Think Pink: Hosting Your Own Cookout

With the 4th of July coming up many will be planning to host backyard cookouts or BBQs, but how is the "proper" way to do this and what kind of food is usually prepared?

FINDING A PLACE:
Depending on how many guests you have coming will determine where you'll want to host your cookout. Because people usually host cookouts in the warm weather you'll either want to host it where there is plenty of shade or a building where they can go in if the sun gets too hot. There are many places people choose to host a cookout.

A few are...

1) In their backyard
2) At a neighbourhood park
3) At a Church
4) Reception Hall
5) Community Building

Where ever you decide to have it you'll want to make sure you have enough space for everyone.

SETTING UP:
As I said above you'll need plenty of space for all your guests. Make sure you also have plenty of tables and chairs. You can either have circular tables with five or so chairs, or set up the long 6ft tables. They both work nicely.

You'll definitely want a few 6ft tables in a long line to set the food on so people can walk down it like a buffet to serve themselves.

Decorating for the cookout will depend on what the cookout is for. In this case the 4th of July so anything that is red, white, or blue will be great. You can buy streamers and twist them into a fancy fashion and hang them up where they're desired. Plastic tables covers are very inexpensive and are decorative for cookouts. Balloons are also fun and a nice addition to a your decorations.

It's always fun, even if you don't do the above, to buy matching cups, plates, and napkins. They look so pretty on the food tables and everyone will use them.

You'll also want an open area in case any games are played.

FOOD:
Along with the list of guests who are to attend, make a list of supplies you will need for the event and buy them at least five days ahead of time. Make sure you have plenty.

A traditional cookout food list...
Hot dogs & Hamburgers
You'll want to buy buns for each and make sure you have toppings such as onions rings, pickle chips, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Chips & Dips
There are many flavours of chips, but the main ones you'll want are original, sour cream-n-onion, and BBQ. The traditional sour cream and onion dip should be on the table, but if you have some special dip recipe, you use it!

I also like to have tortilla chips with salsa and nacho cheese dip on the table, and maybe some chili too. We really like making our 7-layer dip (refried beans, tomatoes, onions, black olives, cheese, lettuce) to eat with tortilla chips.

Fruit & Veggie Tray:
You gotta have that healthy stuff! Can't forget that! You can make the trays with whatever fruits and veggies you want, but the traditional ones include:

Fruit: apples slices, grapes, fresh pineapple chunks, cantaloupe/honeydew cubes, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and orange slices.

Veggie: baby carrots, pepper slices, whole olives, pickle spears, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers

You can make dip to go with the each tray. Here's an easy recipe for each.

Fruit dip
1 8-ounce package cream cheese,softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Veggie dip
8 oz. mayonnaise
8 oz. sour cream
1 tsp. Beau Monde seasoning
1 tsp. chopped onions
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. parsley
1/8 tsp. onion salt
1/8 tsp. garlic salt

Just mix them together until smooth and serve on the tray in a small bowl.

Deviled eggs
These are a must! Have you ever gone to a cookout or party that didn't have deviled eggs? It's not to be heard of! You should have at least a dozen eggs for every 12 guests.

Cheese & Meat Tray:
An assortment of cheeses and coldcut meats such as Monterey jack and salami. You'll want to have a tray of crackers nearby as cheese, meat, and crackers are a favourite!

Green salad
You've got your fruits and veggies yes, but you still need your salad. Just buy some iceberg or greenleaf lettuce and set toppings (shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, peas, onions, and dressings) out next to it for guests to pick and choose as they please.

Homemade Potato Salad by Patty Kile
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
Pinch salt
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
3/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green onions
salt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, mustard and salt. Combine egg, water and vinegar; stir into dry ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Stir in mayonnaise. In a bowl, combine the potatoes, hard-cooked eggs, celery, onions, salt and pepper. Add the dressing and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Drinks:
Water is a given, but you may want to make punch, lemonade, ice tea, and have soda-pop present as well. Don't forget the ice! Have an ice bucket right next to the drinks and cups!

At the beginning of the food tables you'll want to place the plates, eating utensils, and napkins for guests to grab. The table with drinks should be place at the end.

GAMES:
At a cookout people usually have games after everyone has eaten. You'll want to have a rather large, open area to do this. Some fun games you can play are...

