So, could you take over the Emily Post Institute? See how many you got right:

1. You brought your favorite casserole to add to the Thanksgiving potluck. Now that it’s time to go home, who gets the leftovers from your dish?

According to etiquette guru Peggy Post of Good Housekeeping, the potluck chef gets to reclaim the leftovers. The hostess probably does not want to deal with storing food and washing the pots and returning them to their owners, Post says. It’s best to lay the ground rules about potluck protocol before getting into a shoving match over the green bean casserole.

2. You have taken your place at the table. You know that the Pabst Blue Ribbon is yours, but you are unable to distinguish which glass of water is yours. Where has yours been placed?

Your glass of water is to your right.

3. You have two forks! Which one is for the salad?

The outside fork. As a rule, start from the outside in.

4. The soup was so tasty that you want to devour the last drop. How do you achieve that without burying your face in the bowl like a cat?

Tilt the bowl away from you and scoop up the last drops while pushing the spoon away from you. Be prepared to leave a few drops.

5. A relative has invited you to Thanksgiving dinner. You would like your hot new boyfriend to come, too. How do you approach this with the hosts?

If an invitation has been extended to you and no one else, don’t even ask about bringing along a friend, according to the Emily Post Institute.

6. You have finished your fourth serving of stuffing and are finally through with your meal. What is the proper way to signify this? (Hint: It is not unbuckling your belt a notch.)

Your knife and fork should be placed across the top of your plate when you are finished eating with the knife blade facing toward you. Do not place them back on the table. (And don’t lick them either.)

7. Dinner’s done. Time to watch the game. But you notice the hostess slaving away in the kitchen. What should you do?

Offer to help clear the table, wash dishes or take the trash out. If your attempts to help are turned down, you can still help by picking up crumbs, cleaning spills and picking up dirty plates.

8. A strand of turkey has wedged itself between your teeth. It’s driving you mad. Should you try to dislodge it with a butter knife and hope no one notices?

If you can’t dislodge the food particle with your tongue, wait until after dinner and ask to be excused.

9. The hostess served you first. But she has eight other people to serve. When should you start eating?

It’s OK to drink your water. But don’t dig in until the host has begun eating or has indicated that you may begin.

10. You wear your Dale Earnhardt Jr. hat everywhere. It’s your lucky hat. Plus, people make fun of your comb-over. What is the proper thing to do as you sit at the table?

The old rule still applies— no hats at the table. Caps should be taken off before entering the house.

Well, how'd you do? If you get less than six right, you'd better practice before Thanksgiving!

-- By Lisa O’Donnell, Journal Reporter