Proper Victorian Etiquette

Now, that we have covered informal etiquette, now its time to know proper etiquette. extended and shook hands to show that they did not intend to use their swords. It was a display of friendship, and the custom remains a gesture of courtesy through today. Hosts and hostess’s shake hands with friends. Guests shake hands with the host or hostess when they leave, people should always shake hands meeting someone and when they depart. Remember to always introduce persons who have not met before, speak to others as you would have them speak to you and offer one’s place to older persons who are standing.

Women should wear long gowns, when it is hard for them to exit a carriage,  gentlemen help them. It is polite for a man to stand ready to give his hand to a woman getting out of a car, opening doors, climbing stairs, getting seated at establishments, offering his seat so that she may not have to stand, offering her the first plate at a buffet, and rising politely when she rises from a seat, walking at the ladies left side or nearest the curb. Women should always be graceful and perfect. Everything has to look effortless and refined. Even at a dinner table women must always be perfect. Cutting the bread right, eating like a lady, they must have great posture and everything must be done neatly at all times.And it is important to have perfect settings with every gathering, which includes place settings, lights, and sharp knives to cut the meat.