Why do some manners survive for centuries while others disappear overnight? And which one still matters today?

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely uncover the surprising truths behind the rules we follow, the ones we break, and the embarrassing moments we all secretly Google.

From medieval knife etiquette and Victorian orange-cutting rules to restaurant dilemmas, awkward check battles, and the lesser-known rules of modern hosting, this episode reveals how manners have evolved — and why they’re more important today than ever.

A mix of cultural style, history, and real-life stories, Nancy and Sylvia share how etiquette shapes our relationships, our confidence, our friendships, and even tells others who we are at the table. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”, this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories has answers to the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask out loud — but still should know.

This is not your grandmother’s etiquette talk, but instead something you can put to use tomorrow..

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The Easy Bread Plate Hack Everyone Should Know About: The “B” and “D” hand trick doesn’t just save embarrassment — it’s one of the most-searched etiquette questions worth learning.
• History Behind the Rules We Follow Without Thinking, And Why: Did you know that Medieval danger signals, Victorian pamphlets, and ancient dining rituals still influence how we sit, eat, serve, and host today?
• The Check-Dance Ritual, And Who Pays? From the guy with “alligator arms” and the host rule to power plays disguised as politeness, the debate over who pays is one of the most revealing etiquette moments in our professional and personal lives, and it's worth learning how to do it right.
• Toasting: Trust, Poison, and a Loud Clink: Did you know that the glass clink isn’t just for celebration—historically, it was a way to prove you weren’t poisoning your neighbor. (And yes, how high your glass, or goblet, was filled mattered!)

🎧 What You Can Do Next:

If this episode made you rethink even one habit, hit follow, share it with a friend, and send us your funniest or most unforgettable etiquette story. Join us, Nancy and Sylvia, in future stories at Family Tree Food & Stories, where we explore the traditions, quirks, and conversations that shape how we eat, gather, and connect — because. . .

Every meal has a story, and every story is a feast.

Additional Links ❤️

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About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, a member of The Food Stories Media Network, which celebrates the rich traditions and connections everyone has around food, friends, and family meals. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, and podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.

"Every Meal Has a Story and Every Story is a Feast." (tm) is a trademark of Family Tree Food & Stories podcast and the hosts.

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