STATION FOUR Current USA - Menu Order of Courses Creative Correct Table Setting College and University Etiquette Hospitality

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Harold Almon Etiquette Coach
Be at Ease School of Etiquette Austin

 The current United States of America menu no matter how formal consists of no more than five (four) courses, not counting the passing of after dinner coffee, (as established by the White House.) Learn to eat in courses over eating piles on plates.

 Pick a Three Course Meal

 Appetizer) (- Appetizer) (could be exempted)

 Soup Course - Salad

 Fish Course (could be exempted)

 Main Course - Entrée The Third Fork

 Salad Course

 Dessert Course- Dessert The more correct order sequence is to the left

 Each course is to be SERVED IN CHILLED OR WARMED SERVING DISHES OR BOWLS.

In informal America, the first item served could be an appetizer. It might precede or substitute as a first course. A trend has developed of serving a three course meal usually consisting of: shrimp cocktail, a salad, and an “Entrée.” “Avoid spending your whole life calling a main course your entrée or eating your “entrée” with the third fork.” In informal America, salad is eaten before the main course, and in extremely informal circles it is eaten before it. And a one plate meal is the reigning game in town. We can do better.

The first and the second course can be eliminated. The fifth course may also be eliminated, but, when you have company, do so reluctantly.

The menu and items in each course are to be selected based on the symbol of hospitality to be expressed, the suitability to the event, the time of year, and the time and temperature of day the items will be consumed.

In selecting menu items, avoid appearing too opulent, insensitive, wasteful, or cheap. Avoid running out of anything.

Above all, each menu is to be based on what people like to eat, and on what the cook has successfully prepared on a prior occasion.

It is to omit items based on medical, cultural, or religious restrictions of any person to be served.

Now, set the menu. The selected menu is used to identify items needed in setting a table, going from the last item to be served - inside out - in kind.

An executive host can allocate 40% of the entertainment budget for food. It can be a tax deduction.

Two courses can be suitable for most lunch menus.

Three courses may be ideal for most dinner menus.

Four courses could be used for a dinner equating to an elegant affair of State.

Five courses might be used for a special dinner menu, a bu