Nearly half will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and before the celebrations, six in 10 think people over 60 could teach them a thing or two about how to behave at a formal event.
Young adults are unfamiliar with traditional dinner rules, such as how to pass food, whether a particular knife is for fish or steak, and whether they can go to the bathroom during a meal.
A survey of 2,000 adults under 30 found that nearly one in five had never attended a dinner they would consider “fancy.”
Other rules that the younger generation don’t know include what to do with the napkin after eating, how many bagels are polite to eat, and which glass is for which drink.
Nearly half will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and before the celebrations six in 10 believe that the over 60s could teach them a thing or two about how to behave at a formal event.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers Home Visits with u3a as part of their #GenerationWOW campaign which highlights the knowledge and skills older people have acquired over a lifetime of experience: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/generation-wow.
Clinical Director Dawn Roberts said, Research has shown that there is a clear lack of knowledge of etiquette and young adults.
“However, what is clear from this and our previous research is that many over 60s would like to pass on their knowledge and understanding of things like dinner etiquette to the younger generation.”
More than a quarter of young adults have tried to organize their own formal outreach.
And among the best efforts, 45% put more cutlery on the table, 44% try to set the table and 37% insist that their guests observe good table manners.
Sadly, 57% of young adults saw someone point out that they were doing something wrong on a formal occasion, and 22% say it happened multiple times.
As a result, six out of 10 people have resorted to Google’s formal table etiquette, while others copy everything the person next to them is doing or rely on a partner to tell them what to do.
Young women worry about what cutlery to use for which plate, and men worry about what to do with a knife and fork when they’re done eating.
Despite their efforts to learn, 73% of OnePoll respondents believe etiquette and manners are on the verge of extinction.
To help young adults learn the rules of eating, Specsavers Home Visits created a tutorial with etiquette expert Diana Mather of The English Manner, who is also part of #GenerationWOW (Wonderful Ancient Wisdom).
In the video, Diana reveals how cutlery should work from the outside in and how the rolls should be broken by hand rather than cut with a knife.
Diana said: “Things like the etiquette may seem rather daunting, but what better time than the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to learn more and enjoy more formal celebrations.
“It’s sad to hear that young people think the label is on the decline because it’s actually as relevant today as it never was. Being able to cope with a formal event can be crucial to professional success, as can being able to enjoy weddings and dinners.
“I hope my advice will help you a little, but there is no substitute for talking to an older friend or relative if you need more advice, and maybe you could even invite them over for dinner to thank them!”
THE 30 BEST LABEL CONFUSION ACCORDING TO ADULTS UNDER 30
- Which cutlery to use for which plate
- Which glass for which drink?
- If I can break my bread or if I have to cut it
- What should I do with a knife and fork when I take a break to eat?
- What should I do with a knife and fork when I’m done eating?
- Whether I am able to put my elbows on the table or not
- What to do with my napkin after eating
- How to pass food.
- Whether or not I have to get up when someone comes out or comes to the table
- If I can go to the bathroom during a meal
- Whether a knife is a meat or fish knife
- Who should be served food first?
- Who should pay for the food?
- How many muffins is it polite to eat?
- If I’m allowed to handle anything of my food
- What are spoons for?
- Where should I put my purse / bag?
- What topics can I talk about at the table?
- If I have to get it all on my plate
- Which side is my muffin on?
- where do I put the phone
- Where should I put the napkin while I eat?
- where should I put my jacket
- How should I sit down
- how to hold my glass
- How to eat, for example, you can only eat small bites?
- If I have to mix salt and pepper
- If I’m allowed to season my food
- If I can run out of someone else’s food
- If it’s rude to chew with your mouth open
Source: Dailystar
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
