http://mienmagazine.com/salon/ Social graces. Redefined. en Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:46:22 +0000 http://mienmagazine.com/salon/topic/bad-bad-dinner-guests#post-21 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:40:05 +0000 Anonymous 21@http://mienmagazine.com/salon/ <p>My dear Gentlewoman</p> <p>This sounds too horrific to be true. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone bringing a plastic container to a dinner party - it sounds far too dramatic if not extremely impolite. Of course, there are instances when someone is truly allergic, but surely the host or hostess would be advised in advance. I always subscribe to the philosophy of treating others as you would expect to be treated. So, yes, a guest should not only be grateful, but also be discreet if there are certain issues or dislikes. As you suggest, pushing food around one's plate sounds quite reasonable and diplomatic. </p> <p>In my opinion, the only time guests should specify a particular issue is when there are actual health issues involved. Perhaps it sounds rather cold, but if you encounter these fussy sorts (you know, drama queens or fad diet addicts), perhaps it is best not to invite them back -- I know this is a touch extreme, but surely you want to enjoy your own dinner party. It is supposed to be a lovely and special affair with guests, not an evening filled with annoyance and drama (well, not that type of drama anyway).</p> <p>Hope this helps, and may all your future dinner parties be trouble-free.</p> <p>Fondly</p> <p>Prunella </p> http://mienmagazine.com/salon/topic/bad-bad-dinner-guests#post-20 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:04:05 +0000 lipstickstains 20@http://mienmagazine.com/salon/ <p>Dear Prunella</p> <p>Throwing a dinner party these days is like chairing the UN Security Council. It's more trouble than it's worth. Every person you invite seems to have a food issue -- wheat-phobic, dairy-averse, only eats goat. Some people arrive with their own food in containers! Is it rude to suggest that if you go to someone's house you should gratefully eat what's in front of you, or at least quietly push it around your plate until everyone else is finished? Please advise. </p> http://mienmagazine.com/salon/topic/pregnancy-etiquette#post-19 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:45:10 +0000 Anonymous 19@http://mienmagazine.com/salon/ <p>Young lady, this is always a challenging conundrum to deal with. Like you, I delight in receiving news of babies, but it's always best to wait until the lady in question brings up the topic. You must follow a helpful cue, something that will confirm this wonderful little secret. Otherwise - as you point out - it can lead to a rather embarassing moment (and unfortunate faux pas). It is far better to remain discreet, and then share your joy when the news is official. </p> http://mienmagazine.com/salon/topic/pregnancy-etiquette#post-18 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:06:01 +0000 dcgrrl 18@http://mienmagazine.com/salon/ <p>There are so many faux pas around this miracle! For starters, I have always said it is not for anyone outside the family to ask whether a woman is pregnant.<br /> She could be: </p> <ol> <li>putting on weight,</li> <li>waiting until the baby's health is stable before she announces it,</li> <li>sadly, unhappy about the pregnancy or</li> <li>trying to hide it from the boss for some reason.</li> </ol> <p>These are only a sample of the situations potential mothers may be in when snoopy bystanders/friends expect a gleeful response. So I've always said it's best to remain quiet even when a friend or coworker obviously looks expectant. Still, it's hard to keep my mouth shut when I want to congratulate someone.<br /> Prunella, can you help us out? </p>