Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-06-01
Table Etiquette.


When tho meal 10 announced, 60 to
the table promptly.
In disposing the chairs around the
table, let the front edge Of the chair be
on line with the lower edge Of the
table cloth.
Seat yourself from the left side OF the
chair and arise from the same side after
the meal IL finished.
Sit erect; do not lean against the back
of the chair, nor rest your arms or el-
bows on the table.
Elaborate folding OF napkins 10 rightly
ont Of fashion.
Do not spread out napkin to Ito full
extent; leave It folded through the
middle.
At the close of q single meal at . pri-
vate house, do not fold the napkin, but
leave 1t drawn together loosely beside
your plate.
Do not lift the napkin while folding.
II you are to be q guest for several
meals, note the disposition Of the nap
kin made by the hostess and follow her
example.
When plate 10 sent back for second
helping of any article of food, set the
knife and fork at one side Of the plate;
let them lie parallel to each other, and
little to one eide, that there may be no
danger of their slipping of, and that
part of the plate shall be ready to receive
the food.
The fork may be used to convey feb
bones and unedible portions OF food back
to ones plate.
The fork is used for soft cheese, for
buildings, and for most vegetables.
The forks are laid In order Of use, the
one first used being fsrthest from the
plate.
Never cut salad with the knife, but
break it with the fork, using piece OF
bread or cracker to assist the fork II
necessary.
Never leave the spoon standing in the
cup.
Dip the spoon away from your body
when serving with spoon, or when tax
ing your own soup. Take the liquid
from the side of the spoon.
A spoon is used only when fork will
not suffice for the purpose.
Tea, coffee, or other beverages should
not be slipped from spoon. but should
be drunk from the cup. The spoon 10
for stirring and to test flavor and tenn.
perature-after which 1t should be laid
in the saucer.
Even a slight noise 10 not permissible
in eating or drinking. The lips should
be closed during mastication.
Do not place bread on the table-cloth
while you spread 1t.
Break bread in small pieces; never cut
il.
Don't tip the soup plate, nor break
bread or crackers into the soup.
In Offering to serve any one at the
table, use ono OF these forms: May l
help you? Let me give your May l
offer your
To refill glass with water, place the
hand near the bottom of the glass and
draw it to the edge of the table; pour
in water to three-fourths the height OF
the glass, then slide the glass back to it's
proper place in the cover.
In passing sugar bowls, glasses, etc,
without handles, be careful not to allow
the fingers to rest inside the dish.
Never leave the table without being
excused, except when you are serving as
waitress.
In using the finger bowl, only the tips
Of the fingers. and those OF one hand at
a time, need be dipped in the water. The
napkin serves to dry the water from the
finger tips.
A hostess appears best when she does
not show too evident enjoyment Of her
own good things.
One should eat slowly and masticate
the food properly. he should not have
finished the course while others at the
table are still eating.
Toothpicks, like toothbrushes, should
be used only 10 the privacy OF ones
room.