The Osceola times., 1885-04-11
DINING.
Hints which VIII Enable Most Men to
Appear Well at Dinner.

Hints which VIII Enable Most Men to
Appear Well at Dinner.
Perhaps the dinner table is, of all
places, the one where a man can least
afford TO ignore social observances. and
here the well-bred man and the ill-bred
man are most strongly contrasted. An
invitation to dine should be promptly
replied to, whether you accept or de-
cline. 1t is sufficient to say:
"Mr. - has the pleasure to accept
MIR. and Mrs. IS kind invitation to
dinner on the -"
If the invitation be declined some
good reason should be stated:
"Mr. - regrets that owing to a
previous engagement he can not have
the pleasure of accepting Mr.. and Mrs.
IS kind invitation for the -"
Having accepted an invitation, be
punctual. On arriving pay your re-
spects to the hostess first Of all. Do
not offer your hand. If she cares to
greet you in that way she will make
such an advance. When you leave
don't take leave of the whole company
individually. 1t is enough to bid your
hostess and her family adieu. If there
is lady with you she does not enter
the drawng-room on your arm, but a
little in advance of you. Walters only
wear gloves to dinner parties. You will
not choose the lady to take in to dinner
that is your hostess privilege. Sit close
to the table when you get there and don't
use your napkin as a bib Don't play
with the table implements. Take
soup from the side of the spoon. Keep
the handles of your knife and fork ex-
actly in the palms of your hands. The
fork is used to convey all food to the
mouth that does not require = spoon.
The knife is only used in this way by
the low-bred people. If, however. you
happen to get in such a party. use the
instrument as the rest do. He who ad-
vised us Ito do in Rome as the Romans
do was a true gentleman. 1t is better
to eat asparagus with fork, and never
gnaw green corn from the cob. Cut 1t
off with knife and eat it with fork.
Cheese is never TOUCHED with the fingers,
but eaten with fork on bit of bread.
Bread should be broken. Cultivated
people never butter a large slice of
bread and bite into it. Never use your
own knife and fork to help another, or
put your own knife into the butter or
salt. Remove fruit bits and skins from
your mouth with the left hand Take
hold of wine glass by its stem. and
never drink from a saucer or blow on a
beverage TO cool it. Masticatc with
your mouth shut. and don't talk with q
full mouth. Finally, If you would act
well abroad, be careful TO observe the
proprieties at home.
II a man would appear like a gentle-
man he must walk, stand and sit like
one. In all attitudes he should avoid
all appearances of self-consciousness
Therefore, among strangers, he will
stand erect and still, and not loll or
lounge on chair. In bowing, take
plenty of time. Don't jerk the hat off
and sling il back as soon as possible. A
well bred man removes his hat in the
presence of ladies in any rooted public
place, and when he does them, though
strangers, a favor. Unless you are
well-acquainted with woman let her
bow first; but between old acquaint-
ances such ceremony is needless. When
walking with male acquaintance you
must salute his lady friends by raising
your hat also. Never stop long to con-
verse in the street. Don't smoke in
public places where there are women.
unless such is the custom of all fire.
quenters. A cigar in a mans mouth
in the daytime on the street yulgarizes
his appearance. Remember that a gen.
tleman is always introduced to n lady;
never otherwise unless in the case of the
President If you are at dancing
party dance. II you can't dance well
stay at home. Don't play cards among
strangers for money, and always keep a
lookout for the opportunity of doing a
courtesy. An observance Of these hints
will enable most men to appear we'll
~ Y. Star.