I've always thought candles on the dinner table were a throwback to pre-electricity days, adding a charming flicker of light to the evening's festivities. Aren't they considered pretentious at luncheons?
2007-02-23 04:41:09 · 12 answers · asked by Whimsy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
No candles at lunch. It's not dark out. The purpose/ambience is lost during the day. At a luncheon add simple flowers to charm it up.
2007-02-23 04:49:43 · answer #1 · answered by yobcox 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dinner Table Candles
2016-12-16 08:51:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Revisit Chapter One of The Great Gatsby where Daisy corrects the faux pas of the serving staff - Candles, as all things, have a place and time. Emily Post can direct us to such things. After twilight, perhaps, but not before. Weddings and such supersede the usual. Gracious elements are appropriate at the right time and the right place. China, always. Silver service, certainly. The same goes for candle light. Just as one would use luncheon plates in size for luncheons, and dinner for dinner, candles also have their place. Dinner hours and perhaps formal occasions are appropriate for such things.
2014-03-15 14:47:48 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love candles and often light them for no reason whatsoever. It all depends on the situation and who is eating the meal. Some would think that candles over lunch might be a bit hoaky and more appropriate at dinner. I would think it would depend on how formal they are normally. I am a pagan and know lots of pagans who would miss candles if they aren't lit constantly.
2007-02-27 04:33:06 · answer #4 · answered by cammsters 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definitely wouldn't use tapers at lunch but if you are inside and if the sun isn't shining brightly votive candles would be OK. You just won't achieve the same ambience as if you used them at night. Why not fill the votive candle holders with small flowers instead or use several smaller decorative centerpieces?
2007-02-23 05:48:50 · answer #5 · answered by Lyn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think this is an etiquette question in as much as it'\s down to personal choice.
Sunday lunch in the winter and we've always lit candles to add to a convivial atmosphere and dispel gloom.
Sunday lunch in the summer and we wouldn't think of it.
2007-02-23 05:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they're fine at lunch too especially if it's a bit of a dark day or if you're in a large restaurant where many tables are not getting much daylight.
2007-02-23 15:21:46 · answer #7 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if they are lit at lunch, it is pretentious. There's no reason why you can't have a candle as part of a lunch centerpiece, as long as it stays unlit.
2007-02-23 05:36:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you think so? That's like saying you can't ever use the "good" china unless you have company....why wait 'til dinner? If you enjoy candles at lunch, then by golly use 'em...life's too short, man!
2007-02-23 04:45:37 · answer #9 · answered by Toots 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not in an elegant setting. They may be considered "pretentious" at a burger joint though.
2007-02-23 04:46:18 · answer #10 · answered by Mike M. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