One must feast and rejoice on Purim. In fact, the joy of Purim is even greater than the joy of a regular Chag.
The feast is conducted in the late afternoon. Hence, Mincha is davened earlier than usual, prior to the Seudah.
Despite the hustle-and-bustle of Purim, one should make a point of learning Torah prior to the Seudah, for a short period of time. Since Purim is thirty days before Pesach, one should begin reviewing the laws of Pesach.
A fair part of the meal should take place during the daylight hours. At the very least, one should eat a Kezayit before sunset (5:43pm).
If circumstances do not allow one to conduct his Seudah in the late afternoon, he may eat this meal anytime during the daylight hours.
One should feast among family and friends, because a larger crowd increases the joy. One should also invite guests to the Seudah.
The table should be set with a tablecloth. Some have the custom of lighting candles.
The prevalent custom is to wash, and eat meat and other delicacies. It is also customary to eat Kreplach.
If one wishes to begin the Seudah in one place and continue it and bentch elsewhere, he must have this in mind when reciting the Brachah of Hamotzie. [If he did not have this in mind, he should not relocate during the meal. However, if he already did so, he may bentch in the place where he concluded eating.]
One should share words of Torah at the meal, especially words of Torah that are connected with the Purim story.
It is customary to share a Purim Torah. The intention is not to use Torah to make a joke or mockery, G-d forbid. Rather one should share a Dvar Torah of the sort that brings joy to those who hear it.
