By turns a collection of practical advice and a catalog of eccentricities, The Whole Art of Dining, republished by the Bodleian Library as How to Dine in Style, contained everything the would-be socialite needed to know in order to elevate food to high art, from tricks for putting together a proper French menu or throwing a garden party to practical tips on serving wines in the correct order and at the right temperature. Throughout the book are stories of astonishing excess, such as the search for ever-more-elaborate themes and venues, and the more daring of the book’s devotees might have been tempted to emulate efforts like those of the intrepid hostess whose mountaineering-themed dinner party had guests rappel to the rooftop of her Chicago home or American millionaire George A. Kessler, whose infamous “Gondola Party” flooded— for the first and only time—the central courtyard of the Savoy.
A captivating glimpse into the golden age of fine dining, this book will be consumed with interest by discerning diners and fans of the Roaring Twenties—and it may even inspire readers to try their hand at throwing a stylish soiree of their own.
Table of Contents
Preface
1 The Dining-Room
2 How to Lay the Dinner-Table
3 Hints and Suggestions in Floral Table Decorations
4 General Rules to be Observed Before and While Waiting at Table
5 Order in Which the Guests Should be Served at Table
6 The Denominations of the French Dishes and Their Origin
7 The Art of Composing a Menu
8 Breakfast
9 Luncheon
10 Tea
11 Dinner
12 Supper
13 Ancient and Modern Banquets
14 The Lord Mayor’s Banquet
15 Wedding Luncheons
16 Wedding Receptions
17 Ball Suppers
18 Garden-Parties
19 Picnics and Al-Fresco Luncheons
20 Table Manners and Food of the Nations
21 Remarkable Tables and Freak Dinners Given by Wealthy People
22 The Art of Carving
23 When Food is in Season
24 Bottling, the Care of Wines and the Cellar
25 The Correct Temperature and Order in which Wines Should be Served
at Table
26 The Uncorking, Decanting and Serving of Wines
27 Employer and Employee
28 The Butler and the Efficient Modern Waiter
29 The Maître d’Hôtel
30 The Pourboire or ‘Tipping’ System