Edwardian Era Table Etiquette

“Do not fill pauses in the conversation by trifling with the silver or clinking the glasses unless you are willing to be considered ill bred.” – In HBO’s, “The Gilded Age” the Duke fiddled with his nut pick, but he probably could have jumped onto the table and danced a jig… Bertha still wouldn’t have considered him ill-bred. He was, after all, a Duke!

Manners for the Table

• Assume an erect position while eating at the table. Do not lounge in the chair or do not lean forward to meet your lifted fork.

• A gentleman always remains standing until every lady at the table is seated.

• Place the chair so that the waist or chest is about eight inches from the table. Closer seating throws out the elbows, and a chair farther removed makes its occupant crook the back in a most awkward fashion.

• Do not fill pauses in the conversation by trifling with the silver or clinking the glasses unless you are willing to be considered ill-bred.

• Remember that a reposeful bearing at table invariably marks the man or woman of refinement.

• Be careful to introduce into your conversation only such subjects as shall prove harmonious and shall in no wise embarrass or offend any one at the table. – Imperial Valley Press, 1909

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