Outdoor Etiquette: Taking The Family to the Park

Eat with your Hands!

I am not normally one to tell you to leave the fork and knife behind but I am today!  Check out my Southern Living video for tips on the polite way to eat fried chicken!

Click here to play video

State Fair Etiquette

The State Fair is in town and while we are all looking forward to the guiltless tasting of our favorite fried foods and fitting snugly into the crowd of fellow Texans, we might, first, want to review a short list of manners that are often overlooked at such events. Having fun in the frenzy is important, however, the casual atmosphere tends to break down even our most basic and habitual manners. Here are a few simple reminders for how to keep our behavior appropriate and in- check before completely letting go.

What to wear:


-The State Fair is a place for casual attire but it is by no means an invitation to wear daisy- dukes and show more skin than you normally would. Stay cute and cool in a strappy sun dress and with the change in season it's a perfect time to put the cardigan to good use. You might even want to throw on a pair of cowboy boots or a hat to represent the Lone Star State!


How to eat the finger foods:


-Most of the food choices will be finger foods so we don't have to be afraid to eat without utensils. There are, however, guidelines that will help us to look neat and as polished as possible while we enjoy a corn dog or two! Be sure to grab a few extra napkins when you order your food. If you're in a position to do so, place your napkin on your lap but if you're standing (which will probably be more likely) then you can wrap the napkin in a cone shape around the stick of your corn dog and that will help to catch any fallen crumbs. Chew with your mouth closed, as you might remember your mother telling you. Then when you're finished, the extra napkins will come in handy if any condiments have strayed during their journey from the corn dog into your tummy. And of course, they're helpful in cleaning your hands of the greasy feeling that remains after indulging in any yummy treat. Remember to dispose of your garbage in the trash bin. I know it sounds obvious but in a rush or in the midst of a crowd something as easy as that can seem like such a chore!


Waiting patiently:

-Do your best to remember that everyone feels antsy while waiting in a line. There will be millions attending the State Fair so there are bound to be long lines. And lets be honest, not everyone has the patience of a saint but some of us can at least act like we do. So if you feel an elbow in your back and a stomp on your fragile little foot, instead of reacting, just let it go and keep your composure. The line will shorten and everyone will eventually reach the front, but if you make a fuss getting there, the end experience will not be as enjoyable.



Now we will be sure to remember our manners and to have consideration for everyone around us. That way we can all enjoy the fair as well as each others' company! Hope to see you there!

Win Wednesday - French Impressions

Dallas author and interior designer, Betty Lou Phillips, is one of my favorites!  She is so charming, talented and gracious.  Her interior design firm, Interiors by BLP, is in demand all over the world and her new book, French Impressions, is her tenth interior design book!  Amazing!  


Each page of French Impressions is more beautiful than the next.  The photographs are gorgeous and give great interior design ideas for everything from a grand dining room to a kitchen pantry.  Every detail of a home, from the laundry room to the closet, should have beautiful decor and her ideas and inspirations are fantastic.  


You can get your copy of French Impressions at a book signing event at Neiman Marcus Downtown on Thursday, October 14 anytime between 1-3.


Betty Lou also shares tips on living like the French!  She shares all sorts of tips for dinner party etiquette all from a uniquely French perspective.  


She writes:


-Be aware of the 15 minute rule. If asked to arrive at 8, appear exactly 15 minutes after the appointed hour.  do not arrive any earlier or more than five minutes later.


-It is unacceptable to apply lipstick at the table.  In fact, it simply is NOT done.  French women are united in the belief that "a woman must never put on lipstick in public; one does that in private."  "She must never let anyone witness her grooming in public."


-Do not cut salad; fold a leaf with the fork or the help of a small piece of bread.  It is rare that leaves are large or unwieldy, since most hostesses see to that.


-Some Parisians say it is a supreme compliment to the hostess for a guest ask for recipe; but do so later, not at table.


-If asked to pass the salt, pass only the salt, not the salt and pepper.  Here, the two are inseparable but not in France.  Since salt has superstitious connotations, place it within easy reach rather than handing it directly to the person. 


-Between courses hands must rest on the table, not in one's lap.  


-Try a portion of every course.  Unless allergic to a food being served, it is a faux pas not to do so. 


To win a copy of French Impressions,
-Sign up for our newsletter
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-become a follower of this blog
-or leave a comment on this blog!


The winner will be announced on Friday so check back to see if it is you!  Good Luck!