Horse shoes
Horse shoes are always a popular game at cookouts. The game has been popular for centuries now. You set up two stakes in the ground and each player then throws two horse shoes on their turn. You can play the game as individuals or with partners so you don't have to walk from one stake to the other after each round of throws. The game is played to twenty one, with their being no requirement to hit the total of 21 exactly to win. Of course if you want to make it more difficult you could add that as a house rule.

Lawn Darts
Lawn darts have changed quite a bit from the version many of us played as children with the steel spikes at the end. The government has decided that kids running around with sharp metal objects stuck in their head wasn't exactly safe. Now most versions of lawn darts include weight darts made of plastic that are filled with sand. The goal is to land them in a circle set as a distance of your choosing. As with horse shoes this can be played by two or four players. It depends on how many people you have that want to play and how much walking the participants want to do.

Capture the Flag
There were two teams. Team 1 had the front yard and Team 2 had the back yard, or a field was split between the two teams. The teams were given a time period, like 5 minutes, to hide their flag in their part of the yard. [optional] During this period spies were sent out to see were the flag was hidden as well as look-outs to catch the spies. When the flag was hidden you call out that you were finished. Then you simply try to get the other teams flag. If you get caught and tagged by the opponent on their territory you had to go to jail and could only be freed by a teammate who grabs you when your opponent isn't looking. The first team to capture the flag wins. In most versions you had to both get the flag, and bring it back to your side. This game is a totally different game at night in the woods!

Hide-n-Seek
First you pick someone to be it (the person to seek) then he/she turns around and counts with their eyes closed at the "base" while the rest of the people hide. Then "It" says "Ready or Not, Here I Come" and rushes to find everyone. Then the people try to get to base without getting tagged or else they are "It". If the person who is "It" doesn't get someone in three tries he gets to pick a man to be it!

Pickle
The rules of the game are pretty simple.
You'll need two bases (we used Mom's rugs), a softball and two softball gloves (if you don't have the gloves just use a ball that's not "hard."

Set up the two bases about 20 feet apart.
Two kids would be selected to be "it", one at each base.
The other kids would divide and go to the bases.
The game started by the two kids who were "it" tossing the ball to each other.
The object of the game was to time running from one base to the other without being tagged by the ball.
If you were tagged then you were "it" and the game continued, usually until all the kids were too tired to run anymore.
The fun of the game was getting the person who was "it" to throw a wide pitch or "steal" the base.

Red Light, Green Light
In this game, one person plays the "stop light" and the rest try to touch him/her. At the start, all the children form a line about 15 feet away from the stop light. The stop light faces away from the line of kids and says "green light". At this point the kids are allowed to move towards the stoplight. At any point, the stop light may say "red light!" and turn around. If any of the kids are caught moving after this has occurred, they are out. Play resumes when the stop light turns back around and says "green light". The stop light wins if all the kids are out before anyone is able to touch him/her. Otherwise, the first player to touch the stop light wins the game and earns the right to be "stop light" for the next game.

Simon Says
One person is chosen to be "Simon" the others stand in a strait line. The Simon then calls out an action for the children to follow. It can be anything like.... touch your toes jump 10 times on 1 foot...... The Simon when giving an action can simply state the action by it self..."touch your ears" and whoever does it is out and has to sit down. Or the Simon can say "Simon says, touch your ears" and them everyone must follow the instruction. You can vary the actions according to the age group of children you are playing with. The last person who is standing can then be "Simon"!

Egg Toss
Equipment: Two or more teams of two people each, and lots of Eggs - raw, in their shells (a least one egg for each team)

Description: Line up the teams in two rows. One player from each team stands in the first row, facing their teammate who stands in the second row. The rows should be about five feet apart.
Hand out one egg to each player in the first row. At about the same time, each player in the first row gently tosses the egg over to their teammate. If the person catching the egg allows it to break, they and their teammate are out of the game. Eggs can break by hitting the ground, or by being caught too roughly. For each team that catches the egg without breaking it, both players take one big step back. Take a moment to get all the remaining teams lined up again, then everyone who caught the egg tosses it back to their teammate. Continue tossing the eggs and stepping backwards until only one team is left. If the last two or more teams all break their eggs on the same round, you can declare a tie or you can hand out new eggs and let those teams try again.

