Network February 2017

Rules of Etiquette
The right and wrongs of good social behaviour
The English have a history of appropriate social
behaviour which is renowned across the world,
The word etiquette originates from the French
in 1750. The modern understanding of the
word can be linked to the Court of the French
King Louis XIV, who used small cards called
etiquettes, as a reminder to courtiers of
accepted ‘house rules’ and how to behave
properly at court. Rules of etiquette are usually
unwritten and passed down from generation to
generation, although in days gone by it was
common for young ladies to attend a finishing
school to ensure their manners were up to
scratch. An attribute which was felt particularly
crucial in securing a suitable husband! Whilst
today good manners and etiquette are seen as
a sign of respect, particularly to those more
senior (in either age or position), in Victorian
England when the class system was alive and
well, etiquette was often used as a social
weapon in the interests of social advancement
or exclusion.
The RSVP
RSVP is an acronym of the French phrase,
"Respondez s'il vous plait," or "Respond, if you
please." When your receive an invitation to any
social engagement you should always reply as
soon as possible. This allows the host to
accommodate all guests in regards to food,
drink, seating and give some idea of the
amount of people attending. Never leave it too
late to reply and if you loose the invitation to
RSVP to, try to get in contact in other ways so
they know if you’re attending or not.
Place Settings
Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems.
The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the
order of use; that is, from the outside in. A
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