1871 The Gentleman's Table Guide by E Ricket and C Thomas

PREFACE.

required. During considerable experience in tbe service of various festivities to persons occupying distinguislied positions in society, we have been frequently reminded of the necessity for some such simple book as that which we now seek to supply. K there be one characteristic which distinguishes Englishmen, it is a hearty hos- pitahty which is only satisfied by presenting an abundance of good things, and the best of their kind, to those who are its objects. There aremany ladies andgentlemen who maintain a small, quiet household, where the servants are not expected to be versed in the precise method, to be observed on special occasions. There are gentlemen hving in chambers who have no oppor tunity ofengaging a regular servant. There are ladies and gentlemen of refined taste who, being anxious that any festivity shall be celebrated with a well-appointed table and some recherche feature, hke to arrange the service for themselves, and to be able