LET'S PLAY BALL

Image Source - and to get tickets (Nationals)

Despite the beginning of baseball season, we won't be doing any "shortstopping."  And no, I am not talking about around the baseball diamond.  I am talking about around the dinner table. 


This occurs when someone asks for something to be passed to them (for example, the bread basket) and the person who begins to pass the requested item, or others along the way, use the requested item on its way around the table.  Bad form.


So, if someone asks you for the breadbasket, you should not take a roll for yourself before you have the basket begin its journey around the table. And if you are one of the people passing the bread basket along the route, you should not take a roll as you pass it along.  This is not nice.  Do not do it. It is considered rude. 

So what do you when someone's request for the breadbasket sparks your interest in a dinner roll?  Be marvelously well-mannered and politely ask for the breadbasket back.