William Hanson has offered advice to diners who find themselves with the awkward situation of having to let someone in their company know they have sauce on their lip
William Hanson has made quite a name for himself in the world of etiquette – even appearing on ITV’s This Morning earlier this month to discuss Christmas dos and don’ts with hosts Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson.
Now, the expert has taken to TikTok – where he regularly provides guidance to his 2.1 million followers – to offer advice on an important matter when dining with company. “How to tell a fellow diner they have a saucy lip,” Hanson began.
Sat outside a restaurant enjoying a cup of tea with a bowl of chips, he continued: “First of all, don’t tell them in front of everyone seated at the table. Don’t embarrass them.
“Instead, it’s all about eye contact,” William explained. “Fix eye contact with them as you touch the corner of your lip with a napkin, and they’ll soon get the message.”
Many of his William’s followers were quick to hail his tip, one of whom responded: “I never knew how to handle that awkward moment at the table. This is such a classy and subtle way to help someone out!”
Others, however, offered alternative solutions, meanwhile, including one person that suggested: “I just tell them clean the corner of your lip. They do it immediately and thank me for telling them.”
Another simply wrote: “Or stick your tongue out and lick the same place on your lip.” Meanwhile a third told William: “I don’t know why but I would think they are being mean if they did it that way. I would prefer them to tell me if I have something on my lips.”
Earlier this month William issued a further piece of advice when it comes to dining out. “When you’re out with your friends, remember they have come to see you – not the back of your mobile phone,” he warned.
“Please put the phone away. If there’s something terribly dramatic going on, most people will understand if you have to ask to rearrange – rather than them staring at you staring at your phone.”
“I was with a ‘friend’ who had invited me out,” one TikTok user fumed from experience. “She started talking on her phone as soon as we sat down. After just a few minutes of that, I excused myself to go home.” A second praised: “A million thanks for this one. I hate phones at the table.”
A third agreed: “Couldn’t agree more – real connections are what matter. Let’s keep the phones away and focus on the people right in front of us!” Whilst a fourth emphasised: “Disconnect from your phone and connect with the person in front of you. Proper etiquette is important.”
