Chapter 5

TALK OF HOST AND HOSTESS AT DINNER

The amalgam for combining guests--Hosts' talk during the quarter of an hour before dinner--Seating guests to enhance conversation--Number of guests for the best conversation--Directing the conversation at dinner--Drawing guests out--Signaling for conversation--General and _tete-a-tete_ conversation--Putting strangers at ease--Steering talk away from offensive topics--The gracious host and hostess--An ideal dinner party 111