Posted by
Frigglesnitz on Sunday, October 29, 2006 2:42:50 PM
This blog results from a reading of Townhall's 10-29-06 "Emily Post Pushes Modern Manners."
From the time I began to know my grandfather, back about a hundred years ago (well, not quite), one of my most vivid memories of him is his pouring hot coffee into his saucer and sipping carefully therefrom.
It became problematic, unfortunately, when he developed a tremor. Problematic was a word unheard of then, and he overcame these difficulties somehow. I never saw him drink from a cup.
It is my understanding that in those days drinking coffee from a saucers was not considered bad form. I wanted to follow suit but such was not allowed. Presumably it was the sole privilege of adults.
My etiquette is far, far from perfect. However, this column resonated with me in many ways. No matter how casual dinner may be for two of us, the knife is never placed so that the "sharp" side faces outward. Other utensils are similarly correctly placed. It's just one of those things that truly matters to me -- along with making sure the folds of napkins face outward.
When I was growing up, the sing-song "Mabel, Mabel, if you're able, keep your elbows off the table!" was heard frequently. Now, when we are dining out, sometimes the refrain returns to my consciousness. Sometimes I listen.
Some people believe incorrectly that the Constitution is a "living document" that can be changed by the bench (the courts) at will. Etiquette must, in contrast, be a "living practice," changing as necessity requires.
Perhaps some day sipping coffee from a saucer will be completely acceptable. Again.