About Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM). Expertise As an author, educator, newspaper columnist and trainer in the field of manners and etiquette, I am able to answer questions on every aspect of social etiquette and good manners. I cover adult and children`s manners,introductions, dining skills, verbal and written communication (including e-mail, cell phone and regular telephone etiquette), tipping, weddings, travel, births, death and funerals, proper attire for every occasion, office etiquette, invitations, entertaining, the roles of a host and a guest, thank you notes, family life, interviews, gift-giving, graduations, good grooming, disabled persons, hotels,school manners, good sportsmanship,respect, manners in public places( the theater, movies, church, shopping, restaurants, etc.), being a good neighbor, and being considerate of others.
Experience I am the originator of national Children's Good Manners Month (September) and founder of The Good Manners Club. My school program "Manners Do Matter" is used successfully throughout the United States.
I teach manners and etiquette at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, United Technologies Corporation, Cigna Corporation and The Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools.
I wrote and recorded my Dr. Manners' Moments for Radio Disney, which aired for nearly two years. I was a regular contributor on WVIT-TV NBC30 during 2002 and 2003. I was a regular etiquette expert on WTIC (Radio)for nearly 3 years. I have been interviewed by radio stations, television stations, newspapers and other publications around the world. I recently appeared in an episode of the television show Survival Guide, on the Fine Living Network on Personal Etiquette and am a consultant for the Network. I was asked to write an article for The New York Times on Manners and Etiquette for the Summer, which was published on Sunday, May 16, 2004.
I have visited dozens of schools, public and private; worked with The Girl Scouts; various community groups (including Chambers of Commerce and Senior Citizen Groups); church groups,and more.
I am a former elementary school principal and a former elementary school teacher.
Additionally, I have authored several books and booklets on manners and etiquette.
I have been a manners advice newspaper columnist for nine years.
My education includes:
Ph.D. in Education, LaSalle University;
Administrator Certification, Sacred Heart University;
Teacher Certification, Central Connecticut State University;
B.A. in English, Nazareth College of Rochester;
Etiquette Consultant Certification
Expert: Fleming Allaire, Ph.D., a.k.a Dr. Manners (TM). - 8/25/2004
Question 1. How is a charger used in table setting? Is it necessary to use? Is it a replacement of place-mats?
2. If I use a table cloth, do I still need place-mats or chargers? How does table runner fit into the picture?
Thanks
Answer Dear P.
Many years ago, chargers were always made of metal. They were heated and then dinner plates were placed on top of them. They helped to keep the food warm.
Today, chargers are mostly used for appearance. They are placed under the dinner plate. They are usually removed for the dessert course. Now many of them are made of plastic, so it would be impossible to heat them and use them for their original purpose. They are often painted gold or silver and they add a festive and rich look to a table setting. They are more of a nice addition, than a necessity.
It is definitely up to you if you would like to place them on top of a placemat or tablecloth. There are no set rules and you can decide what looks better. I often use them with a tablecloth, during holiday entertaining.
Table runners can be placed length-wise or width-wise on a dining table or a side board. You may place them on a bare table or over a tablecloth. Again, they are an adornment that can protect a table or simply look good.
Mix and match and have fun with chargers, placemats, tablecloths and runners. You decide what you like, is appealing to the eye and goes with your decor. Enjoy!
Thank you for writing.
Best regards,
Fleming Allaire, Ph.D.
"Dr. Manners"
