Eat, Drink And Be Polite…

By: Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco

The holidays have arrived and whenever three or more are gathered together, its best to be as polite as you know how…Ahhhhaaa—the know how—How many of us do not know how to do the polite thing at a party? Surprisingly, many of us just have forgotten the importance of party protocol. To help all of our Bizchicks get through the parties without having to make that “I am sorry” phone call the next day—here are some tips we can all practice to perfection.

Introductions:

When making an introduction, be sure to say the persons’ name that is most important to you first. For example, you are standing with your mother and a colleague approaches you: “Mother, I would like to introduce you to my co-worker, Megan Gump. Megan, this is my Mother, Betsy Ross. “

Be sure to keep your beverage in your left hand for proper hand shaking.

Avoid sticking your hand in someone’s’ face while they are sitting. Give them the opportunity to stand while being introduced. In addition, always do your best to stand when you are meeting someone.

Hosting:

When you have the pleasure in hosting a party (and it should be fun to host a party—or do not do it), be sure to stand at the entrance to greet each of your guests as they arrive. Smile at them and say to them “At last you have arrived”…Do not make your guests look for you.

In addition, be sure to walk guests to the door upon their departure. Do not wave goodbye to them from three rooms away.

Place all host gifts in one area, and do not open your gifts until all guests have departed, no matter how tempting the wrapping. Unless, a guest specifically requests that you open their gift, do so discreetly and away from your other guests.

Invitee:

RSVP within 36 hours in receiving the invitation. This goes for all forms of invitations. Waiting to RSVP might lend the impression that you are waiting for a better invitation to arrive.

Do bring the host a gift that requires no attention. A potted plant or a beverage is simple, and allows the host to accept it comfortably.

In the event, you are unable to attend-contact the host immediately. Unbelievably, the host knows whom they invited and who showed up.

MMI loves to host Proper Protocol Parties- Please call 412.531.2050 or email mmipgh@gmail.com for more Party Protocol Tips or to inquire about an evening of entertainment in learning Proper Party Protocol.    Enjoy the Holidays…Demetria and Lisa—your experts in etiquette.

Demetria Pappas and Lisa Iadicicco are the Co-founders of Mother, May I-a premier company that trains and teaches proper behavior, common courtesies and social skills updated. MMI is licensed to train professionals in Protocol and Corporate etiquette.  MMI provides customized presentations for all audiences. MMI’s Mission  is to share valuable information for everyone to improve their world–“Changing your manners, may change your world”