My home has an open floor plan with the kitchen, living room and dining area all combined. This leads to guests meandering through the kitchen area while we’re making food.

Miss Manners tackles relatives who won't stay out of the kitchen, when to begin eating, and how to reply when guests imply ...

I’m well aware that, yes, I could in fact begin eating, but I’m intentionally choosing to wait out of consideration.

I frequently find that some well-intentioned guest will look over, notice me not eating, and try to persuade me to go ahead ...

GENTLE READER: You found the questions rude because you believe that no self-respecting host would serve guests precooked ...

GENTLE READER: A polite way would be to say, “Thank you; I will in just a moment.” Miss Manners agrees with you that it is ...

GENTLE READER: A polite way would be to say, “Thank you; I will in just a moment.” ...

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; ...

GENTLE READER: You found the questions rude because you believe that no self-respecting host would serve guests precooked ...

However, it seems like other folks never got this same lesson. I frequently find that some well-intentioned guest will look ...

In today's Miss Manners column, advice columnist Judith Martin responds to a concerned host seeking advice on preventing relatives from touching and sampling food during Thanksgiving preparation.

Dear Miss Manners: My home has an open floor plan with the kitchen, living room and dining area all combined. This leads to guests meandering through the kitchen area while we’re preparing food.