By the end of the day you'll have quite enjoyed yourself with good food, conversation, and games!

Anything special you do when you host or attend cookouts? Any special food you like?

Think Pink: Setting A Proper Table

It always good to know how to properly set the dinning table, whether it's just for a family meal or some special occasion. Back when proper etiquette was some of importance, and you could always guarantee the dining hall and table to be some thing spectacular. Although setting the dining table is less refined as it once was it still has the same basic principles.

Of course, our meals are much simpler than those of the Victorian era. They had enormous dining halls with long banquet tables, topped with lovely centerpieces, and many exquisite courses that were served throughout the evening.

For every person present at the table you will need the following:
1 dinner plate
1 desert plate
1 salad or soup bowl
1 Butter Knife
1 Bread Plate
1 knife
1 spoon
2 forks - one for the main course and one for salad.
1 cloth napkin
1 drinking glass

Now to set the table you will want a nice, white or off-white, table cloth and a place mat for each setting. Depending on the mood of the evening or the elegance of your dishes will determine what centerpiece you'll want for your table. You may have a springy set of dishes that fresh or silk flowers in a vase would be lovely. Or perhaps it's fall an array of gourds and silk leaves would be very nice. Whatever you chose make sure it's not too tall or too bulking so that the guests can't see each other. Also make sure there is a fair amount of salt-n-pepper shakers as well.

The fashion of which the dinner dishes were assembled at each sitting places of you had the dinner plate on which you set the desert plate, and then on top of that you set the bowl on top. Always keep the dishes and silverware one inch from the edge of the table. The silverware was placed with the knife next to the plate on the left side, and on the outside of the knife the spoon was placed. On the left side of the plate you had your dinner fork and then on the outside of that your salad fork. If you were having a several course meal you might need other silverware such as fish fork, fish knife, cheese knife, etc then they would be placed with forks by forks and knives by knives. Or you could put the additional forks one inch from the top of the dinner plate with the prongs facing right.

The napkin placing is entirely up to you. You can fold it into some shape of design and place it on top of the plates or fold it into a triangle and place it on the leftside of the forks with the crease farthest away from the fork. The drinking glass was placed directly above the knife, one inch.

You always set the forks on the left side of the plates and the knife and spoon on the right side. A simple way to remembering this is four letter words go on LEFT and five letter words go on RIGHT.

The following is a photo of a properly dinner setting.

The following is a basic formal place setting for your table.

1 dinner plate
2 desert plate
3 salad or soup bowl
4 cloth napkin
5 dinner fork
6 salad fork
7 knife
8 spoon
9 drinking glass
10 salt-n-pepper
11 Butter Knife & Bread Plate

"The dinner table is the center for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society except the minuet."
- Judith Martin aka Miss Manners

Blessings to you as you Grow in the Grace of our Lord!

Think Pink: Afternoon Tea

This issue of Think Pink is going to show you how to host your own tea party. When you think of life in the 1800s what do you think of? Well, there are a few different types of settings I think of.... Pioneers, Easterners, and Victorian England. Though they all live a different way and in different places, they all have one thing in common.. tea.

Back in the Victorian era, tea parties were an event to simply get together with your friends, with whom you shared common interest with, to have an enjoyable afternoon. Today in our century we don't host "tea parties", but we do plan events to get together with people and families of whom we enjoy their company. I have always thought very fondly of hosting a tea party, all dressed up, as the Bennett sisters would have been, or even as Anne and Dianna did in Anne of Green Gables (though theirs ended in disaster).

If you were to host your own tea party, you would most likely host Afternoon Tea, which is traditionally at four o'clock. Of course you can set the time for whatever will suit you and your guests the best. Today in Britain, families do not have time for afternoon tea at home, but in the past it was a tradition. It became popular about one hundred and fifty years ago, when rich ladies invited their friends to their houses for an afternoon cup of tea. They started offering their visitors sandwiches and cakes also. Soon everyone was enjoying Afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea Invitation:
The first thing you need to do, in order to host a tea party, would be to set a date and time you would like to have it held at. If you would like to host it somewhere else besides your home, you will need to look into that before you start making any other arrangements. Once all that is settled, you may move onto making a list of guests you'd like to invite and begin to make the invitations.

