Etiquette Plus

Condiments are accompaniments for food, such as mustard, horseradish, jam, etc. Yes, there is etiquette when eating such condiments. The key is to “spoon” small portions on to your bread and butter plate (jams and jellies) or on to your luncheon/dinner plate. Never smear butter, jams, or jellies directly on to a roll from a serving dish. In the same manner, place cranberry or horseradish sauce on your plate first, not directly on the meat. Steak sauce and ketchup are condiments. At a formal meal, at someone’s home or at a business meal, NEVER ask for these condiments to season your steak. I recommend that you do not use them unless your host has offered them. When providing these condiments at formal meals, it is proper to place them in small bowls (ramekins) with a small spoon for serving. Relevant to this subject, dips are considered condiments for fresh vegetables. NEVER “double dip” your vegetables in to the serving bowl or party dip. Spoon the dip on to your small hors d’oeuvre plate, then you may “triple dip” if you so please.