General Meal Tips
Do sit up straight.
Don't blow on hot foods or drinks to cool them off.
Do spoon your soup away from your body. If you insist on tilting the soup bowl, tilt it away from you. This avoids unfortunate spills on one's best evening gown.
Don't ever reach over the table or someone else's plate.
Do remember to pass the salt and pepper together.
Don't be too early or too late.
Do respond to an invitation promptly.
Don't deat yourself.
Do wait to begin eating until everyone at the table has been served (at larger parties and banquets) or until the hostess has lifted her fork (at smaller dinners).
Don't use your knife to cut bread. Break off small, bite-sized pieces and butter each piece seperately.
Do offer your services to the hostess for clearing the table and cleaning up.
Don't ever speak with food in your mouth.

R.S.V.P.s and Thank-Yous
If an invitation requests a response, for goodness sakes, do not leave your hostess waiting with baited breath to learn of your attendance! Even if an inviation says "regrets only," it is still polite to let your hostess know how thrilled you are to receive the invitation, how absolutely delighted you will be to come to her soiree, oh and by the way, would she like you to bring anything?

Thank-you notes are a necessity. Always thank the person in writing. E-mail is not a sufficient means of expressing one's gratitude. When thanking for a gift, mention the gift by name, acknowledge the effort the person put into selecting or making the gift and let the person know how you plan to use the gift. When thanking for a monetary gift, never mention the monetary amount. Simply say: "Thank you for your generous gift."

House Guests
When staying at someone's home, you must:
1. Bring a house gift to let your hostess know how much you appreciate the invitation. Flowers, a bottle of wine, something from your hometown and presents for the children are always welcome.
2. Leave your room just as neat, if not moreso, than when you arrived. Strip the skeets off your bed, fold them, then remake the bed using the blanket and comforter.
3. Send a thank-you note as soon as you return home.

Hostesses must remember to treat their houseguests as they would want to be treated in someone else's home. Plan activities, but leave time to rest and visit also. House guests must remember the golden rule as well. Don't go rummaging through your hostess's refrigerator and eat her out of house and home!