Tips of the Month

A little taste and a great deal of elegance will make you the first lady of society...

• Sit calmly in your salon as you await your guests, after you have finished all your tasks.

• No doubt you will be receiving certain personages not previously acquainted with one another; do not forget to introduce them.

• Pronounce the names clearly... and have ready at once a topic of conversation that can strengthen the bonds of acquaintance.

• When the circle of guests is complete, lead them yourself into the dining room and seat each one in his place.

• On you depends the course of conversation at the table.

• Do not call on your husband to help you with anything if some mishap occurs... everything should pass without anyone noticing.

• Keep an eye on your guests, in case they should lack anything...

• If you are obliged to answer a telephone call, be very quick about it.

• Do not see a guest to the door when he withdraws. Your place is in the salon.

• Do not leave any of the guests by himself; sit near him and talk with him, and let no one feel that he is a stranger.

At the Table

Place a knife to the right of each plate, its edge toward the plate, and to the left place the fork.

• Set the glasses in front of the plates, and let the wine glasses stand to the right of the water glasses.