One advantage of having the dining-room so far from the kitchens was that none of the cooking smells pervaded the family rooms; the domestic offices were in the now demolished east wing. Dishes were kept warm by the use of covers, stands with burners underneath and also dishes with an inner and outer lining between which hot or cold water was poured as required. In the nineteenth century it was the fashion for the entree dishes to be placed on the table while the soup and the fish were eaten. This would be followed by the roasts - saddle of mutton, venison, game, etc. The sweets would be placed on the table at the same time as the roasts, then all these dishes would be cleared for the service of dessert. The dessert would be composed of every variety of fruit. At the end of dinner a signal would be given by the hostess and the ladies would rise and leave the room. They would then either go back into the State Saloon or the Blue Drawing Room where tea would be Served. The gentlemen would remain at table with their port and cigars.
At the end of the eighteenth century and beginning of the nineteenth century breakfast was served between 10 and 11 a.m. and a few hours later there was a second breakfast (luncheon), which was generally eaten only by the ladies, "who like to make la petite bouche at dinner".
The delightful dinner-service is from the Meissen factory (c.1800); it is decorated with a variety of birds and insects, all exquisitely painted; it must have been used frequently as unfortunately there are many pieces missing, there is more Meissen in the Crypt. On the table there are wine and cordial glasses with air twist stems (c.1760).
The beautiful Virginian walnut chairs are attributed to Benjamin Goodison (c.1740). Underneath the side tables (c.1810) are two pairs of mahogany wine coolers, one pair is lead lined. The gilt-bronze wall lights decorated with acanthus leaves and berries (c.1745) are attributed to Jean-Claude Duplessis, designer and goldsmith to Louis XV.
One of the finest Van Dycks in the collection hangs over the fireplace; it is a portrait of Aubert Lemire, Dean of Antwerp and Alrnoner and Librarian to the Archduke Albert.
