Picture: Alexi Lubomirksi for the August issue of Harper's Bazaar. 

Ever wanted to know how to behave like Lady Mary et al on Downton Abbey? We asked the period drama’s historical adviser and all-around protocol expert Alastair Bruce how to master the  tricky 1920s etiquette – from what to talk about, what to avoid and where to sit.
 
Dinner is served. Do I need to be escorted?
No. It’s all very relaxed; it would be regarded as a bit too fussy. You would study the placement before dinner and would take your seat when the hostess starts moving through. Ladies first, of course.
 
Am I wearing the right thing?
A lady could change what she was wearing as many as seven times a day, with different outfits for breakfast, her morning walk, lunch, her afternoon outing, afternoon tea, dinner and bedtime. Don’t worry – the lady’s maid will have ensured everything is spick and span – freshly sponged and pressed. You’ll wear suits in the day and dresses at night. If it’s a very smart occasion in the evening, you might even wear a tiara – but you can’t wear one until you’re married.
 
Where do I sit?
You’ll almost definitely be sitting by two members of the opposite sex, with the hostess seating people boy-girl-boy-girl. She will also have arranged for guests to sit in order of precedence by the Lord Chamberlain’s office. Hint: the further away from the centre of the table you are, the less important she thinks you are…
 
Who should I talk to?
Take note of which way the hostess turns after saying grace. If she turns to her right, all the women will turn to their right and the men their left. After two courses, switch. The most important thing is to be polite and be charming to the person you are speaking to. It’s always good to avoid talking about sex, religion and politics, too.
 
What are the big no-nos?
Don’t rest on the table: when you’re not eating, put your hands in your lap. It’s also important to stay upright, so you don’t lean on the back of your seat. The back of the chair is there for the footman to push it in and out. Your back will become so much stronger because of it.
 
When is dinner over?
The hostess will stand once everything is finished and the footmen will immediately draw your chair back – don’t forget and fall on the floor.
 
What happens now?
It’s coffee (or a brandy, if you’re lucky) for the women and port for the men. This is your opportunity to talk among members of your sex about whatever you can’t discuss in front of the opposite gender.
 
What kind of entertainment can I expect?
Gather round the piano for a recital from some of the talented ladies in attendance, who will have been practicing for such an occasion. You could also expect to play bridge and – shock horror – converse.
 
It’s Christmas Day. Do we do anything special?
First of all, everyone will rise to go to church for the morning service – it’s a Christmas tradition. Then the rest of the morning will be spent with the men visiting the principal people on the estate and taking them a present of some kind, perhaps a turkey, while the women relax in the house. Luncheon will be a grand affair with all the staff there to serve them as the evening sees them enjoying a rare night off.
 
What about New Year’s Eve?
Expect a knock at the door at midnight from a local boy. He’ll have brought you bread, coal and whisky to ensure you’re well fed, warm and happy throughout the coming year.
 
Season five of DOWNTON ABBEY is available on Blu-Ray and DVD on 17 November from Universal Pictures (UK).

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