Water Glass Etiquette Advice 1930’s

From the left: the dinner napkin, the dinner fork, the service plate. The service plate would be removed, when the main-course is served, as there is no first course with this menu. On the right: the dinner knife. The water goblet is placed above the knife, and the white wine glass is placed slightly forward and to the right. The dessert fork and fruit knife are placed above the setting. The dessert flatware could also be brought in on the dessert plate. –Image source St. Andrew’s Dining Society, 1990

 

Q. When setting the dinner table, where should the water glass and the wine glass be placed?
A. Place the water glass at the top of the plate, towards the right of the knives, the wine glass to the right and beyond the water glass.

Q. When filling the water in glasses at the dinner table, how much water should be poured in each glass?
A. The glass should be two-thirds full, never more. 

Q. When a dinner guest overturns a glass or cup, what should he do?
A. If water, soup or coffee is spilled, the guest makes brief, low-voiced apologies to his hostess. The guest should not be too profuse in his apologies, as this is very bad taste.

Q. How should one use the dinner napkin?
A. The napkin should be used to wipe the mouth before using the waterglass; this will prevent smearing the glass. It is also used to dry the fingers, particularly after using the finger bowl.  

Q. When a maid is refilling a water glass at the table, should she pick up the glass while pouring the water ?
A. No. She should be skillful enough to fill the glass where it stands, without touching it. – By Roberta Lee in “Modern Etiquette.”, 1930’s

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