Etiquette: Soup's On

Dear Reader,

My, it has been quite some time since I have shared my knowledge with you! I apologize, but I have been abroad and busy these last few months. But now, I hope to be back to my column on a more regular basis. You understand, dear, the busy life of a socialite. You, too, can acheive this lifestyle as I have; it won't take much time at all if you follow my advice to the letter!

To-day's lesson is that of how to consume soup. As the crisp, wintery months approach, I am sure that many of you will offer soups and stews to your families, and it is most important that they know how to enjoy these delightful dishes. Firstly, soups and stews should be served in a bowl, not on a plate. I know that some feel that if a stew is hearty enough, it may be served on a plate. Not so. All one is left with is a mess. These dishes shall be eaten with a place spoon (not a teaspoon) and the spoon should ALWAYS collect the soup/stew as you push the spoon away from you, not toward you. The spoon is then delicately lifted upward to the area in front of your mouth (you are sitting up straight in your chair, of course). Then, you may place the spoon in your mouth and eat the soup. Never, ever, suck the soup or stew off of the spoon; this is most ungracious to your host and utterly rude behavior. Eating is a quiet activity. Continue these actions until you have emptied the bowl. Now, there is always a little remainder of soup left in the bottom. That is exactly where it is to stay, unless the hostess has provided you with a soup with handles--in this instance only, you may pick up the bowl and drink from it directly. Although this is acceptable, I still feel that it is a little undignified. You wouldn't see QE II performing such a sordid action at a state dinner!

I hope that to-day's lesson will assist you in your program. Press on, dear! You will achieve your beauty and charming best!

Until next time...

HF