I grew up in the south and some days I would go directly to my grandmother’s after school.
She was such a good southern cook – chicken and dumplings, greens, fried chicken and the best biscuits ever!
I remember as a little girl, she would often refer to certain meals as “supper”.
Today’s article defines the difference between supper and dinner.
For those on the path to etiquette certification, you’ve probably heard the age-old question: is it supper or dinner? What may seem like a simple choice of words can actually reveal much about tradition, culture, and style. As a soon-to-be certified etiquette expert, you’ll want to know the difference—and how to teach it with charm and grace. So, let’s serve up the facts with a side of fun, shall we?
Supper vs. Dinner: What’s the Difference?
Before you begin crafting your manners lesson plans and activities, it’s important to know the subtle (and not-so-subtle) distinctions between supper and dinner. Here’s a chic, bite-sized breakdown:
Dinner is typically considered the main meal of the day, often served in the evening but not always. The word “dinner” comes from the French word “dîner,” meaning to dine, and it originally referred to the largest meal—regardless of the time of day.
Supper, on the other hand, is a lighter evening meal. It’s more casual, often served later in the evening or even after an early dinner. Supper has a cozy, homey feel—it’s less about grandeur and more about comfort.
In essence, if you’re sitting down to a grand feast with multiple courses and maybe even a bit of formal attire, it’s dinner. If you’re enjoying a light meal with a more relaxed vibe, it’s supper.
Teaching the Difference: Stylish, Sophisticated, and Fun
For those creating etiquette certification lesson plans, knowing how to teach this distinction is key. Here’s how you can weave this concept into your curriculum with flair:
Dinner Party Perfection: Plan a mock dinner party for your participants. Create an activity where they plan both a formal dinner and a cozy supper. Have them explore not only the menu but also the differences in ambiance, attire, and table setting. This is an excellent way to teach table manners while offering them a creative, hands-on experience.
Role-Playing: In your next etiquette course, why not have your students play the roles of host and guest for both a supper and a dinner scenario? This interactive approach will help them understand the social nuances and expectations that come with each occasion.
Supper or Dinner? Why It Matters
As etiquette experts, your goal is to equip clients with the confidence to gracefully handle any dining situation. Whether they’re hosting a formal dinner or inviting friends over for a casual supper, knowing the difference will help them make informed decisions—especially when it comes to teaching table manners.
While dinner is often associated with formal dining etiquette (cue the forks, knives, and maybe even a seating chart), supper is more relaxed. It’s a time for informal conversation, cozy meals, and simple pleasures. Teaching your students when each is appropriate—and how to navigate both settings—will be a stylish skill they’ll always appreciate.
Bringing It to the Table: How to Teach Kids About Supper and Dinner
If your manners lesson plans involve working with children, teaching the difference between supper and dinner can be a playful, engaging activity.
“What’s for Dinner?” Game: In this fun activity, create a scenario where the kids plan a meal. Is it a formal dinner with multiple courses, or a cozy supper with comfort food? You can use toys or props to help illustrate the different settings, teaching them about table manners in a way that’s easy to understand.
Table Setting Fun: Show children how the table setting might change for supper vs. dinner. A dinner setting might include extra utensils and a more formal arrangement, while a supper table could be simpler and more relaxed. Teaching them the difference allows for an early understanding of manners at the table that can grow with them.
Conclusion: Serving Up Etiquette Expertise with Supper and Dinner
In the world of etiquette, even the smallest details matter—and knowing the difference between supper and dinner is one of those stylish distinctions every certified expert should master. Whether you’re teaching adults to host an elegant dinner party or showing children how to set a cozy supper table, it’s all about blending sophistication with a touch of fun.
Ready to teach your students to dine with grace, no matter the meal? It’s time to put the “chic” in your certification!
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
If I were you, I would like more details. We believe in the human connection. Feel free to email us or schedule a time to speak with me, the founder of Manners To Go.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
This may not surprise you, for me it was our family meals.
I have the fondest memories, of my mother’s fried chicken and sitting around with platters on the table of homemade goodies. My mother was known for her southern cooking and not using a recipe- throwing it all together and hoping for the best.
A Loving Table: Book Review
When I first looked through the book, A Loving Table, these childhood memories ran through my mind.
I first saw the book at event hosted by Design Matters NC. I attended the two day event and it was a sight for my eyes.
The event was attended by many southern interior designers. Over 26 designers came together to inspire us with the most beautiful table settings.
This past weekend, I had the chance to finally sit down and read the book. Of course this was with a cup of tea and a side of chocolate.
I was inspired by the beautiful photography and also the stories told by those featured in the book.
Thirty style-setting women paid tribute to their mothers and grandmothers. They shared their stories of meaningful birthday parties and holidays around the dining room and kitchen table.
Don’t miss out on this beautiful journey into the refined and elegant world of entertaining.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Thank you note writing will always be relevant. And here is why.
Expressing gratitude is the highest form of respect
Receiving a thank you note feels special
Thank you notes are a gesture to express how we feel and recognize someone’s efforts and kindness
It make a human connection
Our methods of communication have changed over the years. You are aware of how casual we have become but thank you notes will always be in style!
As an etiquette expert teaching manners, this will become one of your most requested modules.
In fact, thank you note writing is an act that will set you apart, both personally and professionally.
And that is not really the reason to do it. Think about the time and thought that went into the gift or action. Writing a thank you note recognizes the giver.
