Party Etiquette

Now that the party season is in full swing, it is important to consider certain finer points of acceptable social behaviour.

• If a sit-down meal is being served, arrive within half an hour of the stated time on the invitation.  Only when all the guests are assembled in good time can the hostess relax and enjoy the evening.

• To save your hostess any embarrassment tell her before hand if there is anything you do not eat.

• Go outside if you wish to smoke, but do not do so just before the first course is about to be served.  Do not smoke between courses unless your hostess invites you to do so.

• Bring a gift if invited to dinner – chocolates or a bottle of wine are most acceptable - but, unless asked to do so, do not bring a dessert – this may embarrass your hostess who will have already organized the menu and may feel obliged to include your dish.

• Unless you are expecting a very important call, turn off your cell phone before sitting down to dinner.  Nothing disrupts the flow of conversation more than a ringing phone.

• Do not drink too much especially if your fellow guests are business colleagues – you may say or do something you regret later!

• If, by some unfortunate circumstance, one of the guests is an ex partner, behave with exquisite manners at all times regardless of how you really feel about them!   A verbal altercation in the middle of proceedings can be quite alarming and acutely embarrassing for the hostess.

• When excusing yourself to attend the restroom, do not leave your napkin on the table.  This signifies that you have finished your meal. Rather, leave it on your empty chair which is a signal that you are coming right back.

• And, most importantly, be sparkling and witty without monopolizing the conversation

*********************************