Table Manners: How to Behave in the Modern World and Why Bother

As a freelance chef for private dinner parties who must bear witness to many a dining guest's faux-pas (and sometimes the hosts'), I welcome this highly informative and entertaining gem of a book with a big sigh of relief: Finally someone is coming to the rescue! Jeremiah Tower guides the reader through the ins and outs of proper table manners with the authority and light touch of a puppeteer directing a graceful ballet. Completely in touch with the mad challenges of the modern world we inhabit and imbued with the pedagogic sense of a benevolent master teacher, his firm but gentle advice is a dearly needed reminder of the fact that a culture is ultimately measured by the way we comport ourselves and treat others – arguably nowhere more so than at table. As in everything he does, Tower keeps his exacting standards unapologetically high, and we all can only gain from following his example, delivered with the legendary chef's signature flair, wit and elegance. This handsome little book is a perfect gift for the holidays. Hand it out freely and the world may become yet a better place – or, at least, a more pleasant one to dine in in company.

A must have for every business, host or hostess and guests. Completely practical and contemporary, Tower answers those itchy little questions with humor and style as a roadmap to quiet good manners. This is my holiday stocking stuffer for my nearest and dearest. In the meantime, its a fun and funny read for everyone else.

This book does a great job of reminding you how to be a good host or guest, and also touches on subjects that I never thought of. He talks about when it's appropriate to re-arrange the place setting if you're left handed, how to handle a hole in your clothes, what to do if you lose a button, and what appropriate attire is. Not sure how to eat soup, spaghetti, or lobster - he covers that too. Read this book before you bring a bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers to your next dinner party. This book is great for anyone wanting to an easy-to-read (and funny) guide on how to behave in polite society and earn the respect of your peers and elders. A must read before graduating from any level of school. This will help you look your best at a business dinner, formal event, or gathering with friends. Manner's matter because it's the language we use to show respect and earn respect.

It is an easy read, and has some etiquette tips, but sometimes weren't all that practical. If you want to learn etiquette for being a Hampton socialite, then yes, this might be a good read for you. A lot of what was written was not really applicable in the business world, which is the type of book I was looking for. This book covers things like hostess gifts, how to be a good hostess, etc. It's a small "bathroom" type book, with a really pretty cover, however. It was an interesting read, but not exactly what I was looking for.

Chef Jeremiah Tower is a man of many talents and a good martini-like dry wit is one of them. Great practical advice on how to host parties and be the kind of guest people will want to re-invite, basic table manners, table talk (zinger of a quote by Truman Capote, "A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue."), what to wear, etc. My favorite chapter is "Techniquette", which deals with phones at the table. He opposes the "cell phone barbarism" of guests who can't detach themselves from their devices instead of engaging in conversation. Something that can't be said too many times, unfortunately.

Amusing read - reminds me of Lucious Lucius Beebe - definitely passing this book on to the next person at the dinner table who is open to upping their game. Manners matter as a party (dinner or otherwise) is a collective venture that is so much better when people are on the same page of being considerate of others.

Elementary and useless for all but the most crude and inexperienced. Common-sense suburban guidelines about avoiding overt boorishness. Recommended only for people who've been raised by wolves.

Very informative nice that Jeremiah reads along. Some thoughts go way back. I great quick guide

This is a good read when it comes to manners and how they are a dying thing these days.

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How to teach your bratty kids a thing or two and perhaps polish up your own failings. Lean why it's just not cool to have that phone glued to your nose while your dog is chasing toddlers around the park? Lear how to tactfully disregard your neighbors friend's request in FB. Can you make a difference in your very short and meaningless life by sharing a cute and thought provoking post? These topics and others are explored and defined in Table Manners. Never mind about your schizophrenic behavior or manic depression, and not forgetting to mention the whack job you just elected. Get the table manners down first. You wont regret it.

I love how beautifully this book is designed. The way Jeremiah Tower writes is funny and entertaining while still teaching about manners in every day life.