Better Gutenberg
Free, beautifully formatted public-domain ebooks

Social Life

by Maud C. Cooke

540 sections · Download EPUB

Start reading ›
  1. 1Preface
  2. 2The Essence of Etiquette
  3. 3The Influence of Good Manners
  4. 4The Marks of True Politeness
  5. 5The Great Value of Courtesy
  6. 6Rules of Etiquette
  7. 7An English Custom
  8. 8You May Introduce Yourself
  9. 9A Custom Out of Date
  10. 10Forms of Introduction
  11. 11What Should Follow the Introduction
  12. 12A Lady’s Wishes Should Be Respected
  13. 13Salutations
  14. 14Removing the Hat
  15. 15The Privilege of Recognition
  16. 16Returning Salutations
  17. 17Shaking Hands
  18. 18Words of Salutation
  19. 19The Good Listener
  20. 20Suitable Topics
  21. 21Misuse of Quotations
  22. 22“Small Talk”
  23. 23A Valuable Source of Knowledge
  24. 24Cultivate Your Mind
  25. 25“Drawing Out Others”
  26. 26The Passion for Argument
  27. 27Wit and Humor
  28. 28Evil Speaking
  29. 29Absent-Mindedness
  30. 30Profuse Compliments
  31. 31Contradictions and Interjections
  32. 32Voice and Manner
  33. 33Conversational Sins
  34. 34Use of the Lips and Facial Expressions
  35. 35Control Your Temper
  36. 36Misuse of Initials
  37. 37C Visiting Cards
  38. 38Style of the Card
  39. 39Size of the Card
  40. 40Engraving the Name
  41. 41Address on Cards
  42. 42Cards for Gentlemen
  43. 43Cards for Receptions
  44. 44Foreign Phrases
  45. 45P.P.C. Cards
  46. 46Turning Down the Corners
  47. 47How to Leave Cards
  48. 48Number of Cards to Be Left
  49. 49Calls Upon Young Ladies
  50. 50How to Send Cards
  51. 51When to Leave Cards
  52. 52Entertainments and Calls
  53. 53Other Hints
  54. 54Various Cards
  55. 55Acknowledgment of Inquiry Cards
  56. 56Length of Visits
  57. 57The Art of Leaving
  58. 58When Ready to Leave, Go at Once
  59. 59First Calls
  60. 60Substitute for First Call
  61. 61Morning and Evening Visits
  62. 62Sunday Visits
  63. 63Reception Days
  64. 64“Not at Home,” “Engaged”
  65. 65Visiting List
  66. 66Visits Between Ladies and Gentlemen
  67. 67“Out of Society”
  68. 68Conduct of the Hostess
  69. 69Entertaining Callers
  70. 70Conduct of the Guests
  71. 71Deference to Ladies
  72. 72What Not to Do
  73. 73The Reception-Room
  74. 74Note Paper for Invitations
  75. 75Invitation Cards
  76. 76Written Regrets
  77. 77Uninvited Guests
  78. 78Inviting Married People
  79. 79Dinners
  80. 80Asking for Invitations
  81. 81Evening Parties, Balls and “At Homes”
  82. 82Masquerades
  83. 83Musicales, Soirées and Matinées
  84. 84Garden Parties
  85. 85Breakfasts, Luncheons and Suppers
  86. 86Teas and “Kettledrums”
  87. 87Kaffee Klatsch
  88. 88Suppers — Coming-out Parties
  89. 89Receptions
  90. 90Weddings
  91. 91How Invitations Are Sent
  92. 92Wedding Invitations
  93. 93Announcement Cards
  94. 94Wedding Anniversaries
  95. 95“No Presents Received”
  96. 96Revise the Visiting List
  97. 97Answering an Invitation
  98. 98Accepting a Dinner Invitation
  99. 99Accepting a Dinner Invitation
  100. 100Declining a Dinner Invitation
  101. 101Persons in Mourning
  102. 102Addressing the Answer
  103. 103Wedding Invitations
