Etiquette Tidbits from the 1930’s

       

A gilded age, combination olive serving spoon and fork, circa 1880. – “If there is no olive spoon on the serving plate, the dinner guest may take olives with the fingers.”

Water and beverage glasses at the dinner table should never be more than three-fourths full. – 1937

Never extend or “crook” the little finger when holding a tea or coffee cup. – 1936

The word “personal” should never appear on an envelope. The notation "please forward’’, however. is perfectly correct. – 1937

A young woman who sends flowers to a person who is ill should include her visiting card, writing a brief message above the name-line. – 1937

When a man is not sure whether the occasion calls for a tuxedo or full dress clothes, he should wear the swallow-tail. – 1937

Sport clothes now are considered standard dress for auto travel. – 1938

During bidding, a bridge player should not call his partner’s attention to the score. The host or hostess at a bridge party should explain all rules of progression before play is begun – 1938

If there is no olive spoon on the serving plate, the dinner guest may take olives with the fingers. – 1938

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

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

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