Home ›

Self Organizing - Dessert Etiquette

Self Organizing - Dessert Etiquette

Overview
In the world of fast food and lunch on the run, many young people don’t have the opportunity to learn proper etiquette for more formal meals. This could prove detrimental to their professional and even social lives. Through this project, you can help young people hone their table manners through a fun “meal” of dessert.

Materials

  • Invitations
  • Place settings (enough for each participant)
  • Dessert

Instructions

  • Identify a location where you can teach young people about table manners.
  • Prepare a short lesson plan. You can find additional information on the following Websites:
  • Purchase or prepare dessert for the group. You could have a variety of options to both appeal to different tastes (be mindful of allergies, especially nuts) and to allow you to demonstrate the proper way to use the silverware.
  • Set the table with enough place settings (e.g., including plates, utensils, glasses, etc.) for each participant.
  • Welcome the students, seat them around the table and present the lesson plan on table manners as they enjoy the desserts. Be sure to discuss the importance of good table manners in both personal and professional settings.

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

  • Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
  • Draw a picture, write a poem or create a jingle about the service activity.
  • Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook, or Twitter.
  • Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.
  • If you’re working with a group of volunteers to do this project, lead a group discussion with questions such as:
    • Why did you volunteer today?
    • What did you learn about table manners, the role that etiquette plays in the professional world or helping others?
    • What is one thing you will remember most about this service activity?
    • How can you continue to make a difference in our community?