In Victorian era, meal times were special occasions. Not only food and arrangement was taken care of but to dress well was also the requirement. For any outside dining event after 6PM, it was considered as highly formal occasion. Ladies used to wear gowns with low necks and short gloves and sleeves while married woman were expected to wear silk or sating. For men wearing fine linen and broadcloth was the dress code. The formally arranged dining room of Victorian era could be claimed as present banquet hall. The dining room furniture was decorated with lavish over furnishing and quite large in size. It was more of a custom of that time. The extensive decoration of that time included massive furniture pieces, China and ceramic figurines, stuffed birds in cafes, huge mirror and potted plants. The finely set table was always placed in the center as center of attention.
The hostess used to display every fine piece of stemware, china and silver she owned. So the table was seen with 24 piece place setting along with eight forks all assigned to different purposes. Not only this, but there were additional game shears, 8 knives, 7 pieces of stemware for water, a dinner plate, wine, bread plate containing single bread piece and sherry were also arranged on the table. You might think of it as impossible but all these arrangements were made along with arranging food items too.
By the end of the meal, the servants used to bring water filled finger bowls with a slice of lemon. It was used as a signal for women to leave the room. The whole arrangement of Victorian era might seem uncomfortable now but in those times, it was dictated and taught to ladies and gentleman and any lack in this arrangement was disliked by people.
