The etiquette mistake you’re making when passing the salt
I Was A Butler To The Royal Family And There’s An Etiquette Mistake You Make Every Time You Pass The Salt
A former royal butler has revealed the unusual etiquette mistake you make when you spill the salt on the dining room table.
Grant Harrold, who is originally from Airdrie, Scotland, is an etiquette expert and royal commentator who works with royals around the world.
In the past, he worked for the British Royal Family between 2005 and 2011, as a member of the household of now King Charles and Queen Camilla in Highgrove.
He told FEMAIL the 6 etiquette tips he swears by when entertaining or staying with guests to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.
He explained that you should never forget to pass salt and pepper at the same time, revealing, “Remember, the salt and pepper shakers are married.” You never pass the salt alone, you always pass the salt and pepper together.’
Grant Harrold, who is originally from Airdrie, Scotland, has revealed the unusual etiquette mistake you make when you throw the salt over the dining room table (stock image)
Elsewhere, he also revealed how to avoid dressing appropriately for dinner, making sure to speak to the guest on your right first during a meal, and always lowering the toilet seat.
Here Grant, on behalf Luxury cottagesreveals the five other etiquette tips you don’t want to make at a dinner party.
1. Always keep your guests warm
‘When dining in a castle or rental, it is always important to keep your guests warm.’
If there is a wood-burning stove, it is important to make good use of it and always keep track of your logs – after all, ‘logging in’ in this form is much more important than logging in to a computer during your stay.’
2. Always lower the toilet seat when you are done
“It is a gentleman’s duty to lower the seat, not a lady’s duty to raise it. Always be respectful of your guests and make sure the toilet seat is ready to use when you are done.
“Cleanliness, after all, is godliness.”
3. Always be dressed for dinner
“Always make sure you are dressed appropriately for dinner. For example, if you’re staying in a Scottish castle, it’s traditional to wear the Highland dress – we’re in Scotland, after all.
Impressions are everything and a wardrobe faux pas is not how one wants to be remembered.
“Oh, and take my advice, we never dine in our pajamas.”
He is an etiquette expert and royal commentator who works with royals around the world, having been a member of the household of now King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in Highgrove between 2005 and 2011.
4. Always be prepared
‘Always have a good selection of drinks in the cupboard, especially a selection of non-alcoholic drinks ready for unexpected guests.
“I would also suggest that you keep a supply of canapés in the fridge (or freezer) so that you are a fully prepared host even at short notice.”
5. Always communicate appropriately during a dinner conversation
‘During a formal dinner party, always make sure to address the guest on your right for starters and mains and the guest on your left for pudding and dessert.
After all, it’s good to talk and that’s dining etiquette. Do not get intoxicated, do not forget to behave gracefully and decently.
‘No licking fingers after eating a canapé (and no double dipping), we always use a napkin!
“Hold your glass in your left hand so you can shake hands freely in case introductions are needed.”