Dear Diane,
Easter is in a few days, and I always get stumped when I serve gravy from my grandmother’s gravy boat. It seems like it turns into a dripping mess by the time it gets passed around the table. Should I put a plate underneath? Do I offer a spoon? I’m so confused; I have even skipped gravy altogether on special occasions because I wasn’t sure of what to do. The stress of gravy all over my guests and my favorite table cloth looms again. Help!
Jenn P.
Dear Jenn,
I appreciate your thought when it comes to making your guests comfortable and keeping your linens dribble free. The perfect gravy boat has a plate permanently attached, so there isn’t the dread of one more potential disaster – dropping the plate while juggling the vessel and the spoon which rests inside.
If your gravy boat stands alone, add an underplate and pass to your guest (counterclockwise) on the right. Turn the handle towards them so they can easily access it while securing the plate with their other hand. If you include a spoon, it signals you would like for them to use it. If you would prefer they pour the gravy, omit the spoon.
It really depends on the preference of the host and the consistency of the liquid. There is much debate on whether or not to include a spoon, and the issue is not as much an etiquette matter as it is a personal penchant.
It’s inevitable that there will be a drip or spill. Don’t worry about your guests. They will manage to remain stain free, and your table linen can be washed or dry-cleaned. If it’s fine linen or very fragile material, display it on another day when you aren’t worried about it getting damaged. Easter is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends.
You may also find my Easter Table Dining Etiquette blog helpful.
Happy Easter,
Diane
