Saratoga Chip Etiquette

Two antique “Saratoga Chip” servers in sterling silver. The gilding on the top server protects the silver from the salt — “Saratoga Springs, the most famous American resort of the Nineteenth Century, was the birthplace of Saratoga Potato Chips. These delicacies were first served in one of Saratoga’s fashionable hotels. The delicious golden brown chips so delighted the diners that they took the chips with them to the Saratoga Races. From there these crip, irresistible tidbits became world famous. Today you’ll find that potato chips add to the enjoyment of any summer outing, stay-at-home picnic or cocktail party.” — Mill Valley Record, 1946

What is it about Saratoga or Potato Chips? Perfect For Picnics and for Etiquette Humor in the 19th and 20th Centuries!

Etiquette : A Metropolitan Society Expert Offers Some Original Suggestions

Q. (1) How should Saratoga chips be eaten? Is it proper to use your hands in conveying them to the mouth?
(2) How should a hot baked potato be handled? 

A. (1) The Saratoga chip should be conveyed to the mouth with a monkey-wrench; the one from your bicycle tool-bag may suffice. Once landed, it is eaten by opening and closing your mouth to the music of a Hungarian orchestra.
(2) The hot baked potato should be handled with boxing gloves. —San Jose Mercury News, 1898

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Dear Miss Manners: What is the proper way to eat potato chips?

Gentle Reader: With a knife and fork. A fruit knife and an oyster fork, to be specific. Good heavens, what is the world coming to? Miss Manners does not mind explaining the finer points of gracious living, but she feels that anyone without the sense to pick up a potato chip and stuff it in their face should probably not be running around loose on the streets. — Judith Martin, c.1997

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia