Complex sentence: Virginians such as William Byrd (1652--1704) would indulge in extravagant dishes such as stewed swan or roast snipe, dinners were important social events, and the art of dinner conversation was considered an important skill in affluent households.
Split into simpler sentences: Virginians such as William Byrd (1652--1704) indulged in extravagant dishes such as stewed swan or roast snipe. Dinners were important social events, and the art of dinner conversation was considered an important skill in affluent households.