Mrs Bloggs 'At Home' Etiquette/Protocols
May I recommend this innovative one handed tray for both food and drink? Like all one's formal occasion prerequisites, it is featured on the well known South American River site. Naturally the formal version is priced at somewhat of a premium to the informal one. That is of course only right and proper, and the extra cost should be borne willingly as a statement of one's inherently superior breeding:-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/RoyalVKB-Ba.../dp/B00151W9U2
It has the singular advantage that the more it is loaded then the more stable it becomes. Thus augmenting it with a somewhat larger plate than one's hostess might be minded to provide is highly recommended and as demonstrated by that great epicurean, Alan Partridge.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/RoyalVKB-Ba.../dp/B00151W9U2
It has the singular advantage that the more it is loaded then the more stable it becomes. Thus augmenting it with a somewhat larger plate than one's hostess might be minded to provide is highly recommended and as demonstrated by that great epicurean, Alan Partridge.
That thing is:
- 40cm in diameter
- Made from plastic
- Intended to be used by those serving, rather than by those being served.
Then there are these: https://www.wineware.co.uk/fortessa-...val-pass-plate whose design, at least, precludes the likelihood of some frightful oik using a beer glass or, perish the thought, the vulgar American (a tautology, I admit) habit of drinking direct from the bottle...
- 40cm in diameter
- Made from plastic
- Intended to be used by those serving, rather than by those being served.
Then there are these: https://www.wineware.co.uk/fortessa-...val-pass-plate whose design, at least, precludes the likelihood of some frightful oik using a beer glass or, perish the thought, the vulgar American (a tautology, I admit) habit of drinking direct from the bottle...
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
In one restaurant I complained to the maitre d' that one of his sommelier had deposited a bottle of beer on a table near us. Regardless the sommelier should have decanted the beer into a glass. As bad as asking for a well done steak and iced water.
Quantity has a quality of its own, Beags! A bunch of grapes, a few crisps, and a roll? You've got to be joking! Mine is indeed for serving, oneself! As to quality:-
Class!
Stainless steel, high-grade plastic.
Non-slip coating ensures that glasses can't slip on the tray.
Non-slip coating ensures that glasses can't slip on the tray.
any colour you want so long as it's black.
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In one restaurant I complained to the maitre d' that one of his sommelier had deposited a bottle of beer on a table near us.
Errrm... did you check out the attire of the staff? If the attire status was NONE then the "maitre d" is the bouncer.
Errrm... did you check out the attire of the staff? If the attire status was NONE then the "maitre d" is the bouncer.
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That thing is:
- 40cm in diameter
- Made from plastic
- Intended to be used by those serving, rather than by those being served.
Then there are these: https://www.wineware.co.uk/fortessa-...val-pass-plate whose design, at least, precludes the likelihood of some frightful oik using a beer glass or, perish the thought, the vulgar American (a tautology, I admit) habit of drinking direct from the bottle...
- 40cm in diameter
- Made from plastic
- Intended to be used by those serving, rather than by those being served.
Then there are these: https://www.wineware.co.uk/fortessa-...val-pass-plate whose design, at least, precludes the likelihood of some frightful oik using a beer glass or, perish the thought, the vulgar American (a tautology, I admit) habit of drinking direct from the bottle...
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Gentlemen
I have to thank you all for such a wonderful entertaining thread. I've been a PPruner for 15 odd years but somehow missed this one.
I have just spent a couple of hours reading it from beginning to end.
I am a civilian and Colonial (NZ) to boot so a lot of what was discussed was new to me. (I do know how to hold a polite conversation and can operate cutlery so I probably would have held up pretty well at the "do").
Earlier on reading the thread I spilled my coffee on the keyboard, then as it became sunny and hot I've spilled and sprayed beer about. My stomach hurts..
Couple of comments;
1. Where is MM?! Highly disappointing to have vanished of the face of PPrune as he has. Follow up's are required..! Did it end in divorce, does he have 3 kids now to the the Colonel's granddaughter? or maybe the lady with the wardrobe malfunction?!
2. Bus14, I know it's been 7 years but you posted:
"I also have a rather dog-eared copy of 'On Commisssioning', 69 pages of A4 issued to me on graduating from the OCTU Henlow in 1977.
