HOST. When dinner is announced, the host offers his left arm to the woman he escorts. She may be the special invited guest, or the most prominent guest present.
The signal for all to rise is given by the hostess, who bows to the woman on the host's right. The men escort the women to the door or drawing-room, after which they return, and cigars and liquors are offered.
The host wears full dress.
GUEST LATE. The host should always come forward to shake hands with the late-comer, and help him to find his seat, and do all in his power to make his late-coming quickly overlooked.
HOSTESS. The hostess receives her guest at the parlor entrance.
At table the guests should remain standing until all have found their places, when the host and hostess seat themselves, after which the others follow. The men should assist the women they escort before taking their own seats.
At an informal dinner a hostess should introduce a man to the woman he is to escort to dinner, informing him whether he is to sit on the right or left hand of the host.
When the dinner is announced the host with his escort leads the way, followed by the guests, and the hostess and her escort come last.
GUEST LATE. The hostess should always bow
and shake hands with a guest arriving late,
but does not rise unless the guest is a woman.
HOURS. Dinners begin from 7 to 8 P.M., and
usually last from one hour to an hour and a
half.