In addition to wine, a supply of mineral waters should be at hand. So many doctors order their patients to avoid wine and drink whisky that the thoughtful hostess will always have it at hand.

The hour of dinner on invitations is always given as fifteen minutes earlier than the moment when the meal is intended to begin. The idea of this is to ensure punctual arrival on the part of the guests. The hope is not always realised, but as a rule the politeness of punctuality is observed. The guests assemble in the drawing-room, on entering which each goes first to his host and hostess before greeting any other person. Married couples no longer enter the room arm in arm, as was the fashion of a former age. The lady slightly precedes her husband as their names are announced, and they advance to shake hands with the master and mistress of the house. While the guests are assembling, the host informs each of the men as to whom he is to take down to dinner, and if the two are unacquainted with each other he introduces them. Whether pleased or otherwise with the partner allotted to them, they should appear to be so. It is usual for them to exchange a few words together. On dinner being announced, the escort offers his right arm to the lady, her place at the dinner-table being on his right.