In the Victorian era, of course, they didn't have printers or computers therefore, each invitation was handwritten and sent 10-14 days ahead of the set date. The invitees were to RSVP 5 days before the event that way the host could get a head count and enough supplies.

I wrote up my own invitation, which you may use, or write your own.

You are cordially invited to attend afternoon tea at the __________________ (location of party), hosted by __________________ (the host). The said event will take place on __________________ (date) and you are to arrive at _________ (time).

Please send a reply to __________________ (the host) whether you are able to attend or not by the __________________ (RSVP date). You may reach __________________ (the host) at this address __________________ (address of host) or call __________________ (phone number).

We hope you will grace us with your presence.

Sincerely,
__________________ (the host)

Setting Up:
When you're getting ready for the tea party, you will want to pick a place in your home that is roomy, homey, and has plenty of light. Perhaps if you have a parlor or, if the weather is nice, you may want to sit out on the porch. You will need a nice table to sit at and, depending on the guests, enough chairs. The picture that comes to mind when thinking of hosting my own tea party would be of a wrap-around porch with white, wicker table and chairs. A pretty flower arrangement in the center of the table with nice fancy dishes and cups. All the ladies sitting at the table in their lovely gowns and sunhats, sipping tea. 'Tis a pretty sight of lovely femininity.

Depending on where you have your tea table set up will depend on your decorations. Your decorations should be elegant and pretty. No balloons or streamers please. If you're doing your party inside and you have any old fashioned, antique or Victorian era type items they will work nicely as decorations. Old photographs as well as old books, jewelry, and handkerchiefs make wonderful, old fashioned decorations. Perhaps you could see if you have a relative or a friend who might have some of things you for you to borrow.

Along with the list of guests who are to attend, make a list of supplies you will need for the event and buy them at least five days ahead of time. Make sure you have plenty.

Setting The Table:
An off-white or white lacey table-cloth would be a lovely addition for the table as well as fresh flowers setting on the table and around your party area. Some suggest using yellow roses as they signify friendship, but any type of flowers will work.

Depending on what kind of theme and feel you want your tea party to have will determine the type of tea set you use. There are many different types of tea sets with many different designs. Here are a few: Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Chantal, Glass, and Bodum.

As for the dishes, you will want to use some of your nice china and silverware. If you have some that matches the tea set, use those. You will need a tea cup and saucer for each guest as well as a spoon and fork, small plate, and cloth napkin.

The Tea:
Now that you've got everything ready for the actual party, you need to prepare the tea. Here is some interesting information on tea and how it's served.

The pastime of tea drinking has been recognized as an English tradition, but tea drinking has existed for centuries in Asia. A lot of people still drink tea today. Some for health reasons, and others just because they like it. You can buy tea in many flavours, but there are four types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea.

The English drink their tea with milk - People from around the world often wonder why the English always drink milk with their tea. The answer is that in the 17th and 18th centuries the china cups tea was served in were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking. This is why, even today, many English people add milk to their cups BEFORE adding the tea!

Lemon was introduced to British tea drinkers by Queen Victoria after a visit to the Prussian King. Lemon can complement the flavor of scented teas and brighten the flavor of some black teas. If both sugar and lemon are used, the sugar should be added first since the citric acid in the lemon may prevent the sugar from dissolving completely.

Sugar or honey accents the flavor of most darker teas. Fruit-flavored teas are excellent served with sugar or honey since the added sweetness brings out the flavor of the fruit.

So, choose the type of tea and flavour you want. You may want to find out from your intended guests what type or flavour of tea they prefer. Put the water onto boil just before you guests are to arrive and when they arrive add the tea bags to the water. By the time you have welcomed and greeted your guests and sat down the tea should be ready to serve.

Finger-Foods:
As I mentioned above, the ladies of the Victorian era would invite their friends over for tea and, later on, they started serving sandwiches and cakes. You can do whatever snacks you'd like, but some I would suggest are small cakes, tarts, cookies, scones and muffins. Though it's probably not very good with tea, you can do a vegetable or fruit tray. Whatever is desired.

Attire:
Unless you own a 1800s gown already or you/your guests have set it up to wear attire from the appropriate era, a nice dress or nice skirt and shirt will do for the tea party.

