What to do when you invite someone round, how to set the table, how to arrange the seating. 
A few simple rules for you to remember.

4	Aperitif Time

Little by little as the guests arrive, the owner of the house offers aperitifs: Martini, carpano and bitters, vodka, whisky, sherry, or tomato juice as required.

Accompanied by olives, small cubes of cheese, hot mini-pizzas etc. these so-called ‘appetizers’ that should, in theory, give you appetite, in reality suppress it, to the detriment of the meal that follows. 

When the guests are all present and the aperitifs have been offered, the waiter (or waitress) opens the dining room door wide and informs that “Madam is served”. 

Suggestions on how to set the table

At lunchtime the table is garnished with flowers. 

Bowls, candelabras and antique soup-tureens are more suited to the evening. Instead, the butter dishes, appear on the table only at lunchtime.  

Cheese is never served in the evening. Coffee must be served in the lounge.