1870 Cookbook
 

Table Etiquette

It is ridiculous to make a display of your napkin, to attach it with pins to your bosom, to pass it through your button-hole. Never use the tablecloth instead of a napkin.

The napkin should be touched to the lips in the interval between partaking of greasy food and drinking; otherwise the rim of the glass will not be inviting to look upon.

In conversation at the table, be careful not to speak while eating a mouthful; it is indecorous in the extreme.

In carrying food to the mouth the handle of the fork should not be kept against the palm, as conveying it in that position gives the effect commonly expressed as "shoveling". A firm hold on both knife and fork does not necessitate gripping them as if they were endowed with the ability to fly.

Never use your knife to convey food to your mouth, under any circumstance; it is unnecessary and glaringly vulgar.

Never pick your teeth at the table.

Do not gnaw bones at the table.

Ladies should never dine with their gloves on unless their hands are not fit to be seen.

This is both funny and sad. :) :(

Hardly anybody follow any of these rules anymore. I guess it's good that we're relaxed a bit.....but I've seen some people stretch the limits a little! :o

I agree Kitty and I left out about six more of them. I was looking for an old recipe this morning and found one for deviled eggs that told me to cool them in the storm hole. :D