Everett, Wash. Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Let Emily Post help you set the table
Ask Emily: If you drag out Grandma's linen tablecloth only for special occasions, you might need a refresher on where to put the napkins.
Go to the mother ship -- The Emily Post Institute. You can make a quick visit online to www.emilypost.com/everyday/table_settings.htm and find all the basics on setting a formal table.
Diagrams of place settings for various levels of formality include descriptions and a simple mnenomic, FORKS, that seems like a stretch because there's no "R" on the table, but if it helps, use it.
While you're there, you might want to take a peek at "holiday etiquette." A favorite:
"FHB -- an acronym to be whispered to immediate family ONLY! FHB means 'Family Hold Back.' If there is a critical shortage of a critical food item, discretely whisper to family members, 'FHB the dark meat.' It's the secret signal that guests get first dibs on the dark meat."
