George Washington

“When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body
not usually discovered.”

“Being set at meat scratch not, neither spit, cough, or blow your
nose except if there is a necessity for it.”

“Make no show of taking great delight in your victuals. Feed
not with greediness, eat your bread with a knife, lean not
on the table, neither find fault with what you eat.”

“Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy.”

“Entertaining anyone at table it is decent to present him with
meat. Undertake not to help others undesired by the master.”

“If you soak bread in the sauce, let it be no more than what
you put in your mouth at a time, and blow not your broth
at the table but stay till it cools of itself.”

“Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand,
neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor
cast anything under the table.”

“It’s unbecoming to stoop much to one’s meat. Keep your fingers
clean, and when foul wipe them on a corner of your table
napkin.”

“Put not another bite into your mouth till the former be
swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.”

“Drink not nor talk with your mouth full, neither gaze about you
while you are drinking.”

“Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after
drinking wipe your lips; breathe not then or ever with too
great a noise, for it is uncivil.”

“Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork,
or knife, but if others do it let it be done with a pick tooth.”

“Rinse not your mouth in the presense of others.”

“In the company of your betters be not longer in eating
than they are. Lay not your arm but only your hand upon
the table.”

“Be not angry at the table whatever happens and if you have
reason to be so, show it not but on a cheerful countenance,
especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish
of meat a feast.”

“Set not yourself at the upper end of the table but if it be
your due or that the master of the house will have it so;
contend not, lest your should trouble the company.”

“If others talk at table be attentive; but talk not with meat
in your mouth.”

Source: George Washington’s RULES OF CIVILITY AND DECENT BEHAVIOR

Posted by: Dr. Samuel B. Hoff, Delaware State University