The meat and broth were served up separately or together as desire might dictate.
The principal meal was held in the early evening, although occasionally noon was chosen for a big banquet.
The early Hebrews seated themselves on the ground when partaking of a meal; but their descendants soon succumbed to the example of the Egyptians and adopted the reclining couch, which was universally used in the time of Christ.
The first reference we have to the change in custom is found in the book of Amos, where the prophet rebukes those who "lie upon beds of ivory." Ezekiel also inveighs against one who "sat on a stately bed with a table prepared before it."
Each couch seated from three to five persons, and the women usually dined with the men.
The meat and vegetables were sometimes served in one large dish, into which each in turn dipped his bread, but on other occasions portions were placed on individual plates.
Many events were made excuses for festivals.
The "mishteh" was a drinking party, which in the apostolic age was called a "komos" and was often the occasion of gross licentiousness.
The cups used were modelled after those made by the Egyptians. The "cup bearer" or butler held a very important position in a rich man's household.
During times of fasting or sorrow, all meats, wines, etc., were eschewed. They were called the "bread of desires."