Etiquette Hints for the 1929 Housewife

The meal should be announced in the following manner: “Dinner (or other meal) is served.” Handle all silver by the handles.

• A guest of honor, if a woman, is seated on the right of the host; if a man, seated on the right of the hostess.
• The hostess may be served first, then the ones on her right. Keep the same order around the table.
• Fill water glasses three-fourths full. 
• Pass all dishes at the left.
• Place and clear from the right when possible. 
• All plates for crackers, cakes, etc., should be covered with a doily.
• Hot breads should be folded in a napkin. 
• The table should be crumbed before the dessert is brought in.
• The meal should be announced in the following manner: “Dinner (or other meal) is served.” 
• Handle all silver by the handles.
• Handle goblets by the stem, and tumblers at the bottom.
• Never lift a glass from the table to refill it.
• If salad is served with the main course, it should be placed on the right, on a line with the plate.
• The food should not be brought into the dining room until all is in readiness to serve it.
• Food is removed from the table first, then the soiled dishes.
• Be sure that all dishes for hot food are hot, and those for cold food, cold.
• All silver should be placed on a line equally distant from the edge of the table, about one inch. — From “The Art of Table Setting,” by Lilian Gunn, 1929

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