How to Host a Manners Party for Kids

Manners are tools which help people effectively interact with society. Teaching children good manners will enable them to express gratitude and respect to others, and to deal with various social situations. Children must practice applying manners in order to become skilled at using them. Allowing kids to exercise proper etiquette in an elegant, yet comfortable, environment is a realistic way for them to practice their manners. It’s also a thoughtful way for them to show appreciation to their loved ones.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Decorations
• Linen tablecloths
• Tableware
• Plastic wine glasses or goblets

1. Conduct a short manners lesson for the children 1 to 2 weeks ahead of time. Teach about showing respect for others through the use of phrases such as “please” and “thank you.” Talk about proper ways of behaving when meeting and introducing people. Practice setting the table, serving each other and using table manners.

2. Assist the children in planning the details of the manners party. Determine the location, date, menu, decorations and guests for the party. Have the children make their own invitations to be mailed or hand-delivered to the guests. Each child should invite one or two guests to the party.

3. Prepare the party spot before the guests arrive. Enlist the children to decorate the tables and room. Set the tables with formal place settings. Use plastic wine glasses or goblets for drinking glasses.

4. Assign party duties to the children. Station two kids at the door to greet guests as they arrive. Ask each of the children to introduce his guests to the other party goers. Have the children bring the food and drinks to the seated guests. The kids will benefit from learning how to serve others, and the adult guests will appreciate and enjoy the polite gesture of the children serving them.

5. Invite the children to sit down once the guests have been helped. Serve the kids their food and drinks. Gently remind them to use their good manners and table etiquette throughout the meal. After everyone has finished eating, encourage the children to mingle at the party and continue to practice their manners and communication skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Help the kids remember their manners by teaching them secret hand signals or code words. If you notice a child forgetting his manners, quietly remind him by using these secret methods. This prevents a child from being embarrassed by public correction while still maintaining the polite environment.
• Never allow young children to carry hot items such as coffee or soup. Spilling these items could result in serious burns.

Resources

• Emily's Everyday Manners

[LindsayM]

on 12/29/2008 Great article, Jo!