Since Mother's Day is coming up, I think it would be a wonderful way to celebrate this event by hosting a tea party for Mothers and Daughters. Of course, gentlemen are invited, but usually, in the Victorian era, it was only the ladies who attended.

Discussion:
Do you like tea?
How do you like your tea?
What's your favourite flavour?

I look forward to your replies on this article!
Blessings to you as you Grow in the Grace of our Lord!

Think Pink: Simple Table Manners

Because each culture has its own set of manners, different behavior is acceptable in one place where it may not be in another. I have friends in who were living in Turkey, and they shared with me some of the Turkish culture. Some of the things the Turks do as tradition are quite strange to me, but that’s the way they live. In some countries, like Asia, it’s polite to belch after a meal to show that you enjoyed it, whereas it isn’t polite here in the United States. I think, though, quite a few have actually forgotten what is proper etiquette at the table.

Only a few centuries ago manners meant everything because they determined if you were suitable company to be acquainting oneself with. When dining with company, one had to learn a great deal of complex rules about manners and etiquette. If you read books or watch films set during the 18th and 19th centuries you may hear of “accomplished young ladies” who spend a great deal of time learning many activities so they can be pronounced as “accomplished and proper”.

Here are the simple basics of proper table manners so you can be an accomplished, well-bred young lady. I hope they will help you be on your best behavior while you are at the table.

The Simple Table Manners
When seated at the dinner table, if not already appointed, you don’t take a seat another person might want. In my house there is always a chair that one of the little siblings wants to seat in. Sometimes they will stand there and argue over it, when really they could just both be polite and prefer each other.

When not using your hands for eating, they should be placed in your lap, and your elbows should always remain off the table [see below].

Never place you elbows on the table. You may take up too much space and you may end up bumping your neighbor on accident, which is most embarrassing. Instead, you may place your forearms on the table. That way you may have a place to rest your arms without taking up much space and are in less danger of bumping someone.

Remember never to kick or swing your feet while sitting at the table, lest you kick the person sitting across from you. I have ended up with bruised shins before because the person across from me accidentally kicked me. Keep your feet firmly on the ground.

One of the original rules of proper etiquette was that cackling or chuckling was highly disapproved of at the table. However, grinning and smiling were approved of. Cackling and chuckling created a disagreeable clamoring and distorting of the face. I can see why this was so ill-favoured. People can get pretty obnoxious when they cackle aloud, and it can disturb others. Laying back or slouching at the table were also naturally considered very rude manners.

The conversations over dinner should always be about proper and modest subjects. A few centuries ago you did not talk about the food on the table or even the subject of food in general, but I think I may safely say that it is polite to compliment the chef.

You should never gossip or talk about slanderous news at the table either (or anywhere). The table is not a gathering place for the latest ill news.

It is polite to wait until the person who cooked the food sits down and is also served. Never began to eat until all parties are seated and a prayer has been spoken. Since we are ladies we should always see if we may serve the others.

Do not let your silverware touch the tablecloth after it has been used. Keep your silverware on your dish, and never place unwanted food on the table.

Always serve the guests first, and if no guests are present, always serve the father first, unless he prefers otherwise. This is a sign of respect to him as the head of the household and the man of the house. After he is served proceed to serve the rest of the adult. When all adults are served you should then serve the littlest children. My ten-year-old brother usually waits until the ladies are served before he is.

Discussion:
I know most of you knew some of those, but how many did you know?
How many of them do you apply to your table manners?
Why are these rules of etiquette important, even if no one else follows them?
Are there any other ways you can think of to be proper at the table?
In what ways you encourage your siblings to be more polite?

History Trivia:
Did you know that in the early 19th century "dinner" was what a late meal was called, while "supper" was a snack before bed?


Blessings to you as you Grow in the Grace of our Lord!

Think Pink: A Lady Of Humbleness

As I said in my previous article I noted that I had been a rather loud person when I was about 6 until I was about 11. "When I was younger I remember being quite a loud girl, who often voiced her opinions too freely..." Most people, if not all, do not enjoy being around people who are self-absorbed or rude, or people who always dominate the conversation. Who wants to be around a person who only thinks of themselves and what they have to say? Let me tell you it can get rather annoying and you just want to tell the person to keep quiet for awhile.