Its foreword reads:
'This book has been written to help you during the initial phase of your new career in the royal Air Force, whether you have joined us from civilian life, or from non-commissioned service. It attempts to guide you in two matters; that of being an officer holding the Queen's Commission, and secondly, the rules and customs which govern an Officer's Mess.
It is designed to be a guide. In every large organisation the rules and customs of the members will change from time to time. So it is with the Royal Air Force. Do, therefore, regard this book as a guide and not as a gospel. We are constantly endeavouring to make sure it is accurate, but if you should come across a point which you believe to be incorrect you should bring it to the attention of your Flight Commander.'
I shall be making use of 'On Commissioning' on this very day as I RSVP to an invitation to an evening reception for a junior colleague's wedding. The event is not without its 'bear-traps' as the dress code is 'formal attire' - bearing in mind that many of the guests will be young airline cabin crew and their partners, the interpretations should be interesting, to say the least."
Was there a chapter titled "Dining In Nights"? In particular detailing appropriate/ expected behaviour relating to "Carrier Landings" etc?! (I have RAAF mates from school so I know what goes/ went on...!)
3. I knocked on a front door some years ago to pick up a date. Very pretty girl xxxx opened the door with a smile and immediately, immediately! I noticed her fly was fully undone revealing lovely red panties! A bit shocked, I blurted out "Are you extra warm or just pleased to see me?" (obviously watched too many movies..) Huh? she replied so I nodded to her crotch and then we both burst out laughing! Sadly nothing further of note to report... bugger!
Thanks again for a most entertaining couple of hours..
Cheers
Octane
I have just spent a couple of hours reading it from beginning to end.
I am a civilian and Colonial (NZ) to boot so a lot of what was discussed was new to me. (I do know how to hold a polite conversation and can operate cutlery so I probably would have held up pretty well at the "do").
Earlier on reading the thread I spilled my coffee on the keyboard, then as it became sunny and hot I've spilled and sprayed beer about. My stomach hurts..
Couple of comments;
1. Where is MM?! Highly disappointing to have vanished of the face of PPrune as he has. Follow up's are required..! Did it end in divorce, does he have 3 kids now to the the Colonel's granddaughter? or maybe the lady with the wardrobe malfunction?!
2. Bus14, I know it's been 7 years but you posted:
"I also have a rather dog-eared copy of 'On Commisssioning', 69 pages of A4 issued to me on graduating from the OCTU Henlow in 1977.
Its foreword reads:
'This book has been written to help you during the initial phase of your new career in the royal Air Force, whether you have joined us from civilian life, or from non-commissioned service. It attempts to guide you in two matters; that of being an officer holding the Queen's Commission, and secondly, the rules and customs which govern an Officer's Mess.
It is designed to be a guide. In every large organisation the rules and customs of the members will change from time to time. So it is with the Royal Air Force. Do, therefore, regard this book as a guide and not as a gospel. We are constantly endeavouring to make sure it is accurate, but if you should come across a point which you believe to be incorrect you should bring it to the attention of your Flight Commander.'
I shall be making use of 'On Commissioning' on this very day as I RSVP to an invitation to an evening reception for a junior colleague's wedding. The event is not without its 'bear-traps' as the dress code is 'formal attire' - bearing in mind that many of the guests will be young airline cabin crew and their partners, the interpretations should be interesting, to say the least."
Was there a chapter titled "Dining In Nights"? In particular detailing appropriate/ expected behaviour relating to "Carrier Landings" etc?! (I have RAAF mates from school so I know what goes/ went on...!)
3. I knocked on a front door some years ago to pick up a date. Very pretty girl xxxx opened the door with a smile and immediately, immediately! I noticed her fly was fully undone revealing lovely red panties! A bit shocked, I blurted out "Are you extra warm or just pleased to see me?" (obviously watched too many movies..) Huh? she replied so I nodded to her crotch and then we both burst out laughing! Sadly nothing further of note to report... bugger!
Thanks again for a most entertaining couple of hours..
Cheers
Octane
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
All diners were in formal attire (black tie), waiters in whites, sommeliers in black with gold stripe waistcoats and the maître d' in black tie. The oik with the bottle and no glass had black tie but had removed his jacket. He was at least told to wear it.
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Many years ago Mrs G and I spent a warm Summer's day in London. As a treat we had booked afternoon tea at The Ritz.
