Teaching kids proper table manners can be very dull and boring for them. As parents, we just want them to act appropriately especially at celebrations like weddings, birthday, reunions and other occasions. We want to prepare them in formal dining styles. You don't want to see those double-dipping, slurping and demonstrations of finger-licking good!

So how can we win the interest of our youngsters to dine properly? Hmmm, why not make it a play.

* Set up a "fancy table" at home. Get a KidKraft Kitchen primary play set and demonstrate where forks, spoons and knives go. Sometimes there are utensils above the plates, explain what to use first. Like, using the outside utensils first.

*Show the kids how to sit up straight - near the table. And how to place a napkin on the lap.

* Remind them to never plop their elbows on the table or encircle the plate with the arm.

* Teach kids to stop slurping the food, tasting the icing cake with their fingers and "double dipping" styles.

* Practice passing of the food from left to right (counterclockwise). For instance, teach them to say, "Please pass..." rather than reaching across the table. They might spill a drink or worse.

* Show how they should wipe their mouth appropriately and where to put the napkin if they needed to be excused, such as going to the bathroom.

* Do not leave spoon in the KidKraft Kitchen Tea Cup and do not butter the entire piece of bread; rather butter is placed on the bread place and a bite-sized piece must be buttered only.

* Explain why they should not cut up their entire meal, instead cut only one or two bites at a time. Also, remind them not to talk when they are mouthful. If they were asked but mouth is already filled with food, never put liquid in it. Instead, chew the food carefully.

* Always thank the cook for the meal. Cooks did a good job so they must be appreciated.

* When finished eating, do not push back the plate and lean back to announce "I have finished" or "I'm through". Just put the utensils down across the plate and wait for the dinner to be concluded.

In addition, if you are dining in a restaurant and the table is dirty, do not wipe of the tableware. Instead, ask the waiter to do it. You can use the "dining style" at home when dining at restaurants. Also, a table setting for a family dinner is different from table setting when guests join. There are utensils and plates omitted at family dinner, like butter platters and knives. Bread and butter are mostly placed at the edge of the dinner plate.

Teaching our kids proper table manners is not that hard. Just think of the benefit they can have when they master the pointers. As what we suggest, make it a play using KidKraft Kitchen play set. Kids will surely enjoy the fun while learning how to dine with style.