  104. 104Wedding Anniversaries
  105. 105Theater and Opera Parties
  106. 106Luncheons and Suppers
  107. 107Other Invitations
  108. 108Refusing After Acceptance
  109. 109What Not to Do
  110. 110Errors of Love-Making
  111. 111How to Carry on Courtship
  112. 112A Case to the Point
  113. 113Choice of Associates
  114. 114First Steps
  115. 115Character
  116. 116Disposition
  117. 117Trifling
  118. 118Etiquette of Making and Receiving Gifts
  119. 119Proposals of Marriage
  120. 120Unbecoming Haste
  121. 121How to Deal With Objections
  122. 122Sealing the Vow
  123. 123A Full Understanding
  124. 124Important Trifles
  125. 125Love Feeds on Love
  126. 126The Best of All Possessions
  127. 127The Source of Miseries
  128. 128How to Cherish Love
  129. 129Conduct Toward Parents
  130. 130Length of Engagements
  131. 131Broken Engagements
  132. 132Etiquette of Married Life
  133. 133The Art of Agreeableness
  134. 134Duty Toward One Another
  135. 135Home Attire
  136. 136Household and Personal Expenses
  137. 137A Pleasant Disposition
  138. 138Boarding Versus Home Life
  139. 139Paying for the Cards
  140. 140Naming the Day
  141. 141Announcing the Engagement
  142. 142Wedding Gifts
  143. 143List of Invitations
  144. 144Ushers
  145. 145“The Best Man”
  146. 146Bridemaids
  147. 147A Church Wedding
  148. 148After the Ceremony
  149. 149The Reception
  150. 150Refreshments
  151. 151Rehearsals
  152. 152The Wedding Breakfast
  153. 153Departure
  154. 154Home Weddings
  155. 155Invitations to Church Weddings
  156. 156Dress for the Occasion
  157. 157Morning Costume
  158. 158A Quiet Wedding
  159. 159Re-marriage
  160. 160The Ring
  161. 161Reception Days
  162. 162Wedding Anniversaries
  163. 163Suitable Presents
  164. 164Speeches and Congratulations
  165. 165Courtesies of Married Life
  166. 166What Women Admire
  167. 167What Men Desire
  168. 168Fault-Finding
  169. 169Home Conversation
  170. 170Slang and Exaggerations
  171. 171Some Do’s for Girls
  172. 172Young Ladies, Take Heed
  173. 173Some Do’s for Boys
  174. 174Guard the Voice
  175. 175How to Treat Servants
  176. 176Have Rules and Enforce Them
  177. 177Rights of Others
  178. 178Power of Example
  179. 179Keeping Promises
  180. 180Talebearing
  181. 181Truthfulness
  182. 182Respectfulness
  183. 183Obedience
  184. 184Manner of Address
  185. 185Interrupting Conversation
  186. 186“Showing Off”
  187. 187Reproof Before Others
  188. 188Cleanliness and Order
  189. 189Home Hints
  190. 190“Visiting”
  191. 191Slang, Profanity, Intemperance
  192. 192At Table
  193. 193Leaving the Table
  194. 194Invitations
  195. 195Host and Hostess
  196. 196Whom to Invite
  197. 197Seating the Guests
  198. 198Laying the Table
  199. 199A Well-Furnished Sideboard
  200. 200Table Decorations
  201. 201Lighting the Table
  202. 202Serving the Dinner
  203. 203How the Dishes Are to Be Passed
  204. 204Serving the Different Courses
  205. 205The Menu
  206. 206Favors
  207. 207Wines, and How to Serve Them
  208. 208Gracefully Declined
  209. 209Order of Precedence
  210. 210Informal and Easy
  211. 211French Terms
  212. 212Right or Left Arm?
