A number of years ago I was asked to cater a very formal dinner party. To be absolutely sure we didn't embarrass ourselves-or worse the hostess, I purchased a used copy of Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, by Judith Martin (the updated 2005 version). I studied how to set the table, the correct way to leave & remove plates, (FYI: leave from left, remove from right), and where to place the bread plate, glasses and napkins.

After digesting the chapter on "table settings," I got drawn in and couldn't help reading more. Very enlightening, in an archaic way: according to Miss M...