TABLE ETIQUETTE FOR MEN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 8, 25 August 1911, Page 2

TABLE ETIQUETTE FOR MEN.

(By “Brummell.”) Etiquette may he described as the oil that greases the machinery of social life. It is the passport of good society. Ifs assiduous practice conduces not only to the comfort of one’s friends, relatives, and acquaintances, hut, what is far more important, also gives rise to a pleasant glow of self-satisfaction. In no circumstances is the practice of etiquette more essential than when at table. Many people who are perfectly polite at lunch and dinner, have at breakfast the manners of a savage. This should not be. For example, it is very bad form to sniff loudly and suspiciously at one’s egg. It is disturbing to other people. It arouses in them feelings of apprehension which may lie quite groundless. If there is anything wrong with your egg, drop it under the table when no one is looking.

Aklrraahulo should never, be spread with the fingers. You miglit be called upon to shake hands with the rate-collector or some other caller during the morning, and many fastidious people have ia rooted objection to shaking a hand “that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Drinking from the saucer is not only a mark of ill-breeding, but also an indication of great thirst, an early morning malady best concealed. Make as little noise as possible whilst eating. It is inconsiderate to drown the conversation. If you are breakfasting alone—which is to be recommended—you may, of course, make a noise like a sausage-machine, if you are so disposed. Endeavour not to laugh when you arc drinking. Tea and coffee stains are not easily removed.

Never say, “What’s this?” when you know perfectly well what it is. If you don’t like it, give it to the cat. If you have no cat, put. it in the stock-pot. If yon have no stock-pot, throw it over the garden fence. When lunching in public avoid looking intently at your neighbour’s plate. He has to oat what’s on it, not you. Keep your eyes fixed on your own plate, or the waiter may think you have finished, and snatch it away.

Do not indulge too freely in the hors d’oeuvres. Remember there arc other things to follow, and it is just as well to leave room for them. Never unbutton' your waistcoat when half-way through a meal. It is best to let. out a strap at the back before entering the room. Never haggle about the hill. If it !s more than you can pay, wait until you can speak to the manager alone. If you are undercharged, pay, and leave the restaurant as quickly as possible.

A direful study of those little points will not only make the path of life more smooth, hut will also raise you in the estimation of your friends and relatives.