  213. 213Further Hints
  214. 214American Dinner Services
  215. 215Directions to Waiters
  216. 216Salads and Desserts
  217. 217Dinner Dress
  218. 218Coming and Going
  219. 219Functions
  220. 220Dinner Favors
  221. 221The Breakfast Table
  222. 222Knives, Forks and Napkins
  223. 223The Dinner Table
  224. 224The Supper Table
  225. 225The Lunch Table
  226. 226Signs of Ill-Breeding
  227. 227The Fork
  228. 228The Spoon
  229. 229The Knife
  230. 230Adam’s Knives and Forks
  231. 231Napkin and Finger-Bowl
  232. 232Avoiding Fruit Stains
  233. 233General Table Etiquette
  234. 234How to Treat Waiters
  235. 235Sundry Rules and Hints
  236. 236Use of Knife and Fork
  237. 237Disgusting Habits
  238. 238Fruits
  239. 239Invitations
  240. 240Receiving
  241. 241Should Make Every One Happy
  242. 242Making Things Easy for the Hostess
  243. 243Entertainment
  244. 244Duties of the Guests
  245. 245Beware of Too Much Reserve
  246. 246Hours of Arrival and Departure
  247. 247Receptions
  248. 248Evening Receptions
  249. 249Morning Receptions or Matinées
  250. 250Correct Dress
  251. 251Supper Parties
  252. 252A Simple Supper
  253. 253A Game Supper
  254. 254A Fish Supper
  255. 255General Arrangements
  256. 256Concerning the Music
  257. 257Refreshments
  258. 258Host and Hostess
  259. 259Arrival and Departure
  260. 260The Escort
  261. 261Receiving Ladies
  262. 262General Rules for Observance
  263. 263Formality of Introductions
  264. 264Attentions Paid to Ladies
  265. 265For Ladies
  266. 266Dancing
  267. 267The Most Desirable Dances
  268. 268No Favorites to Be Allowed
  269. 269Private Balls Given in Public
  270. 270Public Balls
  271. 271Masquerades
  272. 272Choice of Costumes
  273. 273Suitable Dress
  274. 274Receiving Guests
  275. 275The Entertainment
  276. 276Invitations
  277. 277Duty of Guests
  278. 278Musicales
  279. 279Arranging the Program
  280. 280Arrangement of Performers and Guests
  281. 281Lawn Parties
  282. 282Amusements to Be Provided
  283. 283Tables and Refreshments
  284. 284Seats
  285. 285Lawn Parties for Charity
  286. 286Concerning the Viands
  287. 287Bill of Fare for Breakfast
  288. 288Wedding Breakfast Menu
  289. 289A Bachelor Breakfast
  290. 290A Golden-Rod Breakfast
  291. 291Choice Blending of Colors
  292. 292Luncheons
  293. 293Luncheon Refreshments
  294. 294Entering the Dining-Room
  295. 295Lunch or Luncheon
  296. 296Luncheon Favors
  297. 297Some Betrothal Luncheons
  298. 298Blue and White Tableware
  299. 299A Dresden Luncheon
  300. 300Concerning Teas
  301. 301High Tea
  302. 302Menu
  303. 303Five O’clock Teas, or “At Homes”
  304. 304The Five O’clock Tea Table
  305. 305Pages
  306. 306Receiving Friends
  307. 307The Eatables
  308. 308“Bringing Out” a Débutante
  309. 309Gentlemen Visitors
  310. 310How to Leave
  311. 311An Afternoon Tea-Saucer
  312. 312“Pink and Blue Teas”
  313. 313Invitations for Theater Parties
  314. 314Dress for the Opera
  315. 315Picnic Parties
  316. 316What to Eat
  317. 317Tongue and Sandwiches
  318. 318Chaperons
  319. 319A Marshmallow Toast
  320. 320Roof Parties
  321. 321Bachelor’s Parties
  322. 322A Flower Party
  323. 323Bicycle Teas
  324. 324A Barn Party
  325. 325Bachelor Women and Their Entertainments
  326. 326A Sandwich Spread
  327. 327Private Theatricals
  328. 328A Social Evening
