Etiquette of the “Stand-Upper”

At the very last I bring forth my little surprise treat— jam tarts, whipped cream cakes, mince or apple turnovers, or one of grandma's chocolate layer cakes.

I always try to provide some little delicacy for our Sunday evening “STAND-UPPER.” The man of the house seems to enjoy that meal more than any other, for he then does some of the cooking himself. He often cooks oysters, shrimps, or even smothered potatoes in the chafing-dish, while one of the big boys makes toast. Grandmother hurries to make some sandwiches. I make some cocoa or chocolate, and the other boys bring out the necessary plates and silver—none too much either, since it is their duty to “clean up.”

We always eat this meal in our tidy little kitchen. Just before we begin, our “men folks” take a last lingering survey of the pantry, for each one is free to cater to his own fancy at this meal, and after a bit they produce their spoils. At the very last I bring forth my little surprise treat-jam tarts, whipped cream cakes, mince or apple turnovers, or one of grandma's chocolate layer cakes. I think my boys will always remember these “stand-uppers” and perhaps they will continue them in their own homes long after “Mother” has become but a memory. Who knows! —Frances Barnard, 1905

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor  for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia