Evening star., 1869-11-04
The Iable-Ortler and Ornament.

The writer Of these articles had mo ilra that
they would bring out such amount of CORES
pondence a. they have done. Some OF the letters
express thanks for the hints that have been
given for table arrangements, aud others pro-
pound questions. Many things are asked which,
10 good share Of our readers, may seem somc-
what singular, but they must reoollcct that GUS
toms which they have followed all their lives ara
strange and new 20 many who live in isolated
places where changes take place hut slowly. Va
welcome these We do other inquiries. an
indication OF the wants OF our readers, and tho
more We have of them, the better. One asks.
1s il proper in laying the table TO place the plates
bottom side up?" IL l. much better to place tho
plates right ride up; the table looks neater,
and one il not subjected Ia the Inconvenience
servant 60 i'm serving the guests ?''-where tho
table is waited upon, the " alter should present
ever. thing At the hand side Of the person
servede except water. The glass being at the right
hand of the person at the table, is usually nllel
where IL stands. ;" How shall guests bc placed
AT the table ?''-This Was sufficiently discussed
i'm April last. IL il proper TO talk AZ the
table by all mealls. We are aware that
some few consider il proper Ia observe perfect
silence while at table. We do not know how
such a horrible custom originated, vet have
few times been guest al such tables, hut hopa
never to be again. The table il just the very
place 10 talk, and the meal hours should ba
among the pleasantest OF the day. Don't talk
business and discuss what work shall he dome after
dinner, but give the time Go social chat. This
should not prolong the meal inc0nyeniently, but
there should he enough of il to prevent the too
common custom Of rapid eating. The table i a
capital place To teachchilren 10 good li>teners
NO small part Of chld's education H. acquired i'm
listening 10 the table talk Of its seniors, and this
is a hint as TO what the character OF the conycr-
sation should he. Talk? Ies. and laugh, too,
and the meal will be all the better digcsted.
'.Is it courteous to leave the table when one is
done, II the rest are still eating?"-Dccidedly
not, unless there are some urgent reasons Tor il,
and then an apology should be made 20 the LADY,
OF the house. Children should always ask leave
10 absent themselves. 30. How should We spend
the time while waiting for those who are sill
meal before the rest; hut should il 30 happen it
must be an exceedingly uninterestng company
which would make il irks0me 10 wait until all
are through. The signal for rising is usually
given by the lady Of the house. Should We
leave the plate clean, or partly fille.l?--It is n
ton OF the food intentionally. Where one is
oyerhelped, II Is sometimes unavoidable. Many
IN carving and serving food seem 10 think
IT mark OF hospitality TO give a boun-
tful supply, and we often zee the plato
loaded with more than can possibly be eaten.
and some must be left, a the human stomach
has limited capacity. Those who carve shoald
serve judiciously, and ii more IL wanted the
guest should not hesitate to express his wishes.
Ii rs 2 matter Of great astonishment 90 Euro
peans TO see the quantity of food left uncon-
sumed upon the plates. They saw and truly
support French family Of the same size. A
large part OF this waste comes from oyerloa.Iing
the plates, and another from the foolish notion
that IL is 'Polite" to leave some unconsame.l
food upon the plate. On the other hand il IS
not well TO he eoyer-scrupulous about leaving the
serape away at the plate until il was in the con-
dition Of Mr.. and Mrs. Jack Spratt's platter lu
this. as in other matters, IL Is well 10 avid eN-
AgTicait9rist.