There are a few definite rules which should be followed in all homes, from the simplest to the most sumptuous.

Table manners are an excellent gage of the refinement of a family.

The greatest ease and freedom should be manifested.

Avoid discussing unpleasant topics; let the conversation be general and to the enjoyment of all.

Ill temper, indifference, lack of interest in conversation will often spoil a good meal.

Eat whatever is placed before you and show that you are enjoying it. Avoid doing anything that will give offense to your hostess.

Try to be cheerful; show a spirit of thankfulness; remember that no matter how simple the meal is, thought and care were necessary in the preparation of it.

The table and food should be pleasing to the eye, the decorations few and simple. An over display of silver or flowers is not good taste.

1. Have the dining-room well lighted and ventilated.

2. If there is a center light, have table placed directly under it.

3. Table should be covered with a good silence-cloth of felting or any good, heavy, soft material.

4. Have table linen spotless and well ironed, taking care that center crease in tablecloth comes directly in center of table. Then start to arrange the places, having at least twenty inches between each cover.

5. Place knives and spoons at the right. The sharp edge of knives should be turned toward plate; the bowls of spoons turned up. Forks are placed at the left, with tines turned up.

6. Place napkin at left next to the forks.

7. Butter plates to the left, just coming to the point of the forks.

8. Glasses are placed at the right, just coming to the point of knives.

9. Place salt, pepper, vinegar, oil, jelly, etc., inside the line of plates.

10. Carving set in front of host.

11. Soup ladle in front of hostess, handle to the right, bowl up.

12. Arrange the coffee or tea service neatly in front of hostess.

13. Finger bowls when used should be placed on dessert plates with a doily underneath the bowl, and placed at the right of each person. Have the water in the bowls cold and if convenient have a very thin slice of lemon in the water.

14. Be sure that the table is symmetrically arranged

15. Arrange chairs at sufficient distance from the table so that they will not touch the edge of the tablecloth.