DEAR MISS MANNERS: My pet peeve is that when I am dining at a restaurant, the waiter begins clearing the table before everyone is finished eating. This also occurs at friends' homes and even at my own home.
We have dinner guests about two times a month. What should I say when one or more of my guests gets up and begins to clear the dishes while I am not even half finished with my dinner? Surely the guest is trying help, and I do not want to embarrass or admonish a guest. "Please be seated until everyone is finished with their dinner" just does not sound right. Do you have a solution?
GENTLE READER: Always. To waitstaff and in your own home, you may politely speak up on your own or a companion's behalf: "Oh dear, I (or friend) wasn't quite finished yet. I am afraid you are too quick for us."
And for guests trying to help at your home, you may add, "Please sit down and let us enjoy your company. I can clear the table when everyone is finished."
Unfortunately, Miss Manners must caution you against saying the same at other people's dinner tables. Then it is up to the host. Their priorities in terms of getting their guests up and out might be less hospitable than yours.