Dining Etiquette SOS

Are you invited for an important dinner to one of the fine restaurants and starting to panic 

because you really don’t want to embarrass yourself in case you’ll get something wrong? 

Are you one of those three quarters of adults in England (according to recent survey) that 

are not confident enough to follow a fine dining etiquette? Don’t worry – nothing is lost!  

Here is a little SOS guide to help you:

What you should do

•  Arrive 10 minutes early – your host should be there already to show you your seat 
•  Ask politely where you can leave your coat 
•  If it is a business dinner greet and shake hands firmly
• Place your napkin on your lap – if it’s too big fold it in half

• Wait until your host/hostess starts eating or gives a signal to do so

• Chew and swallow all the food in your mouth before taking more or taking a drink

• Soup should be spooned away from you and only ¾ to avoid spilling, drink soup from the side of  the spoon without slurping (it’s ok to tilt the bowl again away from your body to get that  last spoonful)

• Always tear bread into bite-size pieces, butter, and then eat. Never butter the entire piece (or ½) and eat the slice

• When you finish eating your soup place the spoon on the side plate and never leave it in your bowl  
• Look at the picture – this is a full setting which you can expect – don’t panic, it’s not as complicated as it looks – a general rule is to pick up the silverware pieces from the outside in toward your plate during the courses of the meal 

• Which drink is mine? Remember drinks D on your right, bread B on your left

• If you haven’t finished eating place you fork across your knife on the plate, when you finish place them next to each other

• When you are finished, place your napkin on the table on the left side of your plate, this is the only time the napkin goes back on the table

• Compliment your host and food

         What you shouldn’t do

• Don’t be late

• Never dip bread  into dips or gravy without using a fork

• Don’t put too much in your mouth

• Don’t eat chicken with your hands

• Don’t cut your food into more than 2 pieces

• Don’t ask for more wine, wait until it’s offered to you

• Never tuck your napkin in the collar of your shirt

• Never wipe your cutlery with your napkin, if it’s not clean ask server politely to bring another one

• Don’t put your elbows on the table

• Don’t criticise your food

• Don’t blow your nose to your napkin – you might laugh but there is so many people doing it

By following these basic rules you should be prepared to fully enjoy your dinner and if you happen to break one of the “rules” – don’t worry – you are NOT the only one!

Have a great day!

Kristina

www.vamadecor.co.uk 

Don't underestimate the power of colours

Did you know that a human eye can see about 7,000,000 colours? Scientists say that colours can put us in a good mood but on the other hand they can also irritate us and cause headaches. Some colour combinations are healing and help us relax.

So, let’s have a look at what I found out about colours and what they can do for us:

Green – one of my favourite colours and very popular as well (from a selling point of view). Green means nature, healing, love and has a calming effect. About 25 years ago I remember my Grandmother sitting in the garden and saying “look at the grass for half an hour a day and your vision will be better and your mind will be relaxed.” And Grandmas are always right! I love plants and flowers, however I am not the greatest when it comes to looking after them – my mum is and her house is full of gorgeous plants and I have to say I get a bit jealous. They definitely bring a positive energy to any room.

Blue – it is said that a blue colour has a calming effect on people. It is recommended for people with stressful jobs to have blue walls or sofas in their room so they can relax. Blue is not the colour I would choose for my launch but I visited my friend a few weeks ago and her sofas are blue, also some of her accessories are blue and beige and it looks great!

Purple – another relaxing colour - encourages sleep so if you have sleeping problems this would be a great colour for your bedroom.

Red – a colour of passion and stimulation may increase your appetite. I noticed that when I buy colourful sweets for my son, first colours he reaches for are red and orange, normally blue ones are the least appetizing.

Orange – another great colour full of energy, joy and creativity. Apparently, if you have difficulties getting up in the morning this is the right colour for your bedroom. I think I will try it and get some orange bedding – oops, now you know my secret – I am not an early bird...

Yellow – the colour of sun, activity, tension release. Yellow has a positive effect and keeps us concentrated. Walls in my house are mostly yellow (light) to help my rooms feel bigger and brighter

My favourite colours are green, orange, turquoise and red – as you can see I really can’t decide what’s my favourite ONE colour as l like so many of them – how about you? Tell us about colours in your house – do you think they have an effect on your mood and how do you choose your colours?

VAMA Decor is all about colours – our products are very colourful and cheer up any room – take a look if you can find something that would fit your taste as well!

       

                                             

                           
www.vamadecor.co.uk


Have a great day!

Kristina

What Will Happen To Me On Easter Monday?

Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox.Many Christians worldwide celebrate Easter with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells. Easter processions are held in some countries such as the Philippines and Spain. It is a day of joy and celebration to commemorate that Jesus Christ is risen, according to Christian belief.

Tradition in Slovakia is a bit different to the UK - and I will be celebrating Easter there this year. Take a look at what women are put through on Easter Monday! And men just get drinks, food and even eggs?! Something is not right...

Click here to watch the Easter tradition in Slovakia

HAPPY EASTER