  329. 329Authors’ Parties
  330. 330Firelight Parties
  331. 331Conversaziones
  332. 332A Country Dinner
  333. 333Etiquette of Card Playing and Games
  334. 334Outdoor Amusements
  335. 335Hunting Parties
  336. 336Archery, Lawn Tennis and Croquet
  337. 337Boating and Yachting
  338. 338Children’s Parties
  339. 339The Christening
  340. 340Attendance at the Ceremony
  341. 341Godfathers and Godmothers
  342. 342Candle Party
  343. 343Christening Gifts
  344. 344Dainty Presents for the Newcomer
  345. 345Some Birthday Superstitions
  346. 346Confirmation
  347. 347Graduation
  348. 348Avoid All Extravagance
  349. 349Funeral Invitations
  350. 350Showing Respect for the Dead
  351. 351To a Lady on the Death of Her Husband
  352. 352To a Friend on the Death of Her Sister
  353. 353To a Friend on the Death of His Brother
  354. 354To a Friend on the Death of Her Child
  355. 355To a Friend on a Sudden Reverse of Fortune
  356. 356Etiquette in Church
  357. 357Etiquette of Fairs
  358. 358Etiquette of Shopping
  359. 359Etiquette of the Theatre, Opera and Concert
  360. 360Between the Acts
  361. 361Etiquette of the Street
  362. 362Evading a Long Talk
  363. 363Etiquette of Riding
  364. 364The Etiquette of Boating
  365. 365Assisting Ladies to Their Seats
  366. 366Who Should Row
  367. 367A Popular Exercise
  368. 368A Cycler’s Guide
  369. 369Maids Do Duty
  370. 370A Man’s Duty
  371. 371Assisting the Lady
  372. 372On the Road
  373. 373For Protection Against Dogs
  374. 374A Few Don’ts for Cyclers
  375. 375Women’s Bicycle Rides
  376. 376Length of the Ride
  377. 377Skirts Are an Abomination
  378. 378A Pace Indicator
  379. 379Don’t Dodge a Bicycle
  380. 380Observing the Rules
  381. 381Introduction of Friends
  382. 382Barring Out Disputed Questions
  383. 383Presiding at a Woman’s Club
  384. 384Order of Business
  385. 385Influence of Women
  386. 386Effect of Cultured Manners
  387. 387A Sympathetic Nature
  388. 388Power Through Repose
  389. 389A Good Listener
  390. 390How Men Are Spoiled
  391. 391Who Bows First?
  392. 392“Lady” or “Gentleman?”
  393. 393Misuse of the Term “Lady”
  394. 394A Promissory Note
  395. 395A Joint Note
  396. 396A Receipt on Account · A Receipt in Full — Form for a Bill
  397. 397What and What Not to Say
  398. 398Various Hints on Etiquette
  399. 399First Attentions for Ladies
  400. 400Minor Usages of the Best Society
  401. 401Breaches of Etiquette
  402. 402The Recognized Head
  403. 403Formal Calls
  404. 404Ministers From Foreign Countries
  405. 405The Three Languages
  406. 406Harmonious Development of the Body
  407. 407Relaxing the Muscles
  408. 408Art of Breathing
  409. 409Position of the Shoulders
  410. 410Standing and Walking
  411. 411Stair-Climbing
  412. 412Art of “Letting Go”
  413. 413On Corset Wearing
  414. 414General Remarks
  415. 415Stout and Thin
  416. 416Tall or Short
  417. 417Decorations
  418. 418Décolleté Costume
  419. 419Graceful Sleeves
  420. 420Purchasing
  421. 421The Young Girl
  422. 422Diamonds and Precious Stones
  423. 423Plump Women
  424. 424Black Satin and Sparkling Jets
  425. 425Complexion Determines Dress Colors
  426. 426Combinations of Color
  427. 427Red Hair, With Brown Eyes
  428. 428Red Hair, With Gray or Green Eyes
  429. 429The Ineffective Type
  430. 430Stylish and Appropriate Jewels
