Savoring Soup: Simple Tips Every Elegant Woman Should Know
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!Did you know? January is National Hot Soup Month! It’s no surprise, as the cold and dreary winter months are amongst the best time of year to enjoy a comforting bowl of hot soup. Whether you prefer to indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of your favorite broths or prefer a hearty bisque, let’s take a moment to learn the etiquette that surrounds the dining experience when soup in on the menu.
Soup Etiquette: Simple Tips Every Elegant Woman Should Know
As you enjoy your bowl of soup, it’s important to remember that there’s an art to enjoying this beloved dish. Soup etiquette, though often overlooked, enhances the dining experience and reflects a certain level of sophistication. Whether you are enjoying a bowl of homemade soup at home or savoring a simple broth at the start of a formal, multi-course meal, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
SETTING THE TABLE: When setting the table for soup, the soup spoon will go on the right hand side of the place setting. In a multi-course meal, the soup spoon will be on the outer right. It’s also important to choose the correct spoon. The dinner, or table spoon, is the larger spoon next to the tea spoon. An oval-shaped spoon is the standard choice, although from creamy soups, you may reach for (or see set at a restaurant) a round spoon, which has a rounder, deeper bowl than the dinner spoon.
THE RIGHT WAY TO SCOOP: When you’re ready to take a sip, scoop the soup away from you. I love this little rhyme to help you remember: “As a ship sails out to sea, I scoop my soup away from me.” This helps prevents pills and keeps the table clean. It’s a small gesture, but it show consideration for those dining with you, and keeps hot soup from ending up in your lap!
SLURPING ETIQUETTE: If you’re dining in a formal setting, avoid slurping and sip quietly from the spoon. Slurping is frowned upon in Western cultures, but in some Asian countries, it’s considered polite to slurp your noodles and soup as a sign of appreciation for the meal — a friendly reminder to get curious about local etiquette customs, especially when traveling internationally.
TABLE MANNERS: Avoid talking with a mouthful of soup. Instead, take small sips and engage in conversation between bites. If you need to pause, gently place your spoon in the bowl with the handle facing four o’clock.
FINISH WITH GRACE: Once finished, it’s polite to place your spoon with the handle facing four o’clock or on the plate below, signaling that you’ve completed your meal.
“Only the pure in heart can make a good soup.”
Simple Soups to Try!
I love making homemade soups year round, but especially during our cold winter months. Typically, I’ll make a big batch once a week and we’ll enjoy soup for dinner and the left overs for lunch. If you’re looking for a new soup recipe to try, here are a few of my favorites:
Do you have a favorite soup? Please share it in the comments!
As you celebrate National Hot Soup Month, or simply enjoy a hot cup of soup, remember that these simple dining etiquette tips are designed to enhance your experience. Whether you’re sipping a classic tomato bisque, a hearty chicken noodle, or a zesty chili, take a moment to appreciate not just the flavors but also the tools and traditions that have made soup a cherished dish across time and cultures.
So grab your favorite spoon, fill your bowl and let’s toast to the warmth of soup and the simple elegance of everyday manners!
Interested in learning more about dining etiquette? Book a private virtual training!
