Write to Ask Carson, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903. FILE/STAFF

Fine dining often calls for use of a finger bowl

Web posted November 28, 1999

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By Carson Elliott
Columnist

Dear Carson: I am a culinary-arts student, and I need to learn the correct usage, placement and presentation of the finger bowl. Should warm water or cold water be placed in the finger bowl? Should I use a cereal bowl as the finger bowl? When is it removed from the table? -- Finger Bowl Resurrection

Dear Finger Bowl: A finger bowl is presented before the dessert course and is removed after everyone has had an opportunity to use it. It is smaller than a cereal bowl and may be of silver or crystal. Warm water should be used, and the finger bowl may be presented with a slice of lemon, flower petals or small shells.

Guests dip the fingers of one hand and then the fingers of the other hand, dab their lips daintily and remove excess moisture from their fingers with a napkin.

Finger bowls are still used at formal dinners and in elegant restaurants and hotel dining rooms.

Dear Carson: As an avid reader of your column I first would like to thank you for the service you provide. My question pertains to wedding plans that my fiancee and I are formulating. I'm 49, widowed, and she's 43 and divorced. Between us we have three children. She and her son are Jewish, and my children and I are Christian. Neither of us is active in our religions.

We want a simple ceremony with close family and friends (limited to about 10 guests), followed by a small celebratory party. We want this to be special and proper. Any guidance you may provide would be gratefully appreciated. -- An Anxious Groom

Dear Groom: I suggest a small civil ceremony, either in a judge's chambers, at home or in a small, nondenominational chapel. A small celebratory lunch or dinner in a private dining room either in a club or restaurant would be tasteful and proper.

Dear Carson: We are having a difference of opinion over whether a corporate logo should be on a gift given by a business to a client during the holiday season. What is the proper protocol for corporate gifts? -- Logo or Nogo

Dear Logo: It depends upon the gift, but I would place greater value on a gift without a logo. It is, however, fairly standard practice to give small gifts (i.e. pens, calendars, magnets and key chains) with logos.

Write to Ask Carson, The Augusta Chronicle, P.O. Box 1928, Augusta, GA 30903-1928. Send e-mail to askcarson@aol.com. Carson Elliott's Web site is at www.theproperthing.com.