with a familiar dilemma: how to keep guests out of the kitchen while preparing meals. With the holiday just days away, this issue is sparking heated discussions among hosts and guests alike.
In an open floor plan, the kitchen often becomes a thoroughfare for guests, leading to unwanted interruptions. One concerned host shared her frustration over her aunt’s habit of hovering over the stove, sampling dishes before they are ready. “This makes my husband unable to enjoy the food, as he is concerned about sanitation,” she lamented.
Miss Manners, the renowned etiquette expert, has weighed in on this pressing issue. She suggests creating physical barriers, such as screens, to deter kitchen intrusions. Alternatively, she recommends engaging guests in conversation or assigning them simple food preparation tasks to keep them occupied and away from the cooking area.
The challenge isn’t just about kitchen etiquette; it also extends to table manners. Another host expressed her irritation over guests who insist on starting their meals before everyone is served. “I believe it’s correct to wait until all guests have received their food,” she stated. Miss Manners concurs, emphasizing the importance of waiting as a courtesy. However, she warns that once others begin eating, it can become awkward to remain seated and wait, potentially drawing attention to the situation.
Miss Manners also addressed concerns regarding comments made about food preparation. After a dinner party, one host felt taken aback when guests questioned if she made the roast and potatoes herself. She perceived this as rude, but Miss Manners reassured her that such questions are often intended as compliments. The correct response? “I did,” followed by an offer for seconds.
As Thanksgiving draws near, these etiquette dilemmas are likely to resonate with many. With families gathering and tensions rising, how hosts manage interactions could impact the holiday spirit.
WATCH FOR: As more guests prepare to gather in homes across the country, the conversation around kitchen etiquette and dining manners is expected to grow. Will hosts adopt new strategies to manage their kitchens, or will old habits die hard?
Stay tuned for further developments as families navigate these challenges this Thanksgiving season.