Writing a thank you note also is a way to make a human connection. We all know making a human connection has become a treasure and gift.
Thank you notes can have several important benefits:
Personal touch: Handwritten thank you notes add a personal touch that shows the recipient you took the time and effort to acknowledge their kindness or gesture.
Thoughtfulness: Sending a thank you note demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration, which can strengthen relationships and leave a positive impression.
Gratitude reinforcement: Expressing gratitude reinforces positive behavior in the person who extended the kindness, encouraging them to continue their thoughtful actions.
Formal occasions: Thank you notes are still commonly used for formal occasions, such as after receiving gifts for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, or other significant events.
Professional settings: In professional settings, sending thank you notes after job interviews, receiving mentorship or guidance, or after collaborating on projects can leave a lasting positive impression on colleagues and supervisors.
Networking: Sending thank you notes after networking events or when someone has provided you with valuable advice or assistance can help strengthen professional relationships.
Overall, thank you notes serve as a meaningful way to express gratitude and can make a positive impact in both personal and professional relationships. While other forms of communication may be used, the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind a well-written thank you note remain valued and appreciated by many.
Gratitude Works Both Ways
Sitting and writing thank you notes is so up lifting for both parties. Yes, we love to be recognized, but expressing gratitude is joyful and we feel this from the inside out.
Writing Thank You Notes Can Be a Creative Outlet
I love going to stationary stores. The colors, beautiful papers (both wrapping and cards) are a delight to the senses.
You can express yourself when choosing your note cards. Are you colorful, more of a minimalist, playful and witty? The choices today are endless.
You can buy boxed cards or have yours personalized.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
If you are like me, you have a favorite teacup and use it every morning.
And, if you use the same one or rotate between a few, you may notice a build up of tea stains.
Even though I wash my teacups really well and I take good care of them, staining happens.
Most of my teacups are washed by hand.
Simple Steps To Wash and Take Care of Your Teacups
Cleaning tea cups is a relatively simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your tea cups effectively:
Gather the necessary supplies: You will need dishwashing liquid or a mild detergent, a sponge or soft brush, a clean dishcloth or towel, and hot water.
Pre-rinse the cups: Before washing, give your tea cups a quick rinse under hot water to remove any loose tea leaves or residue.
Create a soapy solution: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or a mild detergent. Mix the solution to create a soapy mixture.
Wash the cups: Submerge the tea cups in the soapy solution and use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the inside and outside of the cups. Pay attention to the rim, handle, and any decorative patterns. Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate cups.
How To Get Stains Out of Your Teacups
My favorite is using the vinegar method. It works every time and is very easy.
Remove stains: If your tea cups have stubborn stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stains and gently scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Rinse thoroughly: After washing, rinse the tea cups under warm running water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to rinse both the inside and outside of the cups.
Dry the cups: Use a clean dishcloth or towel to dry the cups thoroughly. Make sure to dry the inside and outside completely to prevent water spots or mold from forming.
Additional Tips:
If your tea cups have any metallic accents or delicate decorations, consider hand washing them instead of using a dishwasher, as the heat and agitation in dishwashers can damage or fade such features.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that could damage the cup’s surface.
For stubborn stains or odors, you can try soaking the tea cups in a solution of warm water and vinegar for a few hours before washing.
If you notice any cracks or damage to the cups, avoid using them for drinking as they may be unsafe.
By following these steps, you should be able to clean your tea cups effectively and keep them in good condition for future use.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
I have a very special client in Philadelphia. They took a chance on me years ago.
I was brand new to the area. No one knew or had heard of Manners To Go.
I was a newcomer.
They hired me to teach their member’s children.
The History of the Etiquette Certification Philadelphia Pop-Up
Fast forward 17 years and I am still to this day guiding their members’ children in the areas of social skills, life skills, character development, and emotional intelligence.
My gift is teaching. My licensees – new ones and the ones waiting in the wings have often asked to observe me teaching.
They want to experience this. My new etiquette experts want to sit in the same room and learn. They want to see the participants role-play with me, have lunch with me, learn how to hold a fork, and write thank you notes with me.
All of this and more is what is gained by a Pop-Up experience.
If you can make the time and dates work, join us in Philadelphia to get certified and trained.
What is an Etiquette Certification Pop-Up Specifically the One that is Happening in Philadelphia?
A Pop-Up is a last-minute opportunity – one that can be a spontaneous decision. Have you ever made a spontaneous decision and it turns out to be one that made such a difference in your life and the lives of others?
I can promise you this, it is a beautiful experience. It is personal. It is engaging and enlightening.
Today, I have photos for you to show the in-person training we have planned over the years.
From the experience of observing me teach, lunches in French restaurants, and being in the most historical city in the US, you will walk away with the greatest and most valuable etiquette training possible.
We Offer a Great Experience for Your Etiquette Certification
Now, let’s get to the best part, the photos of others being trained in person.
Here is a FREE Guide to Help YOU Start a Business Teaching Manners to Children
If you are looking to start immediately and save money on travel and time, then this is your best option.You choose the dates of our trainings. Most choose to have their sessions once a week, others twice. This is a “live” and private training. It is NOTself-guided.
PRIVATE Training. That’s right, we meet in person, the two of us and our focus is completely on your business. Click the image above or follow the button below to learn more and to see a list of cities available for your training.
Lisa Richey provides etiquette programs to businesses, schools, and individuals.
