There are no set rules laid down for the way in which a meal should be served. So much has to be taken into consideration that it would be hard for one person to decide for another. The question of time and help, and the type of guests present, all enter into this important question.

There are, however, a few general rules that one may safely suggest.

The hostess should be mistress of the situation, should be at ease and show no sense of worry or anxiety. If mistakes should happen, it is better to ignore them than to comment upon them.

Be careful not to place a guest in an embarrassing position, remembering that while guests are at your table you are to do all in your power to make them feel at ease and at home.

It is a good plan to serve first the guest at right of host, next the guest at left of hostess, interlacing in this manner till all are served.

It is also proper to serve first the hostess, then the ladies and last the gentlemen.

If the hostess is served first it is her duty to start eating first, in so doing showing which fork or spoon is to be used.

Seating Guests At The Table For A Meal

The host should be the first to leave the drawing-room with the lady guest of honor, seating the lady at his right: other guests follow, each lady being seated at the right of the gentleman whom she accompanies.

The hostess is the last to enter the dining-room, with the gentleman guest of honor, who sits at her left. Try to select guests who will enjoy each other.

Bringing Order To The Dining Room After Meals

1. Remove crumbs carefully from cloth. Fold cloth in original creases.

2. If napkins are to be used again, see that they are neatly placed in the rings.

3. Remove crumbs from the floor, arrange the chairs in their proper places.

4. Try to make the dining-room one of the most cheerful rooms in the house.