The Art of the Table: A Complete Guide to Table Setting, Table Manners, and Tableware

by Suzanne Von Drachenfels

Elegant and sweeping in scope, this comprehensive guide to the American table covers manners, settings, tableware, history, lore, and every possible aspect of the dinner tradition. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help

592 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8, 2000

Reviews

[Mozelle]

What do you do with all those forks and glasses? What's that funny spoon for? Why do I have 3 knives? What's the perfect coffee after dinner? Need answers? Get the book The Art of the Table and find out!

[Kat]

Actually the title of mine, while similar, is by Pamela Vandyke Price whom I can’t attribute this particular copy to. Anyway. My thoughts: Pamela would make helluva host.

[Heather]

Fun, interesting facts about the origin of many rules of etiquette. Would be fun to study before a fancy dinner party

[Andrea Hickman Walker]

Quite dry and boring in places, but the other parts make up for it.

[Jennifer]

VERY through with extremely detailed explanations, recommended if you know you are interested in the topic.

[Donna Ziegler]

An excellent reference book for those interested in table settings, table manners and tableware. For example, did you know that there are seven shapes of champagne glasses? Or that the saucer, sherbet or coupe champagne glasses are a form supposedly modeled after Marie Antoinette's right breast? The author does.

[Salsabrarian]

A reference guide that covers the history, etiquette, and how-to's of dishes, silverware, drinking glasses, and linens. Also covers tea, coffee and wine, and the structure of formal vs. informal dinners, teas, and buffets. Very informative and useful.