TABLE ETIQUETTE.
When a dinner is given to near relatives, or very old acquaintances, table etiquette is not so rigorously observed as when a distinguished or specially invited guest, or guests, are entertained.
At every dinner given to invited guests the host presides. His place is at the head of the table. As every long table has two ends, the head is usually distinguished as the end nearest the window side, or opposite the main entrance to the dining-room.
The principal guest occupies the seat to the right of the host.
Should it be a dinner given to gentlemen only, those standing highest in “society” should be placed nearest the host or the guest.
When ladies are participating, they should be so placed as to be seated between two gentlemen, and vice versa; but never so that a gentleman is seated next his wife.
If a host invites a married couple, the gentleman sits to the right and the lady to the left of the host.
If the host be married, the hostess occupies the seat next to the invited guest.
On the arrival of the guests, the ladies and gentlemen should be shown to different rooms, where they may remove their “wraps.” They are then shown to the parlor, where they are received by the host and hostess. The interval, until dinner is announced, is spent in introductions and social intercourse.
When dinner is announced, the host introduces the gentlemen to the ladies whom they are to escort and entertain during dinner.
The host, with the lady of the principal guest, now leads to the dining-room, followed by the hostess and guests.
When dinner is over the host leads again for the parlors. The ladies may then be served with tea, and the gentlemen retire for an interval to the smoking-room, where cigars should be served.
Be attentive to ladies who are seated near you. Even when servants are present, obligingly pass anything that may be desired by others.
After each course is finished, lay knife and fork on your plate parallel to each other. The knife on the right, the fork on the left side.
Should, unfortunately, any mistakes or accidents occur, let them pass without any undue observation. Do not, by any motion or look, increase the unpleasantness of the situation.
While a course is being served, do not show too much haste; however, it is entirely unnecessary to wait until all have been served. This does not apply to the first course. Should the first course consist of oysters or soup, wait until all have been served. Commence then, as soon as the host does.
Table etiquette does not, necessarily, compel you to accept every course or dish. But it is a serious breach of etiquette to examine a dish and then refuse it.
Everything that can be cut without the knife should be cut with the fork. For instance: fish, sweet-breads, bouchées, or vegetables.
Be careful to make no noise with the knives, forks, or dishes. Avoid the smacking of lips while eating or drinking.
Should anything objectionable be found on your plate, quietly ignore it. Any demonstration in this direction might seriously mar the beauty of the dinner.
Unfold the napkin on your lap; never put it around the neck, nor tuck it under your collar.