What is R.S.V.P ?

R.S.V.P. is French for 'répondez s'il vous plait', which means "please do respond."    to invitations.

• This is an area where people have become the most lax    and rude.
• Even those who call and confirm cannot be counted on to attend.
• If you have accepted and are unable to attend, notify the host as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, people do not take R.S.V.Ps seriously. They just do not respond and then show up assuming that the hosts know they are coming. This is rude and inconsiderate by any standards.

• Everyone has a party-horror story to share. Do not become part of someone's horror story.
• Do respond within three to five days of receiving an invitation.
• The attendee's count affects the food and beverage orders.

Please do be considerate.

Wine and dine

Picture this   

The table is set. Beautiful. Dinner's ready. Delicious. You've been invited to dinner, yes, of the very formal kind. What do you do?

Have you brought a gift with you?

Do bring along a token of your appreciation. It can be as simple as a jar of homemade jam or as elaborate as a bottle of fine wine. Or flowers. To the hosts, it is a sign that you care.

At the table

As soon as you sit down, place your napkin on your lap. Never shake it out or use it as a handkerchief.

If you need to be excused, place your napkin directly to the left of your dinner plate, not on your chair.

Posture is important. Always sit straight up in your chair, leaning neither backward nor forward.

Never let your elbows touch the table, though you can put your hands on the table all you want.

Always stand-up when anyone approaches your table or new guests are seated.

Have you ever shaken hands with someone whose hands were cold and clammy? Remember that awful feeling? Never let that happen to anyone who shakes your hand. It's simple.

Hold your cold drink in your left hand and keep your right hand dry and free for a warm hand shake.

What is the great hurry?

• It isn't 'First come, first served.' Always be patient and wait until everyone has been served.
• If you have a special diet, let your host know in advance. This is better than leaving food uneaten.
• Avoid heaping your plate with food at one shot.
• Go for second helpings and keep them small.
• When you are helping yourself, never pile food on your plate.
• Avoid overeating.
• Do not slurp soup or blow on hot foods and beverages.
• When eating, do not bring your face toward the plate, but bring the plate up to you.
• Never talk with food in your mouth.

Dislodging stubborn food particles from your teeth is forbidden at the table. Discretion is the key - so excuse yourself and leave the room.

• Never season your food before tasting it. Seasoning your food will show a lack of confidence in the chef and is an insult your host.
• Compliments about food should be subtle, not overblown
• Hold your wineglass by the stem, not the rim
• Be careful not to leave fingerprints or lip-prints on glassware. If you do, discreetly remove them with your napkin.
• If you must blow your nose, excuse yourself from the table.
• Mealtime is no call time. Let it ring. Or cut it off. Avoid taking calls during meals, particularly on cell phones. Accepting calls while in the company of guests serves as an insult. If you absolutely must take a call, excuse yourself and move away from the table.