Last year I went to hear a some people speak, and afterwards I was sat down with a group of kids and talked with them for awhile. We had pleasant conversation with each. However, there was a boy, probably about nine years of age, who would not stop talking. He was constantly making remarks, interrupting, and asking questions. I remember a few of the younger kids asking him to be please be quiet or leave, but he insisted on starting a new conversation, completely ignoring the other's requests. He even said I looked like a poodle because it just popped into his mind, and he hadn't been taught how to hold his tongue, be polite or humble.

The Bible speak numerous times on being humble. I particularly pulled this one out in Luke 14:11 "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." because Jesus is telling a parable, of which I also mentioned in my last article. He is speaking of the man who went to a wedding and took the highest seat, but then had to be moved, in shame, to a lower seat. This man put himself above all and was then was put down in front of all.





It would be very embarrassing, moreso than being the "loud, rude one", to have someone openly address your selfish behavior in front of your family and friends. It remind me of the part in 'Pride & Prejudice' where Lydia Bennett disgraces herself, her family and her connections by her abominable behavior whenever she is in public. She is simply loud and rude and none of the sensible people can stand to be around her. Let us strive to not become a modern day Lydia Bennett, but rather a tranquil, sweet Jane and Elizabeth Bennett, who both have a sense of propriety.

We have to guard ourselves from becoming impolite, prideful, selfish, imprudent young ladies. We don't want to be unpleasant company or the "average" girl with the "average" manners. Instead let us be polite, humble, and reserved young ladies of good conversation.






It is very important as Christians to make sure we are self-less and humble. Christ gave up all his rights and wants for others, and we must strive to do that as well. 2 Timothy 3:2 warns us about men who will be lovers of their own selves as well as many other sinful traits we must guard ourselves against.

So here are some ways to be self-less and humble, rather than selfish and prideful:

- When having a conversation make sure that the other parties aren't always stopping themselves for you. Let them talk.


- If you don't always give your opinion, people will want to know and ask.


- If a friend is being a "Lydia Bennett" pull her aside and tell her so, in a loving way. Even if she doesn't immediately take heed she may one day thank you for being a true friend.


- Always prefer an elder over yourself


- Always include your guests in the conversation by giving them a chance to state their opinions.

- Give up your place if necessary


- Never take the last of anything


- Should you say it? Is it selfish? Is it rude? Will it hurt someone's feelings?


- Does this show lack of discretion? Lack of manners?


- Think hard on what you say. How does it reflect me? How does it reflect my family? How does it reflect Jesus and my faith?

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Think Pink- The Basics of Showing Respect

The Basics of Showing Respect

As a young lady of almost seventeen years of age I have come to find out the utter importance of manners. Manners give people a reputation and often acquaintances, depending on the manners, good or bad. This is why it is so important to have proper manners and etiquette. Not only will people hold you in high regard,but they will want to be around you.

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"People will hold you in high regard."

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When I was younger I remember being quite a loud girl, who often voiced her opinions too freely. After I figured out why I had no friends, I made it one of my goals to become a more tranquil, sweet, mannered young lady. It has served me well and, though I am still myself, I am a much more pleasant person to be around.

As Christians we can look to the Bible for guidance for manners. The Bible teaches love for one another and encourages us in maturity. It tells us how to think of others first, how to honour our parents, and how to turn the other cheek.

Throughout the Victorian age in England, proper etiquette was key in achieving self-image and admiration. From day to day social behaviour, to personal relationships, etiquette during in the early 1800’s was a dominant force affecting the actions of the people.

During my short life, I have often found that within the past three-four decades our culture has lost all respect of manners. They think them silly and a way for youth to be put down by the adults. They don't see it as a way of showing maturity or lack therefore.

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" Manners are not something that the gentlemen and ladies of the 19th century used only. "

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Manners aren't something from a fairy-tale book that make you girly or "weak" if you choose to follow them. No, manners make one pleasant to be around, and it's very frustrating to see how our culture has demoted them. We must strive to conduct ourselves with good manners and help show our young siblings how to be polite as well.

My Great Grandparents, now in their late eighties, are very shocked by people's behaviour today as they grew up in an era where "That isn't Katherine to you missy. It's Mrs. Carter".

They were taught how to have table manners, not to interrupt, and how to be socially well-mannered.

