Dining Etiquette 101 - Table Manner Tips and Tricks | TOPICS WITH TRACY

Today, I am sharing a highly requested video with you just in time for the Holiday Season and for any gatherings you have coming up! I am sharing tips and tricks for dining etiquette and table manners.
Thank you to Da Edoardo in Grand Blanc, Michigan for letting us use their beautiful restaurant!

 Speaking portion - Beauty + Outfit

Restaurant portion - Beauty + Outfit

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[cloopysue]

I love how these videos not only teach manners and etiquette, they also teach you how to be a KINDER and more CONSIDERATE person. Thank you Tracy!

[susanreynolds]

I used to have "restaurant night" at home with my boys when they were young to teach them manners in a comfortable setting.

[OceanGale]

I'm seventeen years old, and embarrassed by my generation. So many things are considered "okay" or even "cool" that are unbelievably disrespectful now a days. I am grateful to be raised by my grandmother. She taught me everything from fashion, how to speak elegantly with confidence, how to set a table, eat a meal, make small talk, walk up and down the stairs, and even taught me posture by making me balance books on my head! Many young girls my age look down on any *classy* femininity like it's below them. Showing midriffs, wearing tight and short dresses that convey the wrong message, cleavage spilling out of tops, showing too much leg that again, conveys the wrong message, chewing with mouths open (So unbelievably common), forgetting simple "please" and "thank you's", slouching, being on a phone at the wrong times, and the list goes on! With my grandma and your videos, my sister, best friend and I all hope to start a ripple effect to bring sophistication back in style. Thank you again!

[amandaappels]

As a former waitress myself, I love how many of these etiquette points emphasize respect for your server and the wait staff as a whole. Some people get a misconstrued idea that being difficult to the wait staff is how you act in a very formal restaurant when that is so disrespectful and all around classless. Nothing shows more grace than kindness and respect to all :)

[mpshilpa]

you really got me when you said 'leave people better than you found them'!! that is lovely! thank you, Tracy.

[shannonengelken]

Another helpful tip is to sip wine from the same spot on your glass so you don’t have multiple lipstick smudges. 🍷 Thanks for a wonderful video!

[pjlewisful]

This should be required viewing in all schools.

[avi]

I’m am only 14 but recently I have been getting more and more embarrassed by my friend’s and family’s behavior at all the nice restaurants we go to. A lot of people think I’m rather weird because I’m so bothered by unladylike behavior or even clothing in inappropriate settings (especially school). I just wish so many more people in my generation would give a little effort to manners and etiquette!

[Bittagrit]

I always told my children that the smaller bite made the food taste better. Also a good way to keep them from eating too fast or choking.

[sophie-]

One evening at an Italian restaurant here in Perth Western Australia, a man who was dining on the table next to my young son and me, bought my son ice cream to reward him for his impeccable table manners. It was a Super cute moment.

[RustyShackleford-oozh]

Thank you for putting these videos out there! Etiquette is such a lost art these days. People are too caught up in trying to be "true to themselves" that they forget that the entire purpose of etiquette is not only to make a positive, lasting impression, but also to ensure everyone's comfort. Good manners makes people want to be around you and to have you around again. I hope that someday this sort of thing will fall back into fashion.

[haleyfitzpatrick]

Thank you so much for these videos. I come from a broken home and I was never taught much about table manners (we didn't even eat in the same room or at the same time). Now that I am married and I have adult friends, I feel like a slob because I have no idea how to conduct myself. I'm constantly asking my husband what I'm supposed to do and if I'm being polite. Now I have someone to learn from.

[schatzip]

This is how my mother raised me. I am 49 and I find the polite conversation more difficult these days. Everyone wants to own the room or talk about political things or have strong opinions. I find myself avoiding social gatherings.
True story: I was hosting a vendor meeting at the company I work. The first hour went great! But then all the women started talking about politics and had strong opinions about people who vote a certain way. Then the vendor started talking about her son masturbating in the bathroom, or as she calls it, their "sexy bathroom". Needless to say I chimed in that this conversation had crossed many lines. She is not the vendor who won the contract by the way. You see, I feel that social media has made everyone 1) into narcissists, meaning they care only about what feels good or appropriate to them and disregards others around them and 2) most people have lost their sensor button completely as we as a society are supposed to be okay with everyone and everything.. when it is not always okay.
Anyway, enjoyed your video. You remind me very much of my mother. You are a breath of fresh air.

[kathyescudero]

I love how you emphasize that you dont have to be difficult and make a fuss. Thats a really tell tale sign that you are truly classy.

[jenniferbrown]

Being someone that worked in hospitality for years, I find it really wonderful how this video emphasizes being considerate and respectful to waitstaff. Many other great tips in this video as well!

[dalekuncomardelle-lee]

I have worked in fine dining restaurants for nearly 20 years. This should be required viewing. Thank you, ma’am, this is a great resource.

[sandycheeks]

Pleaseee Tracey do more etiquette ideas if you can :)

[braelynnicholson]

I think many people would find a similar video on cocktail party etiquette to be useful. With balancing food, a drink, shaking hands and talking, it can get a bit awkward. Thanks for your great videos!

[galianbff]

You're like my classy aunt that I never had 😊 I appreciate your videos a lot because you teach these things very gently without accusing anyone. I've just started living on my own and a lot of these things my parents never taught me so your channel has been very helpful!

[erinalvarez]

Being self aware is good advice.
Also waiting for everyone to be served. Even with your own family.
Classy and thoughtful. Enjoyed your video.