Invited To A Formal Dinner Party?
Are you invited to a formal dinner party? But you are not sure of what to wear, or how to behave without choking? Maybe these tips will help answer your questions.
First, we have to know the difference between the casual get together and a formal dinner party. A formal party follows decorum that a guest should follow. So if you are invited to a formal dinner, be sure not to be the odd man out by not following the etiquettes.
But there is no reason to panic, just relax. Remember that everyone invited, will be there just to have a good time, to enjoy the pleasures of good food, good wine, and good company.
What to wear:
Before you go the party, make sure you enquire about the dress code.
Guys:
The guys can wear dinner jacket, with a bow and a vest.
If “black tie” is a must you can wear a well fitted tuxedo.
A black or a blue formal suit with an appropriate tie can steal the show.
Make sure your watch and your shoes match your outfit.
Girls:
Saris can always be a head turner. Wear a bright appropriate sari.
If you are comfortable in wearing westerns, then go ahead you may wear an elegant gown or a long formal dinner dress.
If you think you can carry a mini dress well, a black mini dress can make you look very attractive.
Accessories are very important these days. Make sure you are wearing jewelry that matches your style; don’t wear something very flashy just to get noticed. Wear something light and trendy.
Make sure your shoes and your handbag/purse is defining your style.
At the dinner table:
• When you’re first seated, place your napkin in your lap as soon as you are seated. If it’s large, fold it in half first. If you must leave the table mid-meal, leave it on your chair. When the meal is over, put it to the left of your plate.
• At a formal dinner, the waiter will serve each guest in turn, usually ending with the host or hostess. Once you have been served, watch the other guests; do not begin eating until everyone is served. If it’s a very large group, or if there’s a long lag time before the hostess is served, she may signal you and the other guests to start eating. In this case, do begin, but eat slowly.
• Use proper cutlery to eat your food.
• Do not make any indecent sound while eating. Talking with a mouthful of food is a “no no”.
• Restrict your intake of hard drinks. Try to drink fruit juice/ice tea and other soft drinks.
• If you have to leave the dinner table for an emergency situation, use the magic word “please”
• If accidentally you drop your cutleries, while eating. Do not try to pick them up. Call the waiter and ask him to give you a fresh set.
How to behave:
• Try to reach the party on time. Let the guests know, if you are going to be late.
• Take a gift for the host ( flowers/ wine/ champagne)
• Keep your voice low at all the time when you are at the party.
• Refrain yourself from gossiping about others who are not present at the party.
• Interact with other guests, greet them. Be polite.
• In a discussion, let others speak too.
• When you leave the party, don’t forget to thank the hosts.
Please share your tips too…
