Paper Palate

This slender book describes itself as “a simple guide for hosts and guests.” Many people might argue that manners and etiquette are neither simple, nor particularly relevant, but Lynn Rosen’s book is a clear and reasonably comprehensive guide to both sides of the dinner table.

The focus is largely on the table setting itself: both how to lay the table (for the host) and how to negotiate the potential array of cutlery, crockery and glassware (for the guest). Rather than just limiting her discussion to what you’ll find on a 21st century table, Rosen also covers some historical background and some of the rather more obscure implements (such as an ice cream fork).

The book is divided into obvious sections: napery, china, silver, crystal and table décor and covers both basic and more complex place settings. There’s even a section on napkin folding!

Rosen’s writing is entertaining and easy to read and the structure of the book makes it a useful reference manual. She has included etiquette tips throughout and also covered a few cultural differences between American and European dining. This makes Elements of the Table an interesting read on many levels. As Rosen says in her introduction, “table manners provide a set of reliable rules that allow us to dine in comfort” - and her book should ensure comfortable dining for both host and guest.

Elements of the Table is available from Amazon US (RRP $15.95) and Amazon UK.