Monday, January 9, 2012

Leaving the dinner table

'When fruit has been taken and a glass or two of wine passed round, the time will have arrived when the hostess, after catching the eye of the lady first in precedence, rises, and gives the signal for retirement to the drawing-room. The men will rise at the same time, the one nearest the door opening it for the ladies, and all courteously standing until the last lady has withdrawn.'

- Mrs Beeton's Household Management (from 1861)

No comments:

Post a Comment