November 8, 2001 -- Before you 'gobble gobble' that Thanksgiving meal, remember these ten ever-important dining etiquette tips offered by Social Strategist Deborah Ritch:

1. Wait for the eldest adult to take their seat at the table first.
2. Sit up straight at the table. Avoid slouching, leaning or putting your elbows on the table.
3. Simply unfold your napkin and place it in your lap. Do not shake your napkin out as if you are flagging down a taxi.
4. Wait until the host or hostess takes their first bite before taking yours.
5. Never blow on your food. Wait until it cools.
6. Pass food to the right, and always pass the salt and pepper together. They should stay on the table together throughout the meal.
7. Do not add salt or pepper to your food until you have tasted it. Shake it onto the food and never into the palm of your hand.
8. Do not talk about your health, good or bad.
9. Do not pick your teeth or use a toothpick at the table. If necessary, excuse yourself from the table and go to the restroom.
10. When you have finished your meal do not push your plate or chair away from the table.

"Showing grace is just as important as saying grace at your Thanksgiving meal," comments RitchImage President Deborah Ritch. "Knowing the proper mealtime etiquette makes the right impression on family and friends at your traditional gathering. Good manners are also expected of children and young adults. Give them a few lessons in the days and weeks leading up to the gathering. Correcting them at the table is too little too late and will only disturb the other guests."

About Deborah Ritch

Deborah Ritch, president and founder of RitchImage, is a social strategist that offers advice for modern day etiquette dilemmas. In addition to one-on-one consultations, Ms. Ritch also hosts etiquette seminars. Dining with flair, proper protocol in every situation, making the right first impression and appropriate attire are only a few of the many relevant topics of which she is an expert. RitchImage clients have included Broad and Cassel Attorneys At Law, Community Foundation of Broward and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ms. Ritch holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International. For more information visit www.mannersandimage.com.