The Arrival of Guests at Luncheons

This is part of a series I've been wanting to do for a long time so I am excited I am able to have Eugene do this for my blog.  It is about etiquette as was appropriate in the Victorian Era (1837–1901).  During that time, culturally there was a transition away from the rationalism of the Georgian period and toward romanticism and mysticism with regard to religion, social values, and the arts. The era is popularly associated with the values of social restraint. What?  Social restraint? What's that?!?  So we move on....thank you for reading. 

Love, George

The Arrival of Guests at Luncheons

No matter how large or formal a lunch maybe, the hostess, instead of waiting at the door, sits in the living room in some place that has an unobstructed view from the door. Each guest coming into the room is preceded by the butler or the maid to within a short distance of the hostess, where he announces the new arrival's name and then stands aside. Or the guests may greet the hostess unannounced. The hostess rises or, if already standing, takes a step forward, shakes hands, and says, "I'm delighted to see you" or "I am very happy you could make it." She then waits for a couple seconds to see whether the guest who just came will speak to anyone; if not, she makes the necessary introductions. 

When the butler or maid has "counted heads" and knows that all the guests have arrived or when the guests have had enough time to enjoy their cocktails that were offered, he or she notifies the kitchen and then enters the room and merely approaches the hostess  and bows slightly. But if it is necessary to attract the hostess's attention, he or she says quietly, "Luncheon is served."

"The luncheon on the grass" - Claude Monet

If there's a guest of honor, the hostess leads the way into the dining room, walking beside her. Otherwise, the guests go in twos or threes, or even singly, just as they happen to come, except that the very young make way for their elders, and gentlemen come in with those they happen to be talking to or, if alone, fill in the rear. The gentlemen never offer their arms to ladies in going in to a luncheon - unless there should be an elderly guest of honor, who might be taken in by the host, as at a dinner. And even then the others follow informally. 

Cocktails may or may not be served before lunch, and if they are, they differ a little from those offered before dinner. Although a martini is likely to be a on tray, the preference leans toward a sherry, Dubonnet, or a cocktail made with fruit juice, such as a daiquiri. As always, there must be tomato juice or plain fruit juice available for those who wish it. 

Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 11 October 2011, 8:18 PM
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: luncheon hostess butler maid The Luncheon on the grass Claude Monet
 
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