When we checked into reception the chap behind the counter said to me, ''you'll be needing this sir'' and handed me the most ghastly tie I'd ever seen! Mrs G reckoned it was to impress upon me, never to arrive at The Ritz without a tie...whatever the weather.
When we checked into reception the chap behind the counter said to me, ''you'll be needing this sir'' and handed me the most ghastly tie I'd ever seen! Mrs G reckoned it was to impress upon me, never to arrive at The Ritz without a tie...whatever the weather.
Last edited by goudie; 5th Apr 2017 at 08:36.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Goudie, and jacket.
Incidentally our afternoon tea was at 11am and we had booked 3 months prior.
Once told we needed jackets in the top bar in the Cairo Hilton: "Sorry old boy but our luggage is in Aswan" True, but we didn't have jackets with. We were loaned house coats.
Incidentally our afternoon tea was at 11am and we had booked 3 months prior.
Once told we needed jackets in the top bar in the Cairo Hilton: "Sorry old boy but our luggage is in Aswan" True, but we didn't have jackets with. We were loaned house coats.
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Originally Posted by Pontius Navigator
Once told we needed jackets in the top bar in the Cairo Hilton
Back in the mid-seventies my then girlfriend and I arrived at the Nile Hilton expecting (hoping) to check into the room which had been booked by the company (just in my name). On presenting our passports to reception we were treated to much tutting and sucking of teeth and were told one room for the two of us 'not possible, not married...' etc etc despite it being a double room with two double beds in it. We agree to pay for a second room which satisfied the decency police and which turned out to be next door to the original room and joined by a connecting door!
As opposed to bangers and bitters - both luke warm, I suppose?
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Olympus, same time 5 months before the war, Nile Hilton, fascinating time, guards everywhere. We were even driven through a couple of SA 2 sites and a tooled up airfield at Darawa as Aswan intnl was closed.
Blast from the past!
10 years ago to this very day, musclemech was about to attend an 'At Home' invitation from the local colonel's good lady in the village where he and family lived....
Such an amusing thread from the days when PPRuNe was a far more light hearted site!
I wonder how the granddaughter fared in life some 10 years on?
Such an amusing thread from the days when PPRuNe was a far more light hearted site!
I wonder how the granddaughter fared in life some 10 years on?
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Thanks for bumping the Thread, BEagle ... I clearly missed it the first time round, and have only just reached Page 16!
What a masterpiece, and so familiar from my early days in that tasteful blue uniform! I will have to do some following-up with a couple of members who have posted.
PS: The OH and Phil Congdon were fellow Flt Cdrs on “Happy H” Sqn on IOT in the early 80s. Phil, during CESR lectures, used to demonstrate the correct way to eat a Mars Bar using a dessert knife and fork. Happy days!
What a masterpiece, and so familiar from my early days in that tasteful blue uniform! I will have to do some following-up with a couple of members who have posted.
PS: The OH and Phil Congdon were fellow Flt Cdrs on “Happy H” Sqn on IOT in the early 80s. Phil, during CESR lectures, used to demonstrate the correct way to eat a Mars Bar using a dessert knife and fork. Happy days!
Last edited by MPN11; 5th Dec 2020 at 13:35.
Yes, a super thread. .My modest contribution.:
Berlin Melia a couple of years ago. Some rooms attracted what was called Club privileges, primarily breakfasting with fewer people fighting for the sekt, and a lounge wherein all manner of snacks, teas, coffees and beers were continuously available. A good perk at 1630 after a day walking to/ from Checkpoint Charlie or a day on the rivers and canals.
Not one day, but twice, we saw a Brit wifey eat crisps from a bowl with a tea spoon, little finger cocked. Have I been eating crisps coarsely all these years? Do tell.
Berlin Melia a couple of years ago. Some rooms attracted what was called Club privileges, primarily breakfasting with fewer people fighting for the sekt, and a lounge wherein all manner of snacks, teas, coffees and beers were continuously available. A good perk at 1630 after a day walking to/ from Checkpoint Charlie or a day on the rivers and canals.
Not one day, but twice, we saw a Brit wifey eat crisps from a bowl with a tea spoon, little finger cocked. Have I been eating crisps coarsely all these years? Do tell.