The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-05-06
How to Behave at the Table.

tBeston Transcript
Upon taking your seat your first duty
should be to inspect the cutlery. If the
knives bear Rogers stamp, for Instance,
sound the praises of the Meridian man
ufacture. This will cause others to ex-
anime their knives. They will marvel
at your practical knowledge. And you
will live long in the memory of your
hostess. When soup is served opportu
nity will present itself to show your
superior attainment in gastronomy.
Conidentially inform your vis-a-vis,
in voice sufficiently loud to he heard all
around the table, that Bouilleboi is the
only person you ever knew who could
make soup ct 10 eat. Every eye will
be turned toward you in alteration.
Your hostess will feel sort of re-
fected greatness in having one so gifted
condescend to grace her humble board.
Then blow into your soup as though
you were under contract to furnish mo-
tive power for a windmill. Thus you
will show your naughty contempt for
conventionalites. For similar re lson
you will eat from the point of your
spoon. This movement will make you
look like the sword swallower. Your
appearance will be picturesque. Your
elbow will threaten your 1ight-hand
neighbo1's eye.
In eating fish, whip as big a piece as
you can into your mouth, and then pick
out the bones, one by ane, at your leis-
ure. You will resemble the slight-of-
hand performer pulling ribbons from
his mouth.
Always eat with you knife, and close
your lips tightly about it when you
withdraw it from your mouth. This
will keep your knife clean during the
whole meal. Cleanliness is next to
Goodness, you know.
With the meats comes an excellent
opportunity to exhibit your gymnast;c
atJainments. You Will make yourself
respected now by your left-hand as we'll
as your right-hand neighbor. You will
make Yourself still more agreeable by
watching your opportunities in CONVEX
| sation. sFs tbE 5Es
When a gentleman has transferred a
| forkful of food from his plate to his
mouth address him suddenly. 1t is
very amusing to see gentleman half
choked in his endeavor to get his
mouthful of food out of the way, that
he may answer you. OF course you will
eat all the while you are talking, and
talk while you eat. Thusswill you pay
q delicate compliment to your hostess
cook, show your social qualities, and
prevent Others probably, from eating
more than is good for them.
If pudding is served, say it don't
agree with you. But eat it just the
same and call for more. Aud here is ar
admirable opportunity to dilate upon
the idiosyncrasies of your digestive np
paratus. The noblest study of mankind
is man. If puddiug is not forthcom ng
remark upon the angular idea some
people have that pudding may be
omitted from a dinner without running
| that dinner for people who understand
such things.
When the pie comes, peep under it
or turn it over like griddle cake. Thi
especially where the lady of the hous,
does her own baking. If the pie il
underdone, it would be the right thins
to mention the fact. If it be doLe tol
1 brown, say something appropriate t.
the occasion. When a lady makes
slip in her cooking, she likes to be toIt
of it publicly.
i Coffee should be drunk from the sau
Ger, as though it were an oyster in it
/ shell. This gives you q. a.jaunty air.
l. If at private table, never pass any
thing to your neighbor. You may wan
all there is yourself. Never hesitate t.
ask for anything you cannot reach
You love to wait upon yourself. Other
must love to wait on you.
l. Remember the tOothnick