Dinner Is Served

Elegant entertaining is always in style, and who better to explain the finer points of the art of the table than Arthur Inch, a veteran English butler who served as technical advisor for the film Gosford Park? With a historian's appreciation for the traditions of fine English homes, he discusses the elements of the table, including flatware and silver, china and glassware, serving vessels, and table decorations, as well as table and serving etiquette. "Although most of the book is written in a formal tone, the writers aren't above occasionally letting loose, and they amuse themselves with such pretty tricks as making music with glassware. This guide is fun to read as a light history as well as for preparation for a formal dinner. --Publishers Weekly

Arthur Inch is an English butler with over 50 years of experience in private service at English estates. He also served as the technical advisor for the film Gosford Park. Arlene Hirst is the senior editor of design and news at Metropolitan Home, where she reports on contemporary home furnishings, including tableware.