Etiquette Tuesday: Elbow Me

[ 0 ] May 1, 2012 | Johnna

©JohnnaKnowsGoodFood

Writing about dining etiquette each week has placed some added preassure on my shoulders when dining out. I often get asked the questions of what to do and what not to do when I’m out with friends where they know I right this post. The funny thing is sometimes I do not even follow my own rules. This week, for instance, I will focus on an etiquette tip that I have not mastered: the elbow rule. As soon as I sit down for dinner, I instantly want to put my elbows on the table. I attribute this to the fact that when I get the chance to finally sit down for a nice meal I really just want to let my hair down and relax.

Most etiquette experts and etiquette books will tell you no elbows on the table at anytime during a semi-formal and formal meal. This is true but what happens after the meal is served, coffee is coming out and the conversation has turned into casual chatter and laughs? It would seem that elbows sitting on the edge of the table would be appropriate and especially when in the company of friends or a significant other. I tend to lean my elbows on the table once I’m in a casual setting though I know that it is totally inappropriate.

This week, I call myself out on bad etiquette. Elbows should not be on the table but if you’re company does not mind, why not??

Tags: dining etiquette, Etiquette Tuesday

Category: Etiquette Tuesday, Food.Fun.Stuff.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.