Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-03-26
sgaaies' Column.
TABLE MANNERS.
BY MRS. HENRY WARD BEEcHER.

A "Young Housekeeper" finds 1T diff
fcult to understand all that is implied
by "table manners" or the recognized
laws of table etiquette; particularly
the "little things that come under
those laws.
Rules which belong to home manners
rules that regulate the minor proprie-
ties of the table, which should be an
established home custom, second ma
ture'-are the ones about which our
young Housekeeper" is the most per-
picked, and fortunately they are similar
in all places where good manners and
true politeness are felt to be important
elements in social or family life. Most
of these small rules should be as strongly
enforced at the home table as at fash
ionable party, and it is these things that
we greatly desire to see recognized and
carried out in every phase of society.
There are some who insist that when
q plate is sent to be replenished the knife
and fork must be laid together on the
plate. But we are happy to say that
idea is being generally discarded. If
the plate is passed. thus encountered, it
would be marvel, even with the best
trained servants, if accidents did not
often occur, and usually under the most
notifying circumstances. A quick
movement Of the arm which just touched
the walters as the plate is taken would
most likely send greasy knife or fork
off the plate into lady's lap or against
gentleman's coat.
The knife and fork should be taken
from the plate when it is passed, and
either held in the hand or laid down
with the tips resting on the solitaire,
butter plate, or piece of bread. The
last way is less awkward and much more
convenient than holding them in the
hand. When the plate is no longer
needed. lay the knife and fork on it to.
gether, with the nandi~-. ..-ned- the same
way, and the points of the fork laid
downward.
Little mistakes and occasionally a
troublesome accident may occur at the
table, particularly when there are guests,
either through carelessness or difidence
on the part of the host or guest, and
sometimes they are of the most embar-
assing nature. But for the sake of all
concerned it is best to meet such infelici-
ties with quiet dignity and self-possession
The more awkard and Notifying the
accident, the greater need of calmness-
not indifference. Pass your own part Of
the trouble off with a smile, but let al
the feeling which will find utterance b
shown in the kindest manner to the one
causing the accident, or the one whC
suffers the most by it, if other thar
yourself.
Smacking the lips when eating, max
ing needless and unpleasant sounds will
the mouth at the table, is contrary to al
rules, and exceedingly ill-bred and disa
greeable. 1t is ill-mannered anywhere
but at the table so offensive as to destro.
all comfort.
Reaching across the table, helping
ones self with ones own knife and for
are among the improprieties that Cal
hardly be excused in good society.
Adjusting the hair, cleaning or cut
. ting the nails, splitting, blowing the nose
are all very Objectionable in company
but far more vulgar at the table tina
anywhere else.
Whispering at the table is offensive
disrespectful alike to the host and host
ess, and their guests, if there are any
Let the conversation be general, and a
far as possible of nature to interest al
If from the forced seclusion, incident
i'll health OF from natural difidence on
is disinclined to bear part in the col
. versation, it is but showing suitabl
, respect to those who are talking to be ;
least an attentive listener. 1t is rude I
sit silent, if one does not by an attentiy
y manner show that the conversation
q" followed and fully appreciated. Yawr
, ing and restlessness during the conve
sation are very disrespectful. Christio
- Union.