Do you have etiquette tips?

Question

I am going to a new years eve party with my (boy)friend's parents mansion....they are filthy rich. Does any one have proper etiquette tips when greeting people and such. I'm not a slob or anything! just want to get others point of views. lol


thank you!

Answer 1

This can be a difficult situation but here are a few pointers.

1.) Don't try to be a "fake"...you'll be found out immediately! Upon arrival thank your hosts for inviting you and if possible bring a small hostess gift...nothing elaborate. Stand up straight and speak clearly. Just remember that you only get 1 chance to make a 1st impression.

2.) The table will be set with 2 forks on the left, a knife and spoon on the right (the blade of the knife will be turned toward the plate and will be closest to the plate. The fork on the far left will probably be smaller than the fork closest to the plate. The smaller fork (or outside fork) is your salad fork. The larger fork is for your meal.

3.) Your drink will be just above the knife and spoon. Your bread plate will be just above the 2 forks. (hint: you can always remember which is which by placing your hands in your lap and making a circle with your thumb and forefinger and extend your other fingers ...the right hand will make the letter "d" which is for "drink" and the left hand will make the letter "b" which is for "bread". This is extremely helpful especially at tables that are round!)

4.) Above your plate there may be a fork and a spoon. These are your desert utensils.

Below is a link to a website that has some great information. Bypass the interview info and go to the dining etiquette section....it's very informative and correct.

5.) Be confident but not bold or brazen. Don't over indulge on any alcoholic beverages...no one likes a lush.

6.) Be prepared to answer a lot of questions and engage in an enormous amount of small talk!

7.) Don't forget to send a thank you note to your hosts within 2 days of the party.

Enjoy yourself and look at this as a learning experience. Observe what your boyfriend's parents are doing and you'll be fine!

Happy New Year!

Answer 2

Make sure to be very careful when driving down the road on the way to the party. It isn't easy to get there when you are going with a mansion. Especially when it is someone else's.

Answer 3

Smile, be yourself, and remember not to let other people intimidate you. Your there because your boyfriend loves you, so you already fit in.
Don't drink to much, take only small sips thru out the evening. Make only small talk and don't reveal to many personal things about yourself. Keep conversation light.
Keep posed, good posture. And dress appropriately, nothing slutty or sleazy. Dress conservatively and classic.

Answer 4

Coleen had great advice - I'd suggest also sending a thank you card "nice to meet you, wonderful evening, so thoughtful to invite you" and all that stuff.

Hand write the card - don't do an email. Much more personal when you take the time to write it out.

Answer 5

Treat them as you would anyone else. Don't look awed at their home, but feel free to comment that it is "lovely". This is nice to do at anyone's home, mansion or not. Mostly, try to remember that, wealthy or not, these people are just the same as you. You will charm them just as you charmed your boyfriend, and if you show respect to everyone (boyfriend included), you will be well received.

Good luck to you-how fun!

Answer 6

hmm, make sure to bring a nice bottle of wine or something for his parents, sip don't slurp, you don't butter a whole roll of bread (you break off a small enough piece to eat in one bite and then butter that), forks from the outside in, BMW (bread plate is upper left, meal plate is middle, water glass is on your upper right), shake with your right hand, don't do a flimsy handshake (they'll think you are a wimpy girl), and if you meet a huge group of people at once. . .don't shake all their hands (it looks dumb). . and if you happen to fall into the trap of shaking all the hands. .don't say "nice to meet you" or "hello" to everyone. . mix it up "nice to meet you" "hello" "hi, how are you", etc. . .

Don't get too drunk :-)

Answer 7

Just a couple of pointers when meeting people, rich or not. Make eye contact and use a firm handshake. When they introduce themselves repeat their name back to them, like "Joan, nice to meet you.". That helps you remember their name and makes you seem interested in them. When you say your name do so in a firm, clear voice and slowly enough that they understand you. Many people rush their introductions. Slow it down. Smile & be yourself. You'll be fine! Have fun.

Answer 8

Be polite, be yourself respect their home as you would expect your boyfriend to respect your parents home. If they don't like you for the person you are then they will never like you acting like somebody you aren't.

Answer 9

Be yourself!