Hot Dog Etiquette 101

Across the country, people enjoy eating hot dogs. We also know this tasty treat as a footlong, red-hot, frank, frankfurter, weenie or wiener. 

According to the Hot Dog & Sausage Council there are do's and don'ts when enjoying the all-American hot dog.

So here is must-read guide that includes do's and don'ts about how to garnish, what plate to use, recommended beverages and acceptable bun choices. Aside from all of these etiquette rules, the one most people, especially children, will rejoice in reading is this one: You do not have to send a thank-you note after a hot-dog dinner. 

Enjoy. "Oh, I wish I was an Oscar Mayer wiener..."

(Note: To be read with humor.)

Do...
Serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns are considered gauche with franks.

Don't...
Put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always "dress the dog," not the bun.

Condiments should be applied in the following order: wet condiments like mustard and chili are applied first, followed by chunky condiments like relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or pepper.

Do...
Eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.

Don't...
Use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.

Do...
Use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Every day dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.

Don't...
Take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.

Do...
Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.

Don't...
Leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.

Do...
Use multi-colored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.

Don't...
Fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs over-do the presentation.

Don't...
Use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.

Don't...
Send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.

Don't...
Bring wine to a hot dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.

Don't...
Ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.

Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette consultant who owns Your Relationship Edge in which she teaches classes and presents workshops to a variety of audiences. She can be reached at rosalinda@yourrelationshipedge.com and her website is www.yourrelationshipedge.com. She can also be reached on Facebook.