Customer Reviews

Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There may be two reasons I might be a bit biased in my review of this book. The first is obvious, my grandfather wrote it. The second is, he wrote it about me. According to him, he wrote this book as an adverse reaction to my manners at the table. He described on a number of occasions to the press, to my utter horror I might add, a time when he was invited to my mother's house for lunch and witnessed first hand the atrocious table manners of his daughters first born son, who at the time, was 5 years old. I don't actually remember this event happening, being five at the time, but I have had to live with this story most of my life.

To say this traumatized me would probably not be fair, but it did affect my life in minor ways. Certainly it never helped having people observe my every movement at the table at every dinner party I have ever attended. They just sat there staring and waiting. Waiting for me to make some horribly disgusting and socially frowned upon move. Perhaps burp during the height of some interesting tale by a senator or governor, or worse, my grandfather..... or maybe even slurp down the dregs of my finger bowl, which was something I became particularly fond of doing!

I am in recovery today and thanks to BTMA (bad table manners anonymous) and constant reading of my Grandfathers book, I can honestly say that I have better manners today. It is a one day at a time thing, like so many other programs of recovery, and I have to remember that at any time, I could slip and dive for that fork or spoon dropped under the table, or go back to my beloved finger bowl, but I try to live a civilized life today, I try.

I think my grandfather would be proud!

All kidding aside, this book is honest, short and to the point. It can be read with ease in a matter of an hour. It's humorous and direct and does not ask the reader to read a small dictionary to learn the basic elements of what good manners are. Rather, it is simple and straightforward. Now we all know there are hundreds of these books on the market and some do well and others do not. This book published in 1961 has endured, stood the test of time, while others have come and gone.

Why, because it is so accessible. I have often pondered a follow up to this book, which I tentatively call Tiffany's Table Manners for Adults, and who knows maybe I'll write it someday. (One needs the blessing of the great institution and my pull is not what it used to be over there!) But I believe the world, and notably this country has lost, some of the simple things once taught by parents, that being plain ol good manners. Perhaps they are not learning them anymore. Maybe parents have little time in the rush of their daily lives to ensure these basic lessons are incorporated into their little one's lives. I don't know for sure but it shows in the attitude and behaviors of the young people I run into today. Perhaps there will be those that debate this but I think there will be those that will agree too. The book however is worth the money one might spend on it, there are no others that take the simple direct route to instilling what has all been lost in today's world, basic good manners, not only at the table but in every day life. JOHN HOVING

A wonderful book for anyone needing to know basic table manners. This book covers everything from which silverware to use, to what to do and not to, to how to signal completion of a meal, to the appropriate manner to converse at a formal dinner setting.

Well illustrated, instructions given in a non-condescending manner. With the current level of knowledge about table manners, I'd say this book is suitable for anyone, not just teenagers.

As the author of "You've Only Got Three Seconds to Make the Right Impression," I have recommended this book to over 5,000 business executives. It is a priceless reference book designed for every age.

Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers is suitable for people of any age who wish to improve their table manners and learn to eat correctly.

It goes course by course explaining the proper way to spoon soup, how to properly use a knife and fork, etc.

It also explains what to do if you drop your fork or spoon, find a bone in your food, etc.

Short, concise, with amusing illustrations, this book has knowledge that can be used immediately for an instant step-up in manners.

"Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers" was written by Walter Hoving, former chairman of the board of Tiffany & Co., with wispy, whimsical illustrations by Joe Eula. First published in 1961, the book was directed at teenagers simply because people begin to be invited to formal dinners when they are young and therefore find themselves in need of good table manners. But Mr. Hoving presents his version of good table manners simply, instructively, and with good humor for all ages. The text and illustrations are plain enough to be suitable for children. The book is only 95 pages long with, typically, a few sentences of etiquette advice and one black-and-white illustration per page. It describes dining as a guest in someone's home, but most of the etiquette would apply in restaurants as well.

"Tiffany's Table Manners" takes us through a formal meal in 6 chapters, with advice on using utensils and eating politely for each: "Let's Be Seated", "The Soup Course", "The Fish Course", "The Meat Course", "The Salad Course", and "The Dessert Course". Chapter 7, "Some Don'ts", warns the reader against common no-no's. Etiquette is debatable and changeable, of course. This book advocates eating with your left hand, in the European style, when using a fork and knife, claiming that shifting the fork from left to right hand repeatedly is "clumsy and awkward". I tend to agree, but many etiquette experts consider eating with the left hand to be affected or, worse, gluttonous. Mr. Hoving acknowledges that there are other systems of etiquette, but believes the one presented here is "attractive, graceful, and above all, natural." I think most readers will agree. "Tiffany's Table Manners for Teenagers" is a nice, straightforward reference for the whole family.

This is a terrific book. I got it from my aunt for Christmas. I guess it was a hint. It has easy to follow directions and humorous pictures to mime out what you are supposed to do. It has hints and tips also.

This is a quick, humorous, and easy read that is well written for all ages to "spiff up" on everyday table manners. The presentation is very entertaining and funny, which make the points stick in one's mind even more. The cartoon illustrations are a delight and perfectly complement the text. Every household should have a copy!

This 90 pages little book fills with lots of illustrations to depict the improper & proper table manners. Despite the title of the book is "For Teenagers", this book can be appreciated for anyone who wants to master the art of good table manners.

Mr. Hoving, the former chairman of the board of Tiffany & Company, will walk you through the proper table manners in a step-by-step approach. He will also address alot of common mistakes and "don't" in numbers of illustrations; for example, don't leave your spoon in your coffee cup! This book covers different meal courses like the soup course, the fish course, the meat course, the salad course, as well as the dessert course. Overall, I find this book is very interesting and helpful. I highly recommend for people looking for a quick and easy way to learn good table manners.

(Reviewed by Otto Yuen, 5-Nov-2004)

This is a great, quick, light and effective teaching tool of the basics of table manners for kids. In these days of fast food and less formal dining, it provides kids a comfort zone for entering new situations. It was given to me when I turned thirteen in 1968, passed along through my three sisters, and we now have passed it on to our 13-year niece!

This little book is very entertaining and very accessible.

It's also a great fake-out gift for your teenagers at Christmas. That Tiffany's bag got my heart racing on Christmas morning when I found it under the tree back in the day (thanks, Dad!).