Of course manners can be relative to the culture. In the Middle East it is polite to belch after a meal to show you enjoyed it. However, most manners that I will talk about are welcomed in most societies.

Manner #1 Proper Titles

You should always greet someone, especially if they are an elder, by their correct title: sir, madam, miss, lord, lady, etc.

Why is this so important? It shows that you have respect for this person, who is in fact older, and who deserves it. First and foremost show your parents respect. They are the ones who have put their time and love into your life. Don't disregard them for another adult’s affection, advice, or admiration.

You should never call any adult by their first name, unless they are very close. When I have called my mom's friends Mrs. ____ some have replied and told me they didn't mind me calling them "Heather". However, I choose not to do so because I want to be as polite and respectful as possible. As young ladies, I do not believe we should ever call a gentleman by his first name who is out of the five years your senior range. It is too personal for a gentleman and a lady.

If you blog online with adults you should either ask for their first initial of their last name and call them Mr./Mrs. (ie) B or if they're not inclined to give it out, just call them by their blog name or Mrs. Lisa.

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"Always make sure your parents know who you're blogging with, adults especially. "

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I posted these similar rules of proper manners on my blog last year and afterwards many started calling me Miss Jocelyn. I have friend whom I call "Miss Elizabeth", and it is a sweet way to show love and respect for a friend. Greet with the proper title.

Manner #2 Greeting Properly

Upon one’s first encounter with a new acquaintance, it is not acceptable for one address the other in a less than formal manner. Remember Manner #1, and when guests arrive always be sure to greet them.

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"Don't stand back and wait for them to greet you."

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As the host you should welcome anyone into your home with open arms and a cheerful smile.

All greetings should be carried out with the same tone of voice–no favouritism should be shown. Don't stand in the back for one guest and run people over for another, who may be a favourite. Greet everyone the same. Don't make one feel like a queen and another a peasant. Greet each properly.

Manner #3 Show Interest
"Despite your interest, or lack thereof, it is only proper to show apparent sympathy with the situation at hand."

It is polite to look directly at someone when they are speaking to you. Give them your full attention and respect. It is polite to respond to an adult with a "yes, sir", "yes, ma'am", especially your parents. Don't answer with a "yeah", "huh?", "what" or "nah" for it shows that you may not be listening or that you may not really care about you were asked or told. Show interest.

Manner #4 Giving Preference
Always be sure to ask others around you (parents, siblings, friends, companions, adults) for their selection or thoughts. If you're going out to dinner make sure not to pick your favourite restaurant, but ask for others'. Never make a decision, that will involve those around you, on your own.

Never argue with an adult. Give them the preference. As I know a lot of extremely smart, intelligent kids, we must be careful not to get prideful and never to argue with an adult, whether you're right or wrong. You may humbly agree to disagree, but debating with an adult is not acceptable and will give you a bad reputation.

You don't always have to voice your opinions. It is like the story that Jesus told about the feast. When man walks in and takes the highest seat, he may have to be moved and will be embarrassed, but the man who takes the lowest seat, may be moved up and honoured. Be the humble person and show that you (and your opinion) don't always have to be first. Give preference.

Manner #5 Hold The Door
This manner is more for gentleman, but there is not always a gentleman present. If you ever see a woman or elderly man needing help with a door be sure to go open it for them. If you're walking up to a store and there is an older lady or mom with a few kids behind you, wait a minute and let them go first. Hold the door, but of course never let a gentlemen miss a chance to hold the door for you. If someone does hold the door for you, don't be rude and refuse them, say thank you and go in.

Read: "Georgisms" By George Washington
We own a book titled, “Georgisms”, which is a book written by George Washington himself. He started keeping a book of manners, and the amazing thing about it is that he wrote them when he was very young. I am not sure, but I think when he was fourteen. Reading this book of manners that he thought were vital shows me what kind of true gentleman he was. There are a 101 manners to learn and all will help you become a polite young lady of many acquaintances.

I hope you've learned a few manners from this month's Think Pink, and you will apply them, not only to friends and acquaintances, but to your family and siblings.

And now for a giveaway! GGM has a $5 gift card to Claire's for one special reader. All you need to do is post about this giveaway on your blog and link to this article. We'll choose one reader on February 15th! Be sure to leave a link where you or your mom can be contacted!