A host must not urge food upon a guest after it has once been declined.

Lift the cup or glass to the lips, instead of bending toward it.  Do not throw the head back and raise the cup to get the last of its contents.

Remember—­

To prepare a list of the members of the family who will go to the cemetery at a funeral, for the undertaker’s guidance, arranging them in the order of the relationship.

Flowers should be sent early in the morning of the day of interment, or on the previous afternoon.  Acknowledgment by note or verbally is expected.

A letter expressive of sympathy in a friend’s bereavement should be sent immediately upon learning of a death.

During an illness, make inquiries at the door, leaving a card with “To inquire” written upon it.  This apprises a friend of your interest in her troubles, yet makes no claim upon her time.

Men wear mourning bands on their hats, not on the coat sleeve.  Borders on mourning stationery and cards should be narrow.

Invitations to receptions, weddings, and general entertainments, excepting dancing parties, balls and cotillions, are sent to people in mourning.  A response on black bordered stationery sufficiently indicates the reason for non-acceptance.

Remember—­

That the typewriter does not figure in social correspondence.

A neat, well written letter or note is a credit to the writer, and a compliment to her correspondent.

Avoid “fancy” or bizarre stationery.  A good quality of white or cream paper, in several sizes, is indicative of refined taste.

The forms of address, under the head of “Letter forms” may be profitably studied.

Abbreviations are incorrect.  Write out the name of the state on your envelope; otherwise it may go astray.

[Manners and social customs 789]

To keep a dictionary on one’s desk is a wise precaution unless one is sure of herself in regard to spelling.

Answer all notes of invitation promptly, and unconditionally; and all friendly letters within a reasonable time.

If you never say an unkind or hateful thing in a letter, you will never fear you may be some day condemned by your written evidence.

Don’t keep old letters; it is unwise.

Avoid discussions on any subject on which people feel strongly, like politics and religion.  Do not hold an argument in society.

Remember that good manners are made up of petty sacrifices, gracefully made.

A kind “no” is often more agreeable than a rough “yes.”  An assent, given grudgingly, is always ungracious.

Take note of this quotation:  “Life is like a mirror.  It reflects the face you bring to it.  Look out lovingly upon the world and the world will look lovingly in upon you.”

[790 Mothers’ remedies]

BEAUTY AND THE TOILET