  431. 431Black Hair, Rather Sallow Skin
  432. 432Black Hair, Clear Skin, Blue Eyes
  433. 433Chestnut Hair, Fair Skin, Blue Eyes
  434. 434Almost Any Color
  435. 435Gray Hair
  436. 436The Black Gown
  437. 437Various Hints
  438. 438The Choice of Colors
  439. 439Harmony and Contrast of Colors
  440. 440Dress at Home
  441. 441The General Fitness
  442. 442Common-Sense Sleeves
  443. 443Gloves and Shoes
  444. 444Artifices of the Toilet
  445. 445When to Wear Jewels
  446. 446Use of Scents and Flowers
  447. 447The Face Veil
  448. 448When to Wear Gloves
  449. 449When to Wear Low-cut Gowns
  450. 450Ball Dress
  451. 451Opera Dress
  452. 452Theater Costume
  453. 453Dinner Dress
  454. 454Traveling Notes
  455. 455Bridal Dress
  456. 456Bridemaid’s Dress
  457. 457What Wedding Guests Wear
  458. 458Ordinary Evening Dress
  459. 459Dress for Church
  460. 460Receiving Calls
  461. 461Calling or Visiting Costume
  462. 462Walking Dress
  463. 463Carriage Dress
  464. 464Dress for Lent
  465. 465Dress for Riding
  466. 466Lawn Parties — Picnics and Excursions
  467. 467Croquet, Archery, Skating, Etc.
  468. 468Bathing Dress
  469. 469Yachting Dress — Dress for Gentlemen
  470. 470Evening — Dress for Gentlemen
  471. 471Morning Dress for Gentlemen
  472. 472Wedding Dress for Gentlemen
  473. 473Gloves for Gentlemen
  474. 474General Hints
  475. 475Evening Suit for Boys
  476. 476A Rare Accomplishment
  477. 477The Style
  478. 478Grammar and Orthography
  479. 479Handwriting, Paper and Ink
  480. 480Common Abbreviations
  481. 481The Proper Salutation
  482. 482Use of the Husband’s Name
  483. 483Punctuation Marks
  484. 484Writing the Superscription
  485. 485Points to Be Remembered
  486. 486Titles
  487. 487Domestic Titles
  488. 488Social and Friendly Letters
  489. 489Letters of Introduction
  490. 490A Letter of Recommendation
  491. 491Letters of Condolence
  492. 492Letters of Congratulation
  493. 493Proposals, Engagements, “Naming the Day,”
  494. 494Notes Accompanying a Gift
  495. 495Notes of Apology
  496. 496Notes of Postponement
  497. 497Notes of Request or Refusal
  498. 498Business Letters
  499. 499Answers to Advertisements
  500. 500Some Don’ts and Do’s for Letter-Writers
  501. 501Fireplaces and Windows
  502. 502Stairways
  503. 503Woodwork
  504. 504Doors
  505. 505A Door Divan
  506. 506An Improvised Bookcase
  507. 507Screens
  508. 508Draperies
  509. 509Some Useful Bits of Furniture
  510. 510A Hanging Desk
  511. 511A Window Desk
  512. 512A Hall Chest
  513. 513Cozy Corners
  514. 514Plenty of Pillows
  515. 515A Corner Closet
  516. 516Piano Decoration
  517. 517Lighting
  518. 518Decorating
  519. 519Home of the Soul
  520. 520Some Lovely Rooms
  521. 521As to Furniture
  522. 522Pictures
  523. 523Mottoes
  524. 524Treatment for a Rough Skin
  525. 525Reducing Flesh
  526. 526Refreshing Sleep
  527. 527How to Take Care of the Eyes
  528. 528The Hair and How to Take Care of It
  529. 529An Excellent Head Covering
  530. 530Recipe for the Complexion
  531. 531Care of the Lips
  532. 532Remedies for the Lips
  533. 533Smoothing Out the Wrinkles
  534. 534The Feminine Waist
  535. 535Beautiful Arms
  536. 536Treatment for the Hands
  537. 537Scissors and Nail-brush
  538. 538To Cure Burning of the Skin
  539. 539Remedy for Chilblains
  540. 540Foot-Wear

← Back to Social Life

Scroll to Top