Table of Etiquette

Taken from the Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette

It may seem very simple thing to eat your meals yet there is no occasion upon  which the which the gentleman, and the low-bred, vulgar man are more strongly contested, than when at the table.

*  If asked to escort a lady to the table, offer her your left arm, and at the table wait until she is seated, indeed wait untill every lady is seated, before taking your own your own place.

*  If you have the care of a lady, see that she has what she desires before you give your own order to the waiter.

*  Try to sit easily and gracefully, but at the same time avoid crowding those beside you.

*  Observe a strict sobriety; never drink of more than one kind of wine, and partake of that sparingly.

*  If in the leaves of your salad, or in a plate of fruit you find a worm or insect, pass your plate to the waiter with out any comment, and he will bring another.

*  Be careful to avoid the extremes of gluttony or over daintiness at the table. To eat enormously is disgusting: but if you eat too spearing, your host may think that you despise his fare.

*  Put your napkin upon your lap, covering yours knees. It is out of date, and now looked upon as a vulgar habit  to put your napkin up over your breast.

*  Sit neither too near nor too far from the table. Never hitch up your coat-sleeves or wristband as you were going to wash your hands. Some men do this habitually, but it is a sign of very bad breeding.

*  Never tip your chair, or lounge bake in it during dinner.

*  All gesticulations are out of place, and in bad taste at the table. Avoid making them.

*  Always wipe your mouth before drinking, as nothing is more illbred than to greese your glass with your lips.

*  After you have finished your dinner, cross the knife and fork on the plate, that the servant may take all away, before bringing you clean ones for desert.

*  On leaving the table put your napkin on the table, but do not fold it.

* Offer your arm to the lady whom you escorted to the table.