When you aren't holding silverware prop your arms against the table at the wrists. If you take wine, don't expect to see it served at that meal. The host will have already planned the food and wine. In general, Italians dress well all the time. Floor-length gowns are virtually never worn by women, even at formal occasions.
Mineral water is always welcome at the table as well as wine.
Whisky, especially single malts, tend to be drunk like cognac, after dinner. In old-fashioned, single command elevators, there is usually discussion amongst the passengers to determine which floor each person is going to, and then the buttons are pushed one at a time in the right sequence. By honoring traditional roles, children continue to be brought up surrounded by attentive and dedicated parents and relatives. Women in particular may be kept from career opportunities, but they largely feel that parenting is a more important role. An undeniable result is that Italian society appears to be full of basically well-adjusted, tolerant and humane people.