How To Have The Snip

It's all going on, isn't it? This week I've been t'up North, as Jordan might say, in Bootle of all places for some Sexted tour set rehearsals, next door to Manchester where we kicked off our first show  on Friday night, and Glasgow last night!

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Under the cloche with Sorted Food

Do you have a food-gasm? I never knew what one was until I appeared on the Sorted Food podcast.

If you're a food etiquette geek, then you may enjoy my hour on the subject here!

Still Life with Grapes and Scissors
by Eloise Harriet Stannard

A snippet of the history of grape scissors

In the refined world of Victorian dining, every utensil had its place, especially during the dessert course (being the fruit course, not what we now call 'dessert' which is actually pudding).

Grape scissors, though first crafted during Regency England, truly flourished in the Victorian era. Stricter dining etiquette dictated the need for specialised tools like grape scissors.

According to The Manners and Tone of Good Society from 1879 (left), diners were discouraged from touching food with their fingers, leading to the proliferation of unique utensils and handy manuals instructing diners how to use them (right).

What distinguishes grape scissors in design?

Grape scissors are just like any other scissors in essence, but much more ornate. Perfect to have in one's drawer of unique utensils.

How to handle your bunch of grapes

Should you be served grapes in a more formal dining setting, grab your grape scissors and snip off a small bunch to place onto your plate.

In the absence of such scissors, tear off the same bunch with your fingers.

Don't pull them off one by one, however tempting that sounds.

I hope you have the most joyous of Sundays.

With every blessing,

William Hanson