Thou shalt not question the decisions of the President. When the mess adjourns, thou shalt rise and wait for the President and guests to leave. Thou shalt enjoy thyself to thy fullest. At the time scheduled for recess, the president raps the gavel three times to gain attention. When the mess is silent, the president raps twice and announces a short recess so the dishes may be cleared and dessert served.
Members stand by their places until the head table departs.
Everyone then proceeds to the cocktail lounge where the bars have reopened. Traditionally, lighted smoking materials and drinks should not be brought into the dining room following the recess. When members reach their places they stand directly behind their chairs. The president then leads the head table party into the dining room. The president then seats the mess with one rap of the gavel.