Blog, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette, Men, Women

How to Use a Finger Bowl by Kimberly Law, AICI CIP, Certified Etiquette Expert

February 22, 2013 Kimberly Leave a comment

Although disposable finger towels are practical and often used in informal environments to cleanse the hands after eating messy food, in a formal environment you may be presented with a finger bowl as part of a dessert service or alone, even if your hands appear clean.

In a traditional European dining environment the custom is for the fingerbowl is used after the dessert is eaten. If it has been presented to you as part of the dessert service, with both hands move the finger bowl and the doily together with both hands and place them in front of you after you have finished your dessert and your dessert plate has been removed. Dip the fingers of one hand into the water, and then dry them before dipping the fingers of the other hand into the water. After you are finished, place your napkin in loose folds to the left of your place setting.

For more on this topic buy eBook ‘Formal Dining for Informal People’

What is a Dessert Service? By Kimberly Law, AICI CIP, Certified Etiquette Expert

February 15, 2013 Kimberly 17 Comments

In Canada dessert is generally served and brought in from the kitchen, or served at the table by the host. However at a very formal meal, served traditionally you may be presented with a dessert service.

A dessert service consists of a dessert plate. On the plate, there will be a finger bowl placed on a doily in the centre of the plate, with a dessert fork to the left and a dessert spoon placed to the right of the finger bowl.

The guest sets the fork on the table to the left of the plate and the spoon to the right of the plate. Then picks up the doily and the fingerbowl, and places them on the table at the upper left of the dessert plate. The server then places the dessert on the plate.

When dessert has been served onto your plate, the spoon is held in the right hand. The fork is held in the left hand. Cut the dessert using the spoon. The dessert is pushed onto the spoon with the fork and eaten with the spoon. This is the traditional way in England and many other European Countries. However, in some European regions, the spoon is used for cutting and pushing the dessert onto the fork. The dessert is then eaten from the fork. Because there are many customs for the use of these dining utensils, it is best to familiarize yourself with regional customs before you arrive.

When in doubt, always follow the lead of your host.

For more on this topic buy the eBook ‘Formal Dining for Informal People’

Perfume, Eau de Toilette, Cologne What’s the Difference?

February 7, 2013 Kimberly 1 Comment

Many of my clients ask me what the difference is between the many forms of fragrance we see in the stores today.

Fragrance terminology can be confusing. The main difference is the amount of essential oils in the product. The more essential oils – the less fragrance you will need to apply; the longer the scent will linger on your skin; and the more expensive the product generally is. The following charts clarify fragrance terminology.

Women

Form	Concentration	Reapply	Quality
Perfume	Most concentrated Apply pulse-points	4 – 5 hours	20 – 25% essential oils
Eau de Perfume	Concentrated Apply pulse-points	3 – 4 hours	Up to 15% essential oils
Eau de Toilette	Medium concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	2 – 3 hours	Up to 12% essential oils
Cologne	Weaker concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	1 – 2 hours	Up to 8% essential oils
Splash or Soft Cologne	Weak concentration Apply throat or pulse-points	Often	Less than 5% essential oils
Body lotion / cream	Weak concentration Apply on body	As needed	Varies
Shower gel	Weak concentration Use like soap	When bathing	Varies

Men

Form	Use	Reapply
Eau de Toilette	Most concentrated Apply throat and pulse-points	3 – 4 hours
Cologne	Concentrated Apply throat or pulse-points	2 – 3 hours
Aftershave	Acts as astringent and antiseptic after shaving	After shaving as needed
Aftershave Balm	Protects and sooths sensitive & dry skin after shaving	After shaving as needed
Shower gel	Weak concentration Use like soap	When bathing

When applying Perfumes, Eau de Toilettes and Colognes use them sparingly and remember… a little goes a long way.

Find out more about fragrance and other grooming how-to`s in my eBook Personal Care from Feet to Hair.

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Monthly Archives: February 2013

Kimberly Law AICI, CIP

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