In masticating your food, keep your mouth shut; otherwise you will make a noise that will be very offensive to those around you.
Don’t eat in a mincing, dainty manner, as though you had no appetite, nor devour your food as though you were famishing. Eat as though you relished your food, but not as though you were afraid you would not get enough.
Don’t attempt to talk with a full mouth. One thing at a time is as much as any man can do well.
Few men talk well when they do nothing else, and few men chew their food well when they have nothing else to do.
Partake sparingly of delicacies, which are generally served in small quantities, and decline them if offered a second time.
Should you find a worm or an insect in your salad or in a plate of fruit, hand your plate to a waiter, without comment, and he will bring you another.
See that the lady that you escorted to the table is well helped. Anticipate her wants, if possible.
Never tip your chair, nor lounge back in it, nor put your thumbs in the arm holes of your waistcoat.
Never hitch up your sleeves, as some men have the habit of doing, as though you were going to make mud pies.
If the conversation tends to be general--and it should tend to be general at a small dinner-party--take good heed that you, at least, listen, which is the only sure way I know of for every man to appear to advantage.
Never, under any circumstances, no matter where you are, cry out “Waiter!” No man of any breeding ever does it. Wait till you can catch the attendant’s eye, and by a nod bring him to you.
Unless you are asked to do so, never select any particular part of a dish; but if you are asked choose promptly, though you may have no preference.
If a dish is distasteful to you decline it, and without comment.
Never put bones or the pits of fruit on the table-cloth. Put them on the side of your plate.
Always wipe your mouth before drinking, in order that you may not grease the brim of your glass with your lips.
Taking wine with people and the drinking of toasts at private dinners are no longer the fashion. Every one drinks much or little or none at all as he chooses, without attracting attention.
If, however, you should find yourself at a table where the old custom is observed, you will not invite your host to take wine with you; it is his privilege to invite you.