Book Review Tiffanys Table Manners for Teenagers

This concise guide to dining etiquette offers teenagers a practical roadmap for navigating formal meals with confidence and grace. Walter Hoving transforms potentially intimidating social situations into manageable lessons, covering everything from utensil placement to conversation skills with clarity and purpose. The book systematically addresses table manners from the meal's beginning to its conclusion, providing concrete steps for handling common dining dilemmas. Young readers will appreciate the direct approach to social etiquette that demystifies formal dining without being overly rigid or stuffy.

What sets this manners guide apart is Hoving's witty, conversational tone that treats teenagers as intelligent equals rather than lecturing them. His memorable advice—like reminding readers they're invited to dinner parties for entertainment, not mere sustenance—makes social grace feel accessible rather than archaic. This etiquette handbook proves particularly valuable for teens facing upcoming formal events, college interviews, or simply wanting to feel more self-assured in dining situations. The result is an engaging primer that transforms social anxiety into social competence, leaving young adults better prepared for countless real-world scenarios.