I was a butler to the royal family and there’s a dinner table etiquette mistake you’re making every time you pass the salt
- Former royal butler Grant Harrold has revealed dining room etiquette mistake
- Read more: Expert reveals sins you can commit at another person’s home
A former royal butler has revealed the unusual etiquette mistake you’re making when you pass the salt over the dinner table.
Grant Harrold, who is originally from Airdrie, Scotland, is an etiquette expert and royal commentator who works with royals across the world.
In the past, he worked for the British Royal Family, as a member of the now-King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla’s household based at Highgrove between 2005 and 2011.
He told FEMAIL the 6 etiquette tips he swears by when hosting or staying with guests to ensure you don’t fall foul of any faux pas.
He explained that you should never forget to pass the salt and pepper at the same time, revealing: ‘Remember the salt and pepper shakers are married. You never just pass the salt, you always pass the salt and pepper together.’
Grant Harrold, who is originally from Airdrie, Scotland, has revealed the unusual etiquette mistake you’re making when you pass the salt over the dinner table (stock image)
Elsewhere he also revealed how to avoid dressing appropriately for dinner to ensuring you speak to the guest on your right hand side first during a meal and always lowering the toilet seat.
Here Grant, on behalf of Luxury Cottages, reveals the five other etiquette tips you don’t want to make at a dinner party.
1. Always keep your guests warm
‘When hosting a dinner in a castle or rental, it is always important to keep your guests warm.’
If a log fire is available, it is imperative to make good use of it and always keep your logs topped up – after all, ‘logging on’ in this form is much more important than logging on to a computer during your stay.’
2. Always lower the toilet seat when finished
‘It is a gentleman’s duty to lower the seat, not a lady’s job to raise it. Always be respectful of your guests and ensure the toilet seat is ready to use once you have finished.
‘After all, cleanliness is godliness.’
3. Always ensure you are dressed for dinner
‘Always ensure you are appropriately dressed for dinner. For instance, when staying in a Scottish castle, it is traditional to wear the Highland dress – after all we are in Scotland.
‘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 pyjamas.’
He is an etiquette expert and royal commentator who works with royals across the world, having been a member of the now-King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla’s household based at 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 you keep a supply of canapés in the fridge (or freezer) so you will be a fully prepared host even at short notice.’
5. Always interact in the correct manner during dinner conversation
‘During a formal dinner party, you should always ensure that you speak to the guest on your right for the starter and main course, and the guest on your left for pudding and dessert.
After all it is good to talk and that is dining etiquette. Don’t become intoxicated, remember to behave with grace and decorum.
‘No licking fingers after eating a canapé (and don’t double-dip), we always use a napkin!
‘Keep your glass in your left hand so that you can freely shake hands in case any